The Archeology of Graphic Design
As graphic designers we might presume to know our clients’ business in and out — we might even be presumptuous enough to think we know our clients’ business more than they do. However, we do not go to their workplace everyday, we do not experience the ins and outs of their business, we do not participate in the small intricacies that make their business flourish. So, in fact, we will never know as much as our clients’ know about their own company and workplace.
But, because we must know all we can about their company to do our job effectively, we must become diggers — or design archeologists. It is our responsibility to know how to showcase our client’s company in the public marketplace. By researching their competitors, interviewing those who play an integral part in the success of their company, and simply listening to them — we can come to play an important role in their success and become their valuable collaborator. Together we can uncover a world of treasures that might be surprises or gems — chunks of knowledge or details that we or the client may have never imagined or anticipated.
This search for treasures can result in a smarter, better designed product for the client and can help stretch what we or they may have ever perceived possible. Surprises are good and spark enthusiasm and great work. By doing our research we can preserve the integrity of the client’s style, work ethic and build on the foundation they have already established on their own.
Getting to know our clients and understanding why they make the decisions they make, and where they want to go can only give our solutions a stronger point of view and a sharper presence in the outside world.
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance — it is the illusion of knowledge.
Comments
Never thought to use the words archeology and design together... But it now seems like such an obvious description of how we work as designers. The common goal of discovery is what unites these two worlds perfectly together. Great article, Dean.
Coming to this realization myself was a defining moment in my design career. Instead of resisting change on the grounds that it is change, I openly welcome input from clients and have seen two great things happen as a result:
1. The work is often better, more targeted, even more creative.
2. I am happier, less stressed and more accomplished as a designer and person.
If the original idea was better, by all means, we should defend it - for the sake of the work and the client. But by first taking feedback with an open mind, and taking a second look at the work, we can usually reach a little farther and do something greater. And by adopting this mindset we can let go of a lot of unnecessary frustration and stress that would otherwise happen during that first feedback discussion.
immigration appeals - Vincent Buffoni & Co, solicitors in the London borough of Hackney, offer legal advice to individuals and businesses based in the UK.
foreign exchange - Best Currency Rates, Money Exchange, Currency Exchange for Business and Private Clients.
By researching their competitors, 7003.1 interviewing those who play an integral part in the success of their company, and simply listening to them — 7004.1 we can come to play an important role in their success and become their valuable collaborator. Together we can uncover a world of 156-215-71 treasures that might be surprises or gems — chunks of knowledge or details that we or 156-915-71 the client may have never imagined or anticipated.
It's always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I'm sure you had fun writing this article.Excellent entry! I'm been looking for topics as interesting as this. Looking forward to your next post.
memory foam mattresses
There are many histories of every types of design. And each of designers are usually know the history of their abilities.
handyortung kostenlos ohne anmeldung
It's sounds funny the archeology of design, but I am sure that everything has a start so does design.
Vergleich Tagesgeld
Post new comment