Design Brief

What is a Design Brief?

A design brief is a written explanation given to a designer outlining the goals and objectives of a design project.

Why is it necessary to write a Design Brief?

A detailed brief is a critical part of the design process; it helps to establish an understanding between the client and designer ultimately serving as an essential reference tool throughout the project.

The following form will help formulate a Design Brief. Answering these questions is your first step toward a successful design and will help you plan more effectively and define specific goals for your site

You don’t have to answer every question before you send it in! You can start by answering the ones you are sure about, but remember, the more detailed you are with your brief the more acurate will be the outcome that you desire.

    General Information

    Your Name:

    (required)

    Company/Organization Name:

    Email:

    (required)

    What is the area of interest for design?

    logowebother:

    Purpose & Audience

    What is the nature and purpose of your business or organization?

    What is the purpose of your website?

    Provide information about my company/organization, products or services

    Provide information or news about a topic

    Entertainment

    Sell products or services

    Serve as a community for people with similar interest

    other:

    Who is your target audience? Who do you expect to visit your website?

    STYLE & GRAPHICS

    The visual appeal of your site, including layout, graphic design and color scheme, says much to the visitor about you and your business. It is important that the look and feel of your site accurately reflects the personality and quality of you and your business.

    What image do you want to project? (check all that apply)

    Traditional

    Contemporary

    Conservative

    Cutting edge

    Formal

    Casual

    Serious

    Friendly

    Corporate

    Personal

    Expensive

    Affordable

    What style do you want to communicate? (check all that apply)

    Serene

    Spiritual

    Powerful

    Professional

    Hip

    Classic

    Elegant

    Funky

    Ethnic

    Natural/Organic

    High tech

    Frivolous

    Fun

    Flashy

    Muted

    Soft

    Playful

    Down to earth

    Mellow

    Comforting, caring

    Romantic

    Sensual

    Authoritative

    Delicate

    Energetic

    Historical

    Festive

    Fanciful

    other:

    Do you have any colors in mind?

    It is suggested that you use 3 main colors on your site with other colors coming from photos, graphics or used as accents.

    The web is basically a visual medium, so relevant photos and graphics are recommended. If you don't have a logo, graphics and/or photos we can design/provide some for you.

    I have a logo

    I have a graphics

    I have a photos

    CONTENT

    Do you have an outline of the pages and content for your site?

    Yes

    No

    Working on it

    If your site outline is done, what sections and/or pages are there?

    Example:
    Homepage
    About Us - Purpose, History, Staff
    Events - Upcoming Events, Weekly Schedule
    Media - Audio, Video, Books
    Contact Us

    What sections or pages of your site will need to be updated frequently? What types of content will be changed (text, pictures, audio/video)?

    Do you have materials that you can adapt for your website (brochures, cards, logo, advertisements, etc.) ?

    What keywords or phrases would someone type in a search engine if looking for your site?

    SPECIAL FEATURES

    What special features will you need for your web site? (check as many as apply)

    Message board or forum

    Contact, survey, feedback or similar forms

    Password protection/Security for certain pages

    Site search ability

    Music, audio and/or video

    Calendar

    Photo gallery

    Other:

    E-COMMERCE

    Will you be selling products or accepting payments from your site?

    YesNo

    Do you have a merchant account?

    YesNo

    COMPETITION & REFERENCES

    Have you seen other sites you like or don't like?

    As you surf the web, keep a list of sites that have the kind of look or layout you like and don't like. Did you find one especially easy to use? What graphically caught your eye? Did you notice what pulled you in or made you leave the site? These observations will help determine a style for your site.

    Have you looked at your competitor's sites? What things do you like? What would you want done better?

    List your competitors web addresses and a description of your likes an dislike about each.

    List the web addresses of some other sites you like/dislike and a brief description of the things you like/dislike about each.

     

    DOMAIN NAME, EMAIL, MAINTENANCE & HOSTING

    When do want your site to be launched?

    Have you registered a domain name/web address? YesNo

    If so, what is it?

    If not, is the name you want to use available? You can go to www.whois.com or any other register service and search availability, or try www.nameboy.com for help with combinations. If you don't have a domain name yet, keep a few things in mind while brainstorming names:

    • Keep it as short as possible

    • Make it easy to remember and type

    • Make it descriptive

    Will you need us to provide email services? YesNo

    QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

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