Working with a designer can be inspiring—or infuriating. The secret to success? A clear, concise design brief.
A great brief saves time, controls costs, and keeps everyone aligned. It helps the web designer understand your goals, preferences, and project needs without endless back-and-forth.
If you’re hiring web design services, here’s how to brief like a pro—no nonsense, no clutter.
1. Set the Context
Begin with the basics. Give enough background to ground the project.
- What does your business do?
- Who’s your audience?
- What’s the design’s purpose?
Example:
“We’re a craft brewery. Our website should highlight our beers, share event details, and sell merch. It needs to feel bold, authentic, and mobile-first.”
Keep it tight. No need for a company bio. Designers need direction, not a history lesson.
2. Clarify Deliverables
Be specific about what you need. A full website? A single page?
Detail:
- Number of pages or assets
- Key features (e.g., event calendar, shop integration)
- File formats expected
For web design services, note:
- Design only, or development too?
- Are you supplying content, or do they handle it?
Precision here avoids confusion later.
3. Offer Visual Examples
Words can’t capture style. Visuals can. Show what you’re aiming for.
- Share links to 2–3 websites you like
- Highlight specifics (colors, fonts, structure)
- Explain why they fit your vision
- Point out 1–2 designs you dislike
Don’t say “trendy” or “cool.” Those are too vague. Visual references speak louder.
4. Provide Content Plans
Designs need content to come alive. No content, no progress.
Include or schedule:
- Logos
- Photos
- Text (titles, descriptions)
- Media (videos, graphics)
- Brand guidelines (colors, fonts)
If content’s pending, say when it’ll arrive—or ask the designer to mock it up.
5. Set a Schedule
Deadlines keep projects on track. Vagueness invites chaos.
Include:
- First draft timeline
- Final delivery date
- Any external deadlines (e.g., a product drop)
Allow time for revisions. “ASAP” doesn’t cut it. Be specific.
6. Share Your Budget
Budget shapes scope. Being upfront helps the web designer Singapore plan realistically.
Give:
- A rough figure or range
- What’s fixed vs. flexible
Example:
“We’re aiming for $2,000 to cover a homepage, contact page, and mobile optimization.”
This sets clear boundaries.
7. Explain Approvals
Who’s signing off? Clarify the decision-making process.
- Who reviews the work?
- How many rounds of changes?
- Who has final say?
Solo approver? Great. Multiple stakeholders? Be transparent. More voices mean more time.
8. Highlight Technical Needs
If the site must work with a specific CMS (e.g., Shopify, WordPress), say so.
Also mention:
- Accessibility requirements
- Load speed goals
- SEO priorities
You don’t need deep tech knowledge. Just flag what’s essential, and the web designer will clarify if needed.
9. Stay Focused
A brief doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be clear.
Skip:
- “Make it unforgettable!”
- “It should feel modern but cozy.”
- “Blow our minds!”
Ambiguity breeds frustration. Stick to specifics and examples.
10. Trust the Designer
Once briefed, give the designer space to create. Good design requires iteration and input.
- Respond quickly to drafts
- Be open to suggestions
- Avoid over-managing
You’re hiring a web designer for their skills, not just to follow orders. Let them do their thing.
Wrapping Up
A solid brief doesn’t need buzzwords or drama. It needs clarity. You don’t need to be a creative genius—just explain what you want, why it’s important, and what “done” looks like.
Whether you’re teaming up with a freelancer or an agency offering web design services, a great brief is your anchor. It keeps the project focused, the budget in check, and the outcome on target.
Nail the brief, and the design will follow.
