The Top Five Assumptions Clients Make When Hiring a Design Agency

Nov 10, 2023

Hiring a design agency is an important decision that can greatly impact the success of a project. However, clients often make assumptions about the design process that can lead to delays, tensions, and ultimately, a less than perfect outcome. Lets explore how these assumptions can hinder progress and damage working relationships.

Assumption 1

Understanding the Client’s Vision
Many clients assume that the design agency will fully understand their vision from the start. While professional agencies strive to grasp the client’s objectives, it is important to remember that clear communication is necessary to establish a shared understanding of the end goal.

Failing to express expectations or assuming the agency can read their minds can lead to misunderstandings and wasted efforts. To avoid this, clients should take the time to elaborate on their web goals, provide visual references and content for the project, and participate in regular feedback sessions with the design agency to ensure that everyone is on the same page (Literally).

Assumption 2

Unlimited Revisions
Another common assumption is that design agencies offer unlimited revisions without additional charges. While some agencies may have a generous revision policy, assuming unlimited revisions can result in prolonged project timelines and strained relationships.

Clients should establish clear expectations regarding the number and scope of design and development revisions upfront, ensuring that both parties have a realistic understanding of the revision process and the potential cost implications regarding scope creep.

Assumption 3

Unrealistic Timeframes
Clients often underestimate the amount of time required to create beautiful bespoke designs.

They typically tend to assume that a design agency can deliver perfect results in an unreasonably short period. This assumption can lead to rushed work, compromises in quality, and elevated stress levels for both the agency and the client.

To avoid unnecessary tension, it is crucial for the client and the agency to agree on realistic timelines during project planning, allowing for proper research, concept design, design iterations, client feedback sessions, design amendments, and approval stages.

Assumption 4

Minimal Involvement
Clients occasionally assume that once they have hired a design agency, they can step back and have minimal involvement in the design process.

While clients hire agencies for their expertise, a successful collaboration requires active client engagement. Clients should actively participate throughout the project, providing timely and constructive feedback, promptly responding to agency requests, and attending meetings or review sessions to ensure that their vision is being accurately represented.

Client involvement throughout the design process is crucial. This allows the designer to get inside the client’s head and create magic!

Regular communication and collaboration foster a positive working relationship over the long term, and enhance the successful outcome of each project.

Assumption 5

Designers Know Everything
Clients may assume that design agencies possess an all-knowing, authoritative expertise in all aspects of design. While design agencies have a wealth of knowledge and experience, it is important to acknowledge that design is also subjective.

Clients should embrace the fact that their input and preferences matter. Communication and collaboration during the decision-making process will define the outcome.

We always encourage our clients to actively participate in the design process, to ensure that the final outcome meets their specific requirements and expectations.

Our ultimate goal is to celebrate your success over the long-term.

The Impact of Assumptions
Assumptions can have significant negative impacts on the progress and outcome of a design project.

Clients who make assumptions tend to prevent effective collaboration, complicate communication, and create an environment of unnecessary tension.

These assumptions often result in misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and potentially strain the relationship between the client and the design agency.

Building Better Relationships and Outcomes
To establish a positive working relationship and achieve a perfect outcome, clients and design agencies must actively address and overcome these assumptions.

Clear communication channels, realistic expectations, and mutual trust are essential. By recognising the value of their active involvement, setting realistic timeframes, and fostering productive communication, clients can ensure a smoother design process, ultimately leading to a positive outcome and a stronger working relationship.

In conclusion, assumptions play a significant role in the relationship between clients and design agencies. Recognising the common assumptions clients tend to make when hiring a design agency and understanding their potential negative consequences is crucial for successful collaborations.

By actively engaging in the design process, maintaining open communication, and setting realistic expectations, clients can enjoy a positive and enjoyable working relationship with the design agency and achieve the desired outcome in their design and website design projects.

Remember, a clear and shared understanding between clients and design agencies is crucial for turning assumptions into productive collaboration with exceptional results.