Design Process Guide: Steps to Follow for Any Project

This is a simple guide to the design process we follow here at LED Sign City. Whether you’re new to design, part of our team, or a client curious about our approach, this outline provides a clear, adaptable process for any type of design project.

Following a structured process is crucial for ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency. It allows us to stay focused on the project goals, avoid common pitfalls, and meet deadlines more effectively. By following these steps, we ensure that each design reflects our high standards and meets our clients’ expectations.

Table of Contents

  1. Define Project
  2. Research
  3. Analysis
  4. Implementation
  5. Explanation and Review
  6. Pro Tip: Estimating and Tracking Time

1. Define Project

Goal
Start by understanding what the project needs to accomplish and gathering all necessary requirements.

Activities

  • Clarify Objectives: Determine the main purpose, target audience, and key features.
  • Ask Questions: Resolve any points of confusion early on.
  • List Requirements: Identify elements like colors, fonts, or layouts that are essential for the project.

Outcome
A project outline that provides direction and focus.

2. Research

Goal
Collect relevant information and inspiration to shape the design.

Activities

  • Competitor Analysis: Check out similar designs to understand trends and successful elements.
  • Cross-Industry Inspiration: Look for creative ideas in other fields (e.g., print ads, digital displays).
  • Create a Mood Board: Gather images, colors, or layouts that match the desired vibe.

Outcome
A collection of visual references and ideas to guide the design.

3. Analysis

Goal
Turn research into a structured approach for the design.

Activities

  • Identify Patterns: Find themes or elements from the research that align with the project.
  • Outline or Wireframe: Create a basic layout or wireframe to guide the design.
  • Refine Concepts: Decide on the main ideas and layout.

Outcome
A structure or layout that provides a foundation for the design.

4. Implementation

Goal
Begin creating the design based on the outline and goals.

Activities

  • Design Execution: Use the outline or wireframe as a starting point.
  • Adjust for Context: Adapt details to fit the project type (e.g., LED sign, website, flyer).
  • Finalize Details: Add any final touches, animations, or effects as needed.

Outcome
A completed draft that aligns with the project’s objectives.

5. Explanation and Review

Goal
Ensure the design meets the goals and document the reasons behind key design choices.

Activities

  • Document Choices: Explain the reasons for specific colors, fonts, or layouts.
  • Internal Review: Check that the design meets the project requirements.
  • Client Presentation: Share the design, get feedback, and make adjustments if needed.

Outcome
A polished design ready for final approval and launch.

Pro Tip: Estimating and Tracking Time

To improve project timelines and manage workload effectively, estimating and tracking time can be highly beneficial:

  • Estimate Project Time at the start, based on previous experiences or project scope.
  • Track Time Spent on each phase of the project to improve accuracy for future estimates.
  • Refine Estimates with data from past projects to create more realistic timelines.

Keeping track of time can help you get better at planning and improve project efficiency over time.

Summary

This process provides a straightforward, adaptable approach to any design project. Following each step keeps our team organized, focused on goals, and able to deliver high-quality results efficiently. Tracking time along the way also helps us refine our workflow, ultimately leading to better project planning and more successful outcomes.

 

LED Sign City Sample Design Checklist

This checklist follows each stage of our design process, ensuring nothing is missed along the way. Use it as a quick reference for each step, from project definition to final review.

1. Define Project

  • Clarify Objectives:

    • Identify the project’s purpose and target audience.
    • List the main goals (e.g., inform, engage, convert).

  • Gather Requirements:

    • Confirm required colors, fonts, layouts, and brand guidelines.
    • Note any constraints or special requests.

  • Resolve Questions:

    • Clarify any uncertainties with the client or team.
    • Document all final details in a project brief.

2. Research

  • Competitor Analysis:

    • Review similar designs or competitors’ projects.
    • Identify trends, successful elements, and design gaps.

  • Cross-Industry Inspiration:

    • Look for ideas from other fields (e.g., digital ads, product packaging).
    • Document any visuals or concepts that stand out.

  • Create a Mood Board:

    • Collect relevant images, colors, and layout styles.
    • Make sure it aligns with the project’s theme and goals.

3. Analysis

  • Identify Key Patterns and Elements:

    • Pinpoint recurring themes or effective elements from research.
    • Highlight unique features or layouts to make the design stand out.

  • Outline or Wireframe:

    • Sketch a basic layout or structure for the design.
    • Map out major sections, including text, images, and calls to action.

  • Refine Concepts:

    • Select the main ideas and visual approach for the project.
    • Confirm that the structure aligns with the project goals.

4. Implementation

  • Design Execution:

    • Follow the layout or wireframe to start building the design.
    • Use the selected colors, fonts, and images from the research phase.

  • Context Adjustments:

    • Ensure details fit the context (e.g., LED sign readability, web layout).
    • Modify for visibility, contrast, and spacing as needed.

  • Finalize Details:

    • Add finishing touches like animations, transitions, or special effects.
    • Double-check that all elements are cohesive and polished.

5. Explanation and Review

  • Document Design Choices:

    • Explain reasons behind major design decisions, like color, font, or layout.
    • Record any adjustments made during the implementation phase.

  • Internal Review:

    • Confirm that the design meets all requirements and goals.
    • Run through the design to spot any potential issues.

  • Client Presentation:

    • Present the design to the client and gather feedback.
    • Make any necessary revisions based on their input.

  • Final Approval and Launch:

    • Ensure all feedback has been addressed.
    • Get sign-off from the client or project lead before launching.

Pro Tip: Estimating and Tracking Time

  • Estimate Time for Each Phase:

    • Set a rough time estimate based on past projects or scope.

  • Track Time Spent:

    • Record how long each step actually takes to refine future estimates.

  • Refine Future Estimates:

    • Use your time tracking data to improve prediction accuracy for upcoming projects.

Quick Reference: Key Steps in Each Stage

Define Project: Objectives, Requirements, Questions
Research: Competitor Analysis, Cross-Industry Inspiration, Mood Board
Analysis: Patterns & Elements, Outline/Wireframe, Refine Concepts
Implementation: Design Execution, Context Adjustments, Final Details
Explanation and Review: Document Choices, Internal Review, Client Feedback, Final Approval

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