How can you improve communication with your design team?

1. Be clear on direction! That starts with a clear, single-minded strategic brief. 2. Understand what they are proposing. 3. Provide clear feedback in the form of coaching versus evaluating. 4. Use marketing research to learn how customers feel before choosing.

Well… You talk to them… a lot! You talk to them… a lot! You talk to them… a lot! You talk to them… a lot! You talk to them… a lot!

Improved communication comes via consistent, clear and honest communication. You need to have regular check-ins to air any issues or potential hiccups. You need to be clear and concise on deciding where to compromise and where not to compromise. Arguably the most important is to celebrate the little wins and small milestones. This keeps the team moving forward.

In my books, a company brand guideline brief is essential in most workplaces these days whether the business is in a B2C or B2B environment. All employees must know how to present themselves as an individual within the organization. Some of the key things include the correct usage of logos, brand colors, tone of voice and uniformity in the email signatures used by all employees within the organization. All these little things contribute to the branding and lastly to create a memorable impression of the organization.

Honestly, I only think of one simple concept when it comes to improving communication with your team. I have to admit that within the design world, the translation of the idea from vision to paper/digitally is a challenge in itself. Clarity and coherence of thought is what comes to mind. Try to attach as much detail to the design you have in mind. The clearer and the more vivid the concept becomes, the higher the percentage of accuracy of translation your design team will achieve. When in doubt, just add more details, nuances, and finishings to it. Perhaps simplicity is useful towards translating the product to the customer, however, within the design stage, it leads to the "vague" land, in my opinion.

Having collaborator with multiple designers the best thing you can do is provide samples of what you like. Showing them what's already out there and something you want will help them grasp your idea better. Saying to make something "POP" or make it "STAND OUT MORE" is not specific enough. Show them what you mean.

Having collaborated with over a dozen designers, I've come to understand that working with them requires a unique approach compared to other roles in the organization. Designers thrive when provided with the freedom to exercise their creative thinking. Despite strategies outlined by the strategy team, designers require the time and trust to translate these ideas into tangible outcomes. Trusting your designers, offering constructive feedback instead of criticism, allows creativity to flourish. Providing this space and encouragement enhances the creative process and leads to more successful results.

Yes, based on my experience, it is better to communicate in detail and even use some visual examples found on the internet to illustrate the ideas that we want to execute the ideas but there are also examples when the designer has ample experience and takes the initiative to come up with something creative visually which beats any examples the marketing people can come up with.

Improving communication with your design team is crucial for achieving project success. One effective method is utilizing visual examples to convey ideas and preferences clearly. By providing visual references, such as mood boards, sketches, or design inspiration, you offer a tangible framework for discussion and alignment. This approach fosters a shared understanding among team members, minimizing misunderstandings and streamlining the design process. Additionally, encouraging open dialogue and feedback ensures everyone feels heard and valued, leading to a more collaborative and productive work environment.

Improving communication in your design team is like building a strong bond. Talk openly, listen well, and be supportive. Giving clear feedback and sharing examples make things easier. Celebrate successes together and keep the vibe positive. With this the team will work better together and feel closer.

I advocate for the utilization of the ‘Comparative Technique,’ which entails analyzing or evaluating multiple entities to discern their similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, or trends. This approach facilitates feedback sharing through various mediums such as visuals, written formats, or audio recordings. Its versatility allows for seamless dissemination across multiple channels.

Provide constructive feedback that is specific and actionable. Focus on both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Avoid vague or subjective comments, and instead, pinpoint elements that need adjustment :)

Throughout the creative process, provide your design team with targeted and helpful input. Give specific recommendations for improvement while concentrating on what's functioning effectively and potential areas for development. When providing feedback, do so with grace and encouragement in order to create a cooperative, upbeat atmosphere that promotes development and innovation.

When giving feedback take time to construct your thoughts well if possible do some research which can help you to back your comment. And when actually giving the feedback try to create an open environment. Turn it into more of a discussion rather than one sided feedback. Ask questions and express concerns. If you show empathy and make the designer part of the communication the design will improve the next time.

Offer specific and constructive feedback to your design team throughout the creative process. Focus on what's working well and areas that may need improvement, providing actionable suggestions for refinement. Be respectful and encouraging in your feedback, fostering a positive and collaborative environment that encourages growth and creativity.

Using the right tools is critical for keeping everyone on the same page. In my experience using a project management tool like Asana or Monday serves as the hub for all tasks and supporting document. Slack is great for real time communications. Without a structure you risk not getting what you need or it taking much longer than it should. Scheduling regular check-ins or stand-ups help. And ultimately whoever is managing the process has to make sure everyone is using the tools for ultimate success.

Some of my favorite tools in my marketing handbook these days include Jira Project Management Software, Buffer Social Media Scheduler, ChatGPT, Microsoft Teams, and Synology Drive.

