As a UX/UI designer who’s been freelancing in Dubai for over 15 years, I’ve learned that the key to successful projects isn’t just about creating stunning designs – it’s about communicating those designs effectively to clients.
Let’s face it: not everyone speaks “design-ese,” and that’s okay!
Our job is to bridge that gap.
The Language Barrier in Design
Picture this:
You’re in a client meeting, excitedly explaining your latest design concept. You’re throwing around terms like “visual hierarchy,” “responsive design,” and “user flows.” But as you look up, you see a sea of blank faces.
Sound familiar?
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs hit the nail on the head.
Our designs aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about functionality.
But here’s the catch – if we can’t explain how it works in simple terms, we’re not doing our job right.
Speaking Their Language
So, how do we fix this? It’s simple – we speak their language.
Let’s break it down:
Instead of: Enhance visual hierarchy
Say: Make important stuff stand out
Why it works: Everyone understands the concept of importance. By framing it this way, clients can immediately visualize the impact on their product.
Instead of: Implement responsive design
Say: Make it look good on phones too
Why it works: In today’s mobile-first world, clients know the importance of mobile compatibility. This phrasing makes the concept tangible and relatable.
Happy Clients, Successful Projects
When we speak in simple terms, magic happens:
- Clients feel more involved in the process
- There’s less room for misunderstandings
- Approvals come faster because everyone’s on the same page
- The final product aligns better with client expectations
Your New Communication Mantra
Remember, every time you’re tempted to use design jargon, pause and ask yourself: “How would I explain this to my non-designer friend?” That’s your golden phrase right there.
In the end, our job isn’t just to design great products – it’s to bring our clients along on the journey. And that journey starts with speaking a language we all understand.
So, next time you’re in a client meeting, ditch the jargon.
Speak simply.
Watch as eyes light up with understanding.
Because at the end of the day:
simple words = happy clients.
