When a business works with designers, they may not always love the first design they see. While the crowdsourcing system at DesignCrowd has features that can help to avoid this problem, there is always the chance a client may be unsatisfied with all of the designs that are submitted to them.
When a client is initially unsatisfied with the designs, they don't have to assume the project is a bust. There are plenty of steps that can be taken to fix the problem and get the best results for everyone.
Precaution: Look out for red flags
When you are working with designers, there are some red flags that can help to identify the individuals you should avoid engaging with in the first place. If a designer seems as though they are totally unwilling to consider doing things your way or collaborating, this can be a big warning they will be difficult to work with. Additionally, they should be open to constructive criticism and respectful in all interactions. If they are non-responsive, rushed, rude, offer lower than average rates, or offer unrealistic promises, avoid them from the get go!
Stay calm
If you're not blown away by the designs on the first try, you need to stay calm. The first instinct is often to become frustrated and discouraged, but getting upset or panicked is only going to make things worse. In many situations, the first submissions might be off because of a simple misunderstanding and the designers should be willing to make corrections.
If you're working directly with a designer, you should have a revisions policy in the contract as a safeguard.
Start positive
Even if your focus is on the points that you don't like, it is always more constructive to start by giving praise for the things the designer did well. Beginning the conversation on a positive note will help to ease the conversation into the areas that are more negative and it should provide better results.
Identify what you are unhappy with
You are going to have to identify what you do not like if you are going to give useful feedback. Consider the basic components of graphic design individually such as the images, colors, fonts, layout and aesthetic separately. A simple "I just don't like it" is not going to get you far.
Communicate directly and honestly
When it comes to criticisms, they have to be honest and direct. Designers understand that criticism comes with the job. As long as you are respectful and constructive with the criticism, it will help to improve the working relationship.
Be impersonal and objective
In dealing with designers, you have to be objective in your feedback. Be sure to keep the feedback about the work and not the person. Refrain from using "you" and refer to the work.
Communicate the problems, let them offer solutions
As long as you are giving good feedback, the designer should be able to provide solutions. Don't get caught up trying to solve problems for the designer. Tell them what you need and they should be able to deliver.
Reference the design brief as your guide
Specifically, you want to point to where the designer failed to meet the objectives outlined in the design brief. If you have made a good design brief, then most of the criticisms should in some way connect back to the brief. This gives your comments more weight and reminds the designer that you are not asking for anything new, but that the original requests weren't met.
Negotiate revisions
If working directly with a designer, revisions should be outlined in your contract with the designer before-hand, but they might not be. Be sure to discuss what their process for feedback and revisions is to help ease the process when presented with designs that might slightly miss the mark.
On DesignCrowd, you can leave feedback on every design submission, and ask the designer to make amendments to the designs that best fit your brief.
Stay positive
Even when you do not like the first draft of a design, it is important to stay positive. This can be a starting point to show the designer the points you like and which ones you do not. A good designer will be able to rework the product based on your criticisms and this could just be one step on the way to getting a satisfying end result.
If they fail to deliver at the end of the day
Even with all of your best efforts and intentions, the designer could just fail to get the project done. While you hope to get the right professional the first time, this is a situation that you need to be prepared for.
Obviously on DesignCrowd, your project comes with a 100% money back guarantee for if you're not satisfied with your designs.
Have a backup plan
Working with more than one professional through platforms such as crowdsourcing, can help to reduce the chance you will not get what you want. With more options, it is more likely you will get what you need. That is why crowdsourcing designs is so popular. When you get submissions from multiple applicants, it gives you much more to choose from.
Always document
Documentation can help track the progress of the project, but it can also work as a backup for when a professional fails to meet their duties. If the first designer disappears or just fails to make a good design, you can save this documentation and use it to get the replacement designer up to speed.
If using a platform and no resolution is in sight- Turn to dispute resolution
One of the advantages of using online talent networks like DesignCrowd is the website will offer some level of dispute resolution when things do not work out. If you are unhappy with the result and cannot come to a resolution with the designer, the our customer service team can help to provide mediation.
When a business and a designer come together on a project, there is no guarantee that things will run smoothly. However, clients need to be understanding to some degree and take some steps to help ensure the success of the project. If you carefully select your designer, prepare a thought-out design brief and know how to communicate with them effectively, you are setting yourself up for the greatest chance of getting the results that you are looking for.
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Written by Jessica Walrack on Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Jessica Walrack is a professional freelance writer with a background in sales and marketing. After 7 years in the corporate world, she stepped into the online sphere and has now been freelancing for 4 years. She specializes in helping businesses to create a stellar online experience for their audience in order to build industry authority and increase profitability. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys traveling all over the world with her family.
