After establishing contact, we meet the client in person. We discuss the project: the ideas, the needs, and the possibilities.
We need to understand the intent as well as the budget size and implementation schedule of the project. Any material aids us, that presents the client’s ideas, needs, tastes, business goals: a collection of images, written summary, marketing concept. We need to know the framework and define our exact role together. Based on the information we received, we compile a document so-called ‘Brief’, which is the basis of our cooperation and suitable for making a quotation. Essentially, the Brief is a compilation of notes, in which we record everything that we understand about the project, but we do not yet weigh between expectations, analyze or comment. Up to this point, our participation is free.
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The accepted quotation is followed by an agreement, and then the research begins, which is a basic condition for our plan to meet the client’s real needs. At this point, our job is to become a bit of an expert on that topic.
Each project is unique and therefore requires different types of knowledge. In order to get to know the different perspectives and expertise, it is necessary to talk to the people involved in the project, such as the end-user, possible co-designers, manufacturer/contractor, operator, etc. - as many from the ‘frontlines’ as possible. It is important for us to visit the affected sites in person - be it an empty field, a building to be rebuilt, or the workshop of a manufacturer. We analyze the target group, competitors, similar visual and technical solutions that already exist, both good and bad examples. Based on this, we create a ‘Rebrief’, i.e. an update of the original Brief, which clarifies the task. It is possible that our conclusions based on the research contradict the original Brief, in which case only together with the client we can resolve the situation.
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The concept plan summarizes our design intentions, based on which the client can decide whether the chosen direction is acceptable to them. This design phase is not yet suitable for production/implementation.
Based on the Rebrief (the objective), we create a functional ‘skeleton’ - be it the operation of an object or the use of space. Considering a lot of aspects, we establish the visual language, which is consequent to the function in each case. We visualize this first in the form of mood boards as a kind of visual compasses and then with visual designs of different levels of complexity. At this time, we can already present concrete materials and technical solutions, and simpler ‘work models’ are also possible. The completed concept plan is presented to the client in the form of an oral presentation in order to receive the necessary feedback to proceed.
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Based on the feedback, we continue the planning. For our common ideas to become reality, we need testing (occasionally), more information (often), and more time (always!).
We find the most ideal solution for every detail. Ideas concerning shapes become more refined, the technical ones become more sophisticated. This often demands further fieldwork and consultation. Almost every design process presents elements that require modeling and testing. We may have to venture into an area previously unknown to us, either in terms of material or technology, which is why it is important to confer with the right professionals. The goal is to make all our design proposals feasible, and we know exactly what the conditions are for that. We consult with the client throughout the development process.
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At this point, we already know how to implement our design, and we need to pass that knowledge on. The documentation allows the manufacturer or contractor to assign a price and deadline to our plans.
We make drawings, visuals, tables, and descriptions of our plans. This is an essential condition for the end result to reflect our ideas. Documentation is a complex, structured collection of files where accurate material designations, coded colors, surface treatments, blueprints, products, and technical solution suggestions form a coherent system. Based on this, both the client and the contractor will receive a comprehensive picture of the plans to be implemented.
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In our experience, it always benefits the implementation process to provide consultation opportunities for the client and the contractor. This step can ensure that everything is done according to our design.
If there is no pre-appointed specialist, we are happy to recommend a contractor to the client. Sometimes, instead of complex documentation covering every detail, it is much more efficient to discuss certain solutions directly, in person with the manufacturers and specialists - be it the construction site or a manufacturing workshop. We as well as the contractor can make mistakes sometimes, but if we work together, we can easily remedy these situations. It is in our common interest to make our plans a reality with as few compromises as possible.
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