Key Elements To Consider Before Design

Before creating a design, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure it effectively meets the goals, communicates the intended message, and appeals to the target audience.

1 - Define the Purpose

What is the primary goal of this design?

Example: For a charity event flyer, the purpose might be to encourage people to attend and donate. This will influence how prominently you feature event details, donation information, and a strong call-to-action.

2 - Identify the Target Audience

Who will interact with or see this design?

Example: Designing an educational app for elementary school students would involve using bright colors, playful illustrations, and simple, engaging language, while a design for a corporate finance report would focus on clarity, professionalism, and a more subdued color palette.

3 - Understand the Brand Identity

How does the design fit with the brand’s image and values?

Example: For a high-end fashion brand, you’d use elegant fonts, minimalist design, and a sophisticated color scheme. For a playful kids’ brand, you might use fun typography, bright colors, and whimsical illustrations.

4 - Assess Functionality and Usability

Is the design user-friendly and practical?

Example: When designing a website, ensure that navigation is intuitive and important information is easily accessible. For an online shopping site, you would design clear calls-to-action like “Add to Cart” and make the checkout process straightforward.

5 - Consider Content and Messaging

What key messages or information needs to be conveyed?

Example: For a product brochure, focus on highlighting the product’s benefits and features clearly. The layout should prioritize key information like product specs, pricing, and contact details to catch the reader's eye.

6 - Visual Hierarchy and Balance

How will the design elements be arranged to guide the viewer’s attention?

Example: In a magazine ad, use a large, eye-catching headline to grab attention, followed by compelling visuals and supporting text. Ensure there’s a clear path for the eye to follow, leading to the call-to-action.

7 - Choose Appropriate Colors and Typography

How do colors and fonts affect the design’s tone and readability?

Example: For a wellness app, calming colors like greens and blues with clean, easy-to-read fonts will create a sense of tranquility. For a tech startup, bold colors and modern fonts can convey innovation and energy.

8 - Ensure Adaptability Across Platforms

Will the design work well on different devices and formats?

Example: A responsive website design should look good and function properly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Ensure images and text resize appropriately and navigation remains intuitive across devices.

9 - Plan for Testing and Feedback

How will the design be tested and improved?

Example: Before finalizing a new app interface, conduct user testing to gather feedback on usability issues and make necessary adjustments. This helps refine the design based on real user experiences.

10 - Account for Technical Constraints

Are there any technical limitations or requirements?

Example: Designing an email template requires considering different email clients and their rendering quirks. Ensure the design is compatible with various email platforms and remains visually consistent.

Before starting any design, understanding the project’s purpose, audience, and brand identity is essential. Additionally, considering usability, visual hierarchy, and technical constraints helps create an effective and cohesive design. By addressing these factors, the final design will not only look good but also function well and meet its intended goals.