How To Write A Web Design Brief

Regardless of whether you are the web designer or the client, having an effective design brief is essential when it comes to ensuring that the website is successful and meets both party’s expectations. What a lot of people don’t realize is that constructing the brief is the responsibility of both the web designer and the client, but how do you write one?

When it comes to writing the brief itself, the first draft is generally compiled by the client by answering some questions about their company and what they require of their new website. The following questions are a guide to help clients know what to put in their design brief:

• Do you have an existing website? Make sure that the web designer has access to the URL, and outline what is good about it, what is bad, how old it is, and so on.
• What does your business do? Provide a detailed outline of what the company does, including what products and services they offer, as well as a little of the company’s history.
• What is the goal of your website, and why? Outline what the purpose of the website is (such as, to increase sales). It is also good to provide a brief description of how the company differs to its competitors.
• Who is your target audience? If the company has multiple audiences, it is always good to list them in order of importance so that the web designer has a better idea of who the website is mostly aimed at.
• What copy (text) and images are needed? A lot of web design companies will be able to provide this to their clients for a fee, so ensure it is clearly outline who will be providing this for the website.
• What are the specifications? Describe how big the website needs to be, and include any other relevant information.
• What do you like or dislike in a website? Provide examples of websites that are effective or relevant to the company (including links to competitor’s sites). It is also a good idea for clients to outline what they do not want to see in their website.
• What is your budget? Providing this will prevent the web designer from wasting time and resources on a website that the client cannot afford.
• What is the deadline? This needs to be realistic by taking into account the various stages of the project.

Once the web designers has received the brief, they will carefully read through it and ask the client any other questions that they may have. They may also need to ask for clarification if any of the above answers are unclear. Then, the original client’s brief and the questions asked by the web designer are compiled and the final draft is complete.