I'm about to launch an online store and have a few programmers eager to help me out. I've come across stories where clients tell developers to replicate a site like Amazon without proper instructions, and that seems a bit silly to me. Since I don't have programming skills but understand some basics, I'm curious about the best way to give constructive instructions. Should I create a detailed document or diagram? What specific requirements should I include?
8 Answers
It might not be realistic to think you can avoid an initial briefing phase entirely. I’d recommend getting a referral to someone who consistently delivers quality work. During the planning phase, you’ll be able to respond to their questions and that will streamline the entire project, saving you both time and money.
Being specific is key. Any ambiguity can lead to undesired results or constant back-and-forth with your developer. Imagine the confusion if there are 20 unclear areas in the project!
It's really helpful to draw wireframes showing how you want each page to function. You should detail every function; for instance, if a button opens a modal or navigates somewhere, illustrate both the before and after so everything's clear.
Consider hiring a developer or agency that includes a 'discovery phase'. This is where they ask questions to truly understand what you need, which is crucial if you're not sure about terminology or what's possible. This phase is typically part of a contracted project and is usually paid for.
Do you feel comfortable providing clear, actionable requirements? This is a common issue where clients can't articulate what they want, leading to dissatisfaction once the developer delivers. Try to find examples of designs you like and discuss these openly with your developer. Let them guide you through what's feasible, too.
Just be super specific with what you want. Sometimes clients assume developers know what they mean, but that can lead to disappointment. Use wireframes for layouts, and if you have colors or design features in mind, share those too. The key is to assume your developers are starting from scratch in understanding your vision.
A great tip is to use Figma to create a little demo. Visualizing your ideas can make it easier for developers to understand what you're aiming for.
An experienced designer or developer will ask a lot of questions. It's all about collaboration. This might include providing mock-ups or a content outline of your pages. If you don’t have a designer, ensure your developers have a solid design portfolio because developers typically aren’t designers. Clarify everything upfront and make sure to have a detailed contract outlining milestones and deliverables to protect all parties involved.
Exactly! It’s important to think through every detail, including text generation.