8 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DESIGN PARTNERSHIP.

Welcome to the world of marketing design, a world that bal-ances artistic ability with client expectations and finite budgets. But that’s not where it ends. Design involves a responsibility for detail; not only careful attention to brand identity and unravel-ing the marketing mix associated with a particular client; design also requires a combination of the latest tools and the traditional analytical toolbox of a theorist. Further, a design team should also be able to add market knowledge, prototyping, project manage-ment, and shipping logistics. Simply put, marketing design is about bringing your brand to life. DD is a team of design and production professionals that combine all these aspects, and take great pride in translating your brand image into 3D marketing tools. Before we begin, DD would like to share:

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Likewise, your project may not be completed that quickly. Nor should it be. Though Industrial Design-ers are used to some rather short deadlines, a high pressure time-line can limit the effectiveness of your designers in coming up with the best solution. Also, you may end up paying more for the same design, due to overtime or rush charges.

New brand, old brand, or re-brand? Unless you are just creating your business, you probably have a defined brand image. You may like it; you may not. Designers need to know the strengths, and the areas where that connect to your clients. It will help us determine the best way to proceed with some of the major design aspects of your project.

Buy-in or tap out. It is important to get buy-in from every level in the company for your project. Your organization needs to under-stand why the project is necessary and beneficial or it can really hinder deadlines and hurt the overall impact of the finished prod-uct.

Strategic decision makers get it done. When it comes to the project details, the more people [opinions] involved, the harder it is to get a consensus and the more likely it could kill (or radi-cally change) the ultimate goal. So high level buy-in is good, and a smaller group of strategic decision makers is best.

No budget = No boundaries. If you don’t have a concrete budget but you know that down the road, there will likely be a cut-off

range, tell us. If you don’t, we will spend our time and your money on a project that can only be fin-ished by doubling the budget, or gutting the concept to meet the initial budget. Don’t worry about being short-changed or not being “wowed.” We always present plenty of options in a range, from “under budget” to “dream budget.”

Blunt objects only hurt when wielded improperly. If you don’t like a design, don’t be coy…instead, speak up! We do this for a living; we don’t take things personally. But on the other hand, just because you may not like “red” or “perforated metal,” etc, try not to discount the entire design concept. If an element winds up being too distracting, we’ll nix it and render a revised concept for you. Leave all the “I don’t know”s and “I just don’t like it”s out. Instead, try things like “I don’t like asymmetry” or “I’m not a huge fan of ultra-modern.” Remember, the more descriptive you are, the more successful the final project will be.

Let designers be designers. We may push you beyond your comfort zone if we think it’s in the best interest of your company or brand. If you hired us, it’s because you like what you’ve seen and you think we can help you, so trust us; you’re in good hands. We will not force a concept you dislike, but do ask that you to be open-minded throughout the process. Remember, we’re on your side to make your brand successful…we have your best interest in mind.

Backstage passes. Be accessible! We realize you’re busy, and Dimensional Design isn’t the only one who needs your attention, but unless we’re given free reign, projects can come to a screeching halt as we await your feedback. Although we’re always prepared for a short timeline, we’d love to use the allotted time effectively, not sitting on our hands, waiting for answers.