Saturday, December 8, 2012

Improve Website Design By Taking Good Meeting Notes


When building a website, before anything about codes, optimization, or even color palettes can come into play, designers and developers need to discuss in detail client needs and wants for a website. For this reason, meeting with clients and taking thorough notes regarding expectations about functionality, design, and any other important detail is an important first step in website formulation. The best way to do this is by meeting with clients and taking excellent notes so that when the client is gone, the notes can be used as a written point of reference.

Preparation - In this day of Smartphone apps, tablets and notebook computers, using one of these devices would be the quickest and most beneficial way to keep a written record of a conversation; however, such is not necessarily the case. There are actually a number of problems with doing it this way, such as having to pay more attention to things like such as correcting typos and other technology-related distractions - and having to use a tiny keypad is even more distracting. So the best recommendation when having to take quick yet thorough and valuable notes is to use plain old paper and pencil or pen. Sketches and diagrams can also be drawn, which can prove very useful. Follow-Up and Review - After meeting with a client and taking some notes, a great way to review what was discussed is to transfer such ideas to a desktop. Rewording can be done as necessary, while sketches and diagrams can be turned into useable, definitive presentations. This helps a designer remember the discussion so no important details are missed; it also provides the chance to double-check what has been written. Once the notes have been prepared in a more professional format, then send a copy to the client for review to help clarify things in the event of any misconceptions or misunderstood communications. Clients can call with any corrections or concerns regarding particular items, which will help keep a designer on target. To-Do List - To-Do lists are always very helpful no matter what the task. Once a designer has met with a client had finalized a draft of that meeting, creating a list of the things to be done to complete the job is both helpful and necessary. A to-do list can be formulated according to the information recorded in the notes. Original Record - Even though there will be a more final version of the written record and diagrams, never get rid of the original, handwritten notes. As with any original document, it is never known when such records could be needed. Reviewing an original draft can spur ideas or thoughts of the actual meeting. As a last resort, such records can be used as a back-up should something happen to the digital copy or as that absolute record of what was actually discussed at the meeting. Storage can be handled by either tucking written notes away in a specific place in a file drawer or even better by scanning the original copy and uploading it to cloud storage or an online document locker for safekeeping.

Concise communication is the key to understanding every client's needs and helping achieve their goals. Taking notes, then reviewing and periodically referencing them is the best way to ensure that a website design stays on track and is developed with the client's requests in mind. With good notes and client communications, it should be possible to avoid costly mistakes due to any misunderstanding!

How to Design a Quality Web Site   Top Seven Tips for Choosing a Professional Web Designer   Don't Exclude   Why Your Business Needs a Professional Website Designed   Cheap Web Design for Every Business   Ways To Increase Customer Engagement On Your Corporate Website   



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