IntroductionThe way designers and clients communicate through a project

determines the success of that project for both stakeholders as

well as the life cycle of the relationship they build with each other.

The way they work together determines the future

of the relationship between the

designer and the client, whether

it will be successful and long-

lasting or not.

Research Questions1. Do designers understand corporate culture to effectively

communicate with clients?

2. Do clients understand the power of good design?

3. Do designers implement design thinking to portray good

design to clients?

4. Do designers help clients understand a design process in

order to bridge the gap between design and business?

Intended OutcomeThe outcome of this research should be a process or a method that all designers and clients can

follow in order to cohesively work together. With the help of suggestions from experienced

professionals in the field as well as experienced clients, the methodology will help the

stakeholders reach the shown ideal situation to their processes and better understand eachother

for a long lasting, successful, designer-client relationship.

Research MethodologySecondary Research to undertand existing

discussions on the issue.

Observation of a design process and the way

designers interact with the client, their beahibiour,

body language, tone of voice.

Interviews with designers and clients respectively to

understand the kind of issues that arise during a

typical design process.

Focus Groups of designers and clients, together to stir

up a debate that will showcase the issues and how

they deal with them.

Online Research to reach a variety of audience from

all over the world and gain their perspective.

Importance of a Designer-Client Relationship & How it Affects the Design Process

FAST CHEAP

GOOD

EXPENSIVE SLOW

UGLY

NO

“You need to think outside the box”

References 1. COMSTOCK, G (2012) The monkey business. Creative Review, 32 (4), p. 68

2. BEST, K (2006) Design Management. Switzerland: AVA Publishing

3. CLARK, M (2012) Calling all designer rock stars. Applied Arts Magazine, 27 (4), p. 12

4. LYDIATE, L (Ed.), (1992) Professional Practice in Design Consultancy. Design Council,

London: Papanek

5. NIELSEN, K (2012) Mutuality. DMI News & Views, (September), p. 17

6. STONE, T (2012) Entrepreneurial Thinking. Communication Arts, 53 (6), pp. 30-33

Ideal Situation

Current Situation

Sancharee Saha | MA Design Management 2012-13

sancharee.s@gmail .com