This document discusses the importance of the initial design consultation meeting between a web designer and client. It provides guidance on how to prepare for and structure the consultation, including introducing oneself professionally via email, scheduling a meeting to determine the client's goals, design preferences, target audience and expectations for the new website. The consultation aims to understand what the client wants the website to accomplish and communicate through discussing content, look and feel, and managing expectations.

1. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
The Design Consultation
The Crucial First Step
Bruce Clary, McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas

2. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
A design consultation is a meeting
between the client and designer that
helps determine what the client wants
her website to accomplish and what
she wants it to look like.

3. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
First things first… You are a
communication professional—write,
speak, and act like one.

4. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
The initial contact
•
Email your client and briefly introduce yourself.
Yes, this should be formal, even if you know
your client well.
•
Provide your cell phone number. Let them
choose how you will communicate.
•
Make scheduling the consultation during the
week of Jan. 13–17 the only business of the
first email. You must be the flexible one!

5. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
The follow-up contact
•
•
Confirm the appointment time and place.
Concisely and clearly explain what the client
can do to make your consultation as
productive as possible.

6. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Ask the client to be ready with…
•
Any content that he already has that might be
helpful: logos, graphics, text, photos, print
materials. This content should be digital, if
possible.
•
A vision for the website’s purpose. What does
he want his website to do? What does he want
the website to communicate?
•
Some websites that he likes.

7. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Dynamics of the consultation
The consultation is all about the client and what
she wants, but you are the professional: You are in
charge. Be ready. Be organized. Know what you
need.

8. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Consultation Agenda: Goals
•
What are the client’s goals for the website?
What does she want it to accomplish?
•
What are the most important messages to be
communicated?

9. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Consultation Agenda: Design
•
Does the client have a vision for a certain look
and feel?
•
What personality or character does the client
want the website to communicate?
•
What websites does the client like? Why?
What does like about them?
•
Get three to five key description words or
phrases from the client.

10. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Possible Keywords
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Energetic
Professional
Warm
Conservative
Modern
Youthful
Confident
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Serious
Mature
Traditional
Cutting edge
Sophisticated
Elegant
Friendly

11. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Consultation Agenda: Expectations
•
Be willing to generate content, but be realistic
with the client about what you can do.
•
Temper any expectations for technical bells
and whistles. No blogs, for example. Limited
animation.
•
Assure the client that you are going to create
the best website possible within the tight
timeframe of the course.

12. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Consultation Agenda: Audience
•
Discuss the primary audience. How does the
client see that audience affecting the look and
feel of the website?
•
Are there any special accommodations or
features that should be made or included for
the primary audience?

13. CM350 WEB DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Don’t leave without…
•
•
As much content as possible
•
•
Design keywords
•
Thanking them for working with you!
A clear understanding of who is responsible for
any additional content
An understanding of how much interaction the
client wants or doesn’t want to the
development phase