MH1 Web Design Blog

This blog topic could also be called “Avoiding Paralysis by Analysis”. On occasion we sign on a new web design client who wants to monitor the course of their website project by committee. Composed of some four or more well intentioned employees, each feels they must contribute their fair share of criticism. This scenario often breeds a nightmare where no one gets what they want and our designers are left spinning in confusion. Our advice will help you prevent this train wreck when managing your next web design project.

In small companies and non-profits, owners and managers sometimes appoint a committee of staffers to oversee these projects to avoid making their own decisions or taking responsibility for them. In theory, the committee members will each bring some experience or value to the process. In reality, this is only true before the design or development of the website begins. Afterwards, it is a simple case of too many cooks spoil the soup.

The best time to put your committee to work is before you begin working with your web designer or developer. The committee should look at website examples, competitors websites, hash out goals, features, colors, and other aspects of the new site. This information can be distilled into a very effective design brief that will guide your web team to your final goal. A goal that is agreed upon after much argument, exploration, and debate.

Once the web designer has your design brief to serve as a guide, the committee’s work is done. Then the decision-maker or a liaison assigned to the project can make sure the project meets your organizations goals and design criteria. The design brief is the rich culmination of your committee’s hard work and preparation. It will keep your website project on track. It is impossible for a designer or developer to be effective when facing a flurry of repetitive changes from several different and usually contradictory voices. So, make sure your company speaks with only one voice.

And if the owner or final decision-maker appoints a liaison to oversee the job, be sure they are frequently shown progress updates. Their buy-in is critical at every stage of the development as they will sign the final check.

Save yourself time, money and heartache by using your committee to your best advantage.

Here is MH1 Web Design’s Design Brief template for your use: http://www.mh1webdesign.com/files/design_brief.pdf

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