These and 6 other regularly asked questions (FAQ) are always of great interest to our customers and clients.

1. -> What does design cost?
2. -> What rights do I have to the design as the client?
3. -> What risks does the designer bear?
4. How can the quality of design performance be measured?
5. -> Who does a design agency work for?
6. -> How does a design project work?
7. -> How do I start a design project?

How can the quality of design performance be measured?

‍Weare constantly asked what the benchmark for good design is. Is it the success of the product or the brand after its launch on the market? Is it the success at international design competitions such as the red dot or the IF? Is it the praise and approval of customers and employees for the new design?
All of these can be signs that the design assignment has been successfully completed, but unfortunately they do not provide sufficient objectification.

We have to live with the fact that the evaluation of design will remain subjective to a large extent. It is therefore important that the client and the design agency achieve the best possible understanding of what is feasible and what is impossible. A common understanding of what you can and want to achieve together. Nevertheless, we would like to mention a few measures for objectification here:

Definition of the acceptance criteria

‍Determiningthe acceptance criteria in detail is one such tool that contributes to an objective assessment beyond personal taste. In the early stages of the project, this list is drawn up jointly and can then be checked off to assess the final design result.

Control over the project

‍Anotheraspect is the degree of control the client has over the design project and therefore the results. Regular reporting on the current status of the project and, if desired, free access to the project management at any time should be obligatory. The need for control varies greatly from client to client, but it is reassuring for you as the client if you can see that the project is moving in the right direction.

Continuous documentation

‍Inaddition to the obligatory documentation of the final result, there is also the more complex option of documenting the entire process. We call this the "Jour Fixe Protocol". Every decision made in the project is recorded with reasons. In this respect, traceability is an important side effect that is not only useful and necessary in the field of medical technology.

Last but not least: design awards

‍Sothat the emotional element is not completely neglected in the design evaluation, you should regularly submit your design projects to the largest and best-known international design awards, e.g. the red dot or the IF. Winning an award is always a great highlight for team building between designer and client. However, professional editing of images and text is very important when submitting - and there are a few good measures and tips from professionals on how to attract the jury's attention to your own product.

Either way, don't hesitate to ask us or leave a comment. It all starts with the first contact - do it now!

Further links:

VDID: Information on design contracts
WILDDESIGN is a member of Germany's largest professional association