1. The Systems Approach
Objective 1.01

2. All About Planning
Design is a process that involves preliminary research and collaborative planning before it can begin.
Advantages
Work is done more efficiently
Keeps the project organized
Yields better results through improved customer satisfaction
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3. Step 1 – Collect Information
Interview the client and/or use a questionnaire
Who is the target audience?
Age, Gender, Geographic location
What is the goal of the design?
To sell, inform, entertain, educate
Formal or informal
What are the technical requirements?
Documents required – flyer, business card, advertisement, web site, etc.
Page Size
Required colors
Copies needed
What is the budget?
What are the deadlines?

4. Step 2 – Develop a Plan This might include: a written proposal
a price quote
a customer contract
the development of a design team
a detailed action plan

5. Step 3 - Brainstorm
Find inspiration in books, magazines, museums, and unwinding (taking walks, having fun, etc.)
Research similar or competing designs
Sketch out ideas

6. Step 4 - Experiment
Keeping the original goal in mind, experiment with a few different design options to show the client
Experiment with fonts, color schemes, graphics

7. Step 5 - Proofread Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Have others on the development team proofread the design
No client will want a product with spelling or grammatical errors

8. Step 6 - Revise Collaborate with the client for feedback
Revise the design over and over again, if necessary