You love crafting pixel perfect layouts and coming up with slick new styles. You know how to make things look good. But if you want to really level up your services — take the time to define & refine the process that gets you there.
Level up
The first step is to separate the workflow parts of your process from the creative ideation part. The workflow is all those tasks you need to do to move the project along and manage the client. Getting organized and creating a system for these tasks allow you to focus on creativity.
Put the admin chores that interrupt your creative flow on autopilot.
The second step is to find and create the best conditions for your creativity to flourish. Everyone is different but there are a few things you can do to open up the creative channels.
Free up up the space to let creativity flow and fuel the fire with rituals that inspire.
Workflow
source: https://www.ideo.org/approach
Process diagrams
Designers are visual thinkers. So it makes sense you see a lot of elaborate diagrams or infographics about the design process. If you have spent any time on Pinterest you know what I mean. I used to think this was a gratuitous design exercise to show off your layout skills. Not to mention, they all seem like variations of the same thing. 1. Research, 2. Ideation, 3. Iteration, 4. Resolution. So what’s the point?
Well I’ve come to realize it’s an important & productive task for a designer to go through. And, yes, all forms of design go through a similar process. The very nature of designing something, requires these phases of development. So don’t reinvent the wheel, start with this basic foundation. But then customize it to your specific process.
Start with the foundation, then customize
source: https://pin.it/s4fohbqwaqtjui
Daily tasks
Outline every step you take from a new project request all the way to delivery. Once you have the steps outlined, dive deeper into each phase of the process. Ask yourself these questions —
- What milestones exist on every project? For specific project types?
- What actions do you take?
- What triggers specific actions?
- What actions do you find yourself repeating?
- What are common questions?
- Where do you often get behind or run over scope?
- How can you improve the flow?
- What would make it easier for you or client?
Systematize
Now you can take all these steps and insights and develop a system around them. What that system is depends on what works for you and your workflow. After years of creating digital products, I have developed a system that is easy to use and update. I use Adobe InDesign to create a living document that can be output to PDF or digitally published. It is an end-to-end documentation of my workflow from initial meeting to archive. It includes checklists, client questionnaires, document templates, tools, guidelines, resource links and best practices. Everything needed along the way and located inline of the process flow. Not only does it help me not miss a step, it acts as a training manual to train someone new on the workflow when needed. There is a template for anything repeatable — from project launch emails to project spec sheets. There is a checklist for common tasks — from project intake meeting to review cycles. Even if a project is unique you have a starting point. Instead of starting from scratch each time, you are leveraging your experience.
My next goal is to turn this into an online project portal to easily manage each phase of the project and get client sign offs. I’ll have to report back on the progress of that endeavor…
Machine-learning
Just as our machines get smarter, this system works on good old human-learning. Getting smarter and better with each new project. I add, edit and refine based on new situations and project retrospectives. As things change or I learn new tricks, I improve my process. Sometimes I see that things I did last year are no longer relevant today. Overtime your process evolves and gets better.
The result is a streamlined workflow
I can’t tell you how having this living document has made my workflow so much stronger and smoother. Each project is a learning experience. So why not document those lessons? As you add new insights, you streamline your workflow and grow as a designer.
Why it’s worth the time to define your process
To reiterate, here are some of the ways refining your process makes you a better designer -
- It forces you to evaluate how you’re doing. By taking a close look at your workflow, you see things that are overlooked in the day to day hustle — how are you spending your time? What tasks can be automated? This kind of intentional introspection can turn up some super valuable info.
- It takes advantage of your experience. When you take the time to document and refine your process along the way, you put that experience to work for you. Knowing what works for you and what doesn’t, helps you avoid spinning unnecessary cycles or other pitfalls that can get you off track. Instead, use your experience to your advantage and keep getting better.
- It makes for a better experience. Create a better service experience for everyone involved. Set client expectations and convey confidence with every interaction. Get work done more efficiently with stronger results.
- Conserve energy to explore creative ideas. Most important, free yourself to focus on concept, brainstorm & strategy phase of your work. Optimize your creative process for generating your best work.
So next time you see another process diagram, appreciate that the designer has taken the step to make the best workflow possible. Put the time in now to figure this out so when heads down on project you’re setup for success.
Next, check out Refine Your Process: Part 2 — Creative Ideation