Orientation: For Clients
Just as we are making adjustments, our clients are affected by changes to our process. Below is a summary of how to explain our process to clients, and to prepare them to participate. You can also download a reference PDF that you can share with clients:
Our process is more team- and
design-centered than in the past
That means that clients might be interacting with more team members, more often, and providing more feedback. We will need their participation, and their feedback early in the design process -- including looking at rough sketches and iterations of ideas. Not only does this yield a better product, but it also takes some of the pressure off clients to define 100% of what they want/need at the outset of the process.
While we focus on design, it's important that clients understand "design" is problem-solving, not just "making things pretty." It may take several rounds before we get to a pixel-perfect version.
We are committed to being
user-centered
The new SDLC prioritizes creating products that resonate with and help end users, as well as clients. This means that we engage actual users in the design process, to hear first-hand their priorities and reactions. While clients will be happy with the result (better products!), they need to understand that we will need access to end users, and we want those users to speak for themselves.
Preparing for successful
collaboration
Learning what clients want, need, and prefer is vital. But it's also helpful for clients to be open to new ideas, learning from users, and to be active in sharing feedback and setting priorities. In addition, it's important for clients to understand that iteration is not reworking or redoing ad infinitum; feedback has to be prompt, and decisions shouldn't be constantly revisited.