How we design

There are many factors that determine our design processes, but what ultimately determines it is the project itself and the solution you are seeking to reach. No project is ever the same, and therefore the process shouldn’t be either.

It doesn’t make sense to have a rigid procedure of steps for a designer to take through a project. A four page marketing site should not follow the same processes as a full product. So here’s the thing: the design process should be flexible. But there are a few things you should always keep in mind in any project:

• You have the opportunity to spark joy in someone with every detail you make. Take that opportunity.

• Design decisions are business decisions. Your decisions reflect on the success of the business. Be conscious of this, not constrained.

• Be close to the client: don’t doubt, assume or expect. Ask your client and get clarity when it’s lacking.

• How you spend your time matters, focus on the core solutions and what really matters.

As a Designer, you know by now… Maximum freedom, maximum responsibility, we trust you to take the right process and design decisions for your project. We understand also, that the Client will have received a proposal, with an expected set of deliverables, but it’s for you and your PM to determine - with the client - the expectations of deliverables and process. For example, one often contentious phase here are Wireframes. You need to determine if they are a deliverable, or part of the process you go through in order to get to the deliverable? Ultimately, you are expected to determine if they are even necessary for your project.

Design decisions are business decisions.

You shouldn’t create a library for a project that doesn’t require a library. Simple. If you are creating the library - it might well be the right thing to do according to a strict design process - you should question is it really required for this project? A closed process leads to repetition, lack of your own personal growth and can end up being an expensive outcome for Significa, and a sub-optimal deliverable for the client. Spend your time addressing core solutions.

You need to always consider the problem you are looking to solve, and utilising the right process to address that problem. There will be occasions, depending on the project purpose, where it makes no sense for you to spend weeks on wireframes. If that’s the case… don’t.

Address the core problem before others. Be efficient; create solutions for what really matters.

With all of the above stated, a warning, removing parts of process should never be considered as taking shortcuts. There must never be any compromise on experimentation and innovation. This is a non-negotiable, constant requirement in any project - in fact, it’s the only thing that any project should have in common with another. Drive your curiosity throughout the whole project “process” - this can be fluid, knowing that not everything will work, but that the approach is how you will reach the solution.

We know it can be hard to determine what the most efficient process to take can be, so as always, collaborate with your team, ask support early and together we’ll make sure you’re on the pathway to an incredible solution.

As a Designer, Communication is always critical to the outcome of your work, making sure there is clarity across all stakeholders regarding your approach and what to expect will allow you the space required to think and work creatively. Don’t overlook this, a great designer is a great communicator.