Client Communication in Design: Avoiding Common Requests

You know what's more annoying than a bad design? A bad design request. As designers, we create great experiences, but some things really test our patience. Strong client communicationis vital for keeping a project on track, avoiding frustrating situations, and ensuring successful outcomes. But some things really test our patience. Here’s what pushes our buttons. 1️⃣ Change the brief mid-project. ⇢ Shifting goals wastes time. ⇢ Stick to the plan. 2️⃣ Ask for “just one tweak” every time. ⇢ Small tweaks can turn into all-nighters. ⇢ Get clarity first. 3️⃣ Ignore design principles. ⇢ Misaligned, messy designs hurt. ⇢ Trust us, we know what we’re doing. 4️⃣ Give vague feedback like “make it pop.” ⇢ We need specifics, not buzzwords. ⇢ Can’t explain it? We can’t fix it. 5️⃣ Skip the user-first approach. ⇢ A pretty design is pointless if it doesn’t work for the user. ⇢ Let’s make it useful, not just nice to look at. Design is an art and a science— but it requires respect and collaboration to shine. “The best designs come from those who truly understand the process.” P.S. What’s the most annoying request you’ve gotten as a designer lately?