If you just got a new design project and want to ensure it goes smoothly, you must start with a design brief. After all, you want to guarantee that you know everything that needs to be done, who will do what, and when you need to deliver. Overall, you need to have a roadmap to follow. Having everything set and ready to go on paper or the web before starting is essential and provides a crucial understanding of what needs to be done.

Definition of Design Brief

When defining a design brief, you can say that it’s a complete document that explains everything about the design project itself. It needs to include the main details, the strategy you’re going to use, the scope of the project, and the goals you need to meet. It should outline what the designer needs to do. You can also see the design brief as the steps you need to follow to execute the design project.

Write the Design Brief – Why Is It Necessary for Designers?

The reality is that there are many benefits to writing a design brief. Here are some of the most important advantages:

• Build a better relationship with clients based on clear communication.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the brand and target audience.
• Set realistic expectations for deadlines and budgets.
• Promote better team alignment by ensuring everyone has a clear picture of the project.
• Improve workflows to enable quicker decision-making and on-time delivery.
• Ensure that project details are agreed upon by all parties before work begins.

How to Write a Design Brief

A design brief isn’t always necessary. However, when multiple stakeholders and a team are involved, having one is always the best option.

Instead of writing the document in Word, consider using Google Docs or a similar tool. Since you’ll likely need to share it with different people, avoiding email attachments and file compatibility issues will save you time. Finding a tool that everyone in the project can access for free is key.

If you use Lua CRM, you can streamline this entire process. Create a task template for design briefs, include all necessary details, and reuse it whenever needed. You can assign the task to internal users (if you have an in-house designer) or make it accessible to external users via the client portal. Progress is easy to track on a Kanban board, and you can collaborate in real time. Designers can ask questions directly in the comments, eliminating back-and-forth emails.