The Client Wants What? (Spoiler: Probably Not What They Need, But Let's Figure It Out Together!)

what does a client want from a designer?

Ah, clients. Bless their hearts. They're the lifeblood of our design world, the muses who inspire us...to drink heavily. "Make it pop!" they cry, while simultaneously whispering, "But keep it subtle." They want a logo that's "modern, yet timeless," a website that's "minimalist, but packed with features," and a color palette that's "bold, but calming." My internal monologue usually translates to: "Yes, and I'd like a unicorn that dispenses free coffee. Is that also on the table?"

Let's be real, Navigating their feedback is like trying to explain quantum physics to a goldfish – entertaining, but ultimately futile. And don't even get me started on unrealistic expectations. They seem to think we're wielding magical design wands, not meticulously crafted pixel pushers.

So, grab your metaphorical popcorn, because we're about to embark on a hilarious journey through the land of client expectations, where the only guarantee is that you'll leave questioning your life choices (and maybe ordering a double espresso).

A design genie

The Myth of the Design Genie (and Why We're Not One)

Clients often view designers as mere tools, their job to execute a vision that exists solely in the client's head. Unfortunately, that vision is often a blurry, ever-shifting mirage. "Just make it look…better," they say, as if we're some kind of aesthetic auto-correct.

Exhibit A: The Color Catastrophe (and the Neon Green Nightmare)

Imagine this: You've meticulously crafted a brand identity, carefully selecting a sophisticated color palette that reflects the client's target audience and brand values. Then, the client chimes in, "Can we make the logo neon green? It'll really stand out!" They've decided their brand, a high-end financial firm, needs to look like a laser tag arena. You politely suggest, "Perhaps we could explore a more…subtle approach?" But they're adamant. "Trust me, I know what's good." Internal scream intensifies, followed by a silent prayer for patience.

Exhibit B: The Feature Frenzy (And the Button Burial)

You've designed a clean, intuitive app interface. The client, however, insists on adding every feature imaginable, regardless of usability. "Users will love it!" they declare, as they cram a dozen buttons onto a single screen. They disrupt the flow, ignore the user journey, and basically throw a UI/UX grenade into your carefully designed landscape.

When Clients Think They're Designers (And Are Very, Very Wrong... But We Can Help!)

Some clients believe they're design savants, possessing an innate understanding of aesthetics and user experience. They'll casually suggest changes that contradict fundamental design principles, often citing "gut feelings" or "personal preferences." They'll say things like "I just don't like white space," or "Can we make the logo bigger? Like, billboard-sized?" They're essentially backseat designers, constantly grabbing the wheel and steering you into a ditch.

A Note to Clients: Unleashing the Power of Design Thinking

Dear valued clients, we understand you have a vision for your brand. That's fantastic! However, to truly elevate your brand and achieve remarkable results, let's explore the power of design thinking.

Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving. It involves understanding your users' needs, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, and testing. It's not just about making things look pretty; it's about creating experiences that resonate with your audience.

How can you streamline your thoughts for designers?

• Define your goals: Instead of saying "make it pop," tell us what you want to achieve. Do you want to increase brand awareness? Drive sales? Improve user engagement?

  
  

• Provide context: Share your brand values, target audience, and competitive landscape. The more information you provide, the better we can understand your needs.

  
  

• Focus on the "why": Explain the reasoning behind your suggestions. This helps us understand your priorities and find solutions that align with your vision.

  
  

• Embrace collaboration: Design is a collaborative process. We value your input, and we encourage you to participate actively.

  
  

• Trust the process: Design thinking is an iterative process. Be open to experimentation and feedback.

  
  

By adopting a design thinking mindset, you can transform your vision into reality and create a brand that truly connects with your audience.

Here are some strategies for navigating the treacherous waters of client feedback and unrealistic expectations (with a few extra tips):

• The "Why" Game (Enhanced):

  • Go beyond surface-level questions. Dig deeper to understand the client's underlying motivations.

    
    

• Educate, Don't Argue (with Visual Aids):

  • Use visual examples to illustrate design principles. Show clients "before and after" scenarios.

    
    

• Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them):

  • Clearly define the scope of work and the number of revisions included in the project.

    
    

• Present Alternatives (with User Data):

  • Back up your design decisions with user data and research.

    
    

• Document Everything (and Create a Paper Trail):

  • Keep detailed records of all communication, feedback, and approvals.

    
    

• User Data is your friend (and your Shield):

  • Use user testing to prove or disprove the clients ideas.

    
    

• Remember, You're the Expert (and the Guide):

  • Lead the client through the design process, providing guidance and expertise.

Ultimately, navigating client expectations is a delicate dance. But with a combination of diplomacy, education, and a healthy dose of humor, you can transform even the most challenging clients into collaborators, or at least survive the process with your sanity (and budget) intact.