Maintaining everyone's understanding requires the use of the appropriate tools. Using Monday or Asana as a project management application acts as the central location for all tasks and related documents, in my experience. Slack works well for in-the-moment communication. You run the danger of not getting what you need or of it taking far longer than it needs to without a structure. Setting up frequent stand-ups or check-ins is beneficial. Ultimately, ensuring that everyone is utilizing the resources for maximum success is the responsibility of the process manager.

Start new teamwork projects with a "Kickoff Meeting". Draft an agenda that includes how, where, and when communication is expected to happen. Don't forget to get an agreement on times that work. Distributed teams may have time zone differences, or even cultural differences to contend with. Together agree on social contract for the team. Make it clear that it's not only acceptable but important for all of the team's voices to be heard. If they have concerns they should voice them. The tool that I use most, and recommend most often is Microsoft Office 365 and MS Teams channels for meetings, chat, files, video and OneDrive. With the addition of plugin apps like Project and Planner your team will have everything they need, securely networked.

Utilize appropriate tools and technologies to facilitate communication and collaboration with your design team. Whether it's project management software, design prototyping tools, or communication platforms, choose tools that streamline the sharing of ideas, feedback, and project updates in real-time. The right tools can help improve efficiency and ensure seamless communication throughout the design process.

As mentioned above in question #2, there are also instances when the designer is in a seniority position with plenty of experience and takes the initiative to come up with something creative visually which beats any examples the junior marketing execs can come up with. So it is important for all stakeholders to keep an open mind and learn from and contribute to each other.

Respect their expertise and trust their judgment as the fifth step in enhancing collaboration. Acknowledge their unique skills and experience, valuing their insights in decision-making processes. Provide opportunities for them to share their ideas and perspectives openly, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. By recognizing their expertise, you empower them to contribute effectively to projects, leading to more innovative solutions and stronger team cohesion. Effective communication built on trust lays the foundation for successful design endeavors.

It’s important to allow the creative process to play out. Allow the creative teams to explore different concepts. Encourage them to try things that are both safe and ideas that are daring. Bring ideas to the table too - but don’t force them on the team. Everyone needs to respect that inspiration can come from anywhere. But allow the professionals to do their job and carry the creative design direction forward.

Acknowledge and respect the expertise, creativity, and professional judgment of your design team members. Trust their skills and experience, and avoid micromanaging or imposing your ideas without considering their input. Recognize their unique perspectives and insights, valuing their contributions as essential to the creative process.

Instead of criticizing without providing guidance, suggest alternative ideas or approaches that could address the issues you identified. Encourage brainstorming and collaboration by inviting team members to contribute their perspectives and suggestions. Example: "Have you considered using a different color palette for this section? It might help create a stronger visual contrast and draw attention to the call-to-action buttons. Let's explore some options together."

Recognizing the effort is key! Recognize in context and do it as part of the work in progress. Call it out during a meeting or slack and @mention them or post it in a broader channel on their contributions, what they did, how it impacts the end users, and how it helps with the design team's brand as well as the behaviors they used to achieve it.

Art on demand is a challenge for the most experienced of artists. Always show appreciation for every draft. Also, ask questions. Understanding why a designer did something a certain way can help you understand how they think and what to expect the next time.

Staying curious can lead to a new thought train and even better outcomes than your original ideas. Well worth it and a great way to build a strong relationship with your artist.

Open up the floor for team members to ask questions, seek clarifications, or share their thoughts. Be open-minded and listen actively to their perspectives. This creates an environment of trust and engagement, promoting better teamwork and ideation. Example: "What are your thoughts on this feedback? Do you have any concerns or ideas on how we can make these improvements while still meeting our deadlines?"

Clear Expectations: Craft detailed briefs, hold check-ins, and share updates to ensure everyone's on the same page. Meaningful Feedback: Implement structured feedback systems, and focus on actionable suggestions. Collaboration & Understanding: Encourage cross-functional collaboration, and emphasize empathy and respect. Communication Tools: Utilize platforms like Miro, Figma, and Zoom, and establish clear communication guidelines. Development & Investment: Offer training, and mentorship programs, and seek feedback on your communication style. By focusing on these strategies, you can foster a communicative and collaborative design team environment, leading to higher engagement, better results, and a happier workplace.

Always consider the HOW! Delivering a concise, inclusive and clear communication is an art, as you have to factor global team construct. Your tone of voice and if in a video or in-person call, appropriate body language are key aspects to effective communication.

Over the last 30 years, I have always had a team in my studio. First and foremost, I always hired attitude before talent. If I found someone that had a great attitude and talent then I really had something.

تأكد من تحديد المهام والمسؤوليات بشكل واضح احرص على تقديم الدعم والنقد البناء بشكل مستمر بين للفريق أنك متواجد دوما لأي دعم قدم الثناء عند الحاجة تأكد من دوام التفاهم وسلاسة التعامل بين كافة الأفراد خطط مقدما لما لا يمكنك التساهل بشأنه وكن حاسما تجاهه

Starting with a clear and simple vision, mission and purpose would be the best way to communicate with your creative team. Also, getting out of the way and letting them do their job to the fullest potential as well.