[marcamos]

Quote

I might be alone here, but does anyone else think it’s a bit odd that a majority of web firms/agencies are happily giving their clients more than one mockup during the design phase of a project? I’m of the opinion that if enough initial research has been done about the client, their target audience, their goals, their existing brand/identity, their competition, their budget, etc., then the design team should have enough information in their arsenal to come up with a great design that meets most, if not all, of the project’s goals the first time around.

Read the rest: http://www.marcamos.com/why-give-clients-m...than-one-mockup

[sypher]

Yep i fall into that bracket, i only do one design mockup.

[haku]

Good article Herk

You know what I would be interested in seeing you write in the future if you are interested, is how you bridge the gap between what a client wants and the design (not the function) of a site.

For example, I can walk into an English school and a bar (which are two clients Ive had in the past) and know they want a site, but where I get lost is in deciding what kind of site to design for them, what color scheme to use etc.

So if you put together a blog entry that discusses your process in talking with the client and then turning their ideas into a design, I would truly enjoy it. Although, I also kind of suspect that this is really just design sense (of which I don't have much) and maybe isn't necessarily something that can be put into words, but is rather just a feeling.

Anyways, thanks again for an informative blog posting!

[Telos]

I agree one is enough but sometimes client demands to have multiple mockups. I think it's completely waiste of time when you can alter the one mockup until the client is satisfied. Usually everything goes the way client wants it and you just need to specify clearly that the contract only includes one mockup. After that, if the client wants to see another one, you can put a pricetag on it.

[marcamos]

haku, on Feb 20 2008, 01:33 AM, said:

Good article Herk

You know what I would be interested in seeing you write in the future if you are interested, is how you bridge the gap between what a client wants and the design (not the function) of a site.

For example, I can walk into an English school and a bar (which are two clients Ive had in the past) and know they want a site, but where I get lost is in deciding what kind of site to design for them, what color scheme to use etc.

So if you put together a blog entry that discusses your process in talking with the client and then turning their ideas into a design, I would truly enjoy it. Although, I also kind of suspect that this is really just design sense (of which I don't have much) and maybe isn't necessarily something that can be put into words, but is rather just a feeling.

Anyways, thanks again for an informative blog posting!

I'll ponder over that, thanks for the suggestion.

Telos, on Feb 20 2008, 02:04 AM, said:

I agree one is enough but sometimes client demands to have multiple mockups. I think it's completely waiste of time when you can alter the one mockup until the client is satisfied. Usually everything goes the way client wants it and you just need to specify clearly that the contract only includes one mockup. After that, if the client wants to see another one, you can put a pricetag on it.

The less research done with the client, the more multiple mockups are suitable. Sometimes you meet a client who doesn't have much information to give (It's their first site and they started their business one month ago), so you simply make them multiple mockups. As you mention, it is these scenarios that you simply get paid for everything you do, specify this up front, and no one gets ripped off.

[Bullzeye Design]

I'm on board with one mockup. the only time I provide more than one is if I'm really interested in the project and I have a lot of ideas. Often times my creative process branches away from my initial design. Once I see that happening I usually save a new copy of the work. Sometimes I bounce back and forth seeing which layout/design has more potential. If I'm to the point where I have two solid ideas, I figure, why not show the client both? Typically I'm leaning towards one more than the other, but it's nice for them to have a little choice. Many clients will appreciate you more for that.

But honestly thats just because of my design process that I end up with two mockups. I never promise more than one from the get-go.

[Bullzeye Design]

haku, on Feb 20 2008, 01:33 AM, said:

Good article Herk

You know what I would be interested in seeing you write in the future if you are interested, is how you bridge the gap between what a client wants and the design (not the function) of a site.

For example, I can walk into an English school and a bar (which are two clients Ive had in the past) and know they want a site, but where I get lost is in deciding what kind of site to design for them, what color scheme to use etc.

So if you put together a blog entry that discusses your process in talking with the client and then turning their ideas into a design, I would truly enjoy it. Although, I also kind of suspect that this is really just design sense (of which I don't have much) and maybe isn't necessarily something that can be put into words, but is rather just a feeling.

Anyways, thanks again for an informative blog posting!

Hi Haku
I don't know if you've checked it out or not, but there's a great website called Accidental Creative that goes over many different topics regarding creatives vs. clients and their relationships. There's a membership fee if you decide to join but I'm almost positive you can browse around without one. Check out the podcasts!

[Locksmithcharlottenc]

Great post! I would be interested in seeing you write in the future if you are interested, is how you bridge the gap between what a client wants and the design of a site.

[iPhoneUnlock]

I think it's completely waiste of time when you can alter the one mockup until the client is satisfied. Usually everything goes the way client wants it and you just need to specify clearly that the contract only includes one mockup. After that, if the client wants to see another one, you can put a pricetag on it.