3 Fundamental Questions to Ask a Design Agency Before Hiring Them
Design has revolutionalised the way we see and perceive the world. It has turned the tables around how we consume content and plays an irreplaceable role in determining user experience, brand engagement and marketing at large. Today, an effective digital design agency can help consumers and stakeholders solve challenges and create a unique industry legacy.
However, to make the most of what they have to offer, it is essential to find the most appropriate creative partners. Here are three critical questions that can help you achieve the same:
Process & Approach: Any collaborative undertaking is a two-way process. More so if it engages itself with any creative output. Therefore, the fundamental thing to recognise here is that both the client and the agency are equal partners and stakeholders in the project journey, which is why understanding the process and approach of the agency becomes integral.
You can start by finding out what the agency expects of you at each stage and what they bring to the table. Most often than not, design agencies follow their own framework and process, which may be in complete contrast to you or your organisation’s way of functioning and may yet be renowned in the market for their top-notch work. However, the point is to find the perfect fit for you as it is the stepping stone for a seamless process and long-term partnership. Therefore, the ‘discovery stage’ should precede the ‘design stage’ where you can gauge if both the parties are in alignment or not.
It would be best to ask the agency to run you through the process they follow right from the commencement of a project to its end. Giving them real-time scenarios with real-time products or services as examples can be a good indicator of filtering the theory and practicality of things. Do also weigh in on the fact that you may be required to give material or creative access and inputs and will it work well with you.
Timeline & Project Cycle: While many design agencies today claim ‘delivery before the deadline’, you want to ensure that in the bid to come across as impressive, the quality of the work is not compromised. A good rule of thumb is to discuss with your in-house designer/s or even research the average timeline a particular work usually takes. Once you go in with the knowledge, you cannot fall for false or unrealistic claims. A piece that generally takes two months of work cannot be completed in two weeks!
Conflict Resolution Method: Perhaps the most underestimated part, but the most critical question to ask a design agency is how they approach differences of opinions and feedback. Since no two people can have the exact same creative thought process, mistakes and clashes are sure to happen. Therefore, to assess the agency’s professionalism, ask them questions that can help you understand their transparency, conflict resolution methods and ability to understand and incorporate feedback.
Another approach to assess an agency’s intellect and professionalism is to inquire about the challenges they faced in each project in their portfolio and how they overcame them. In this case, too, go with your gut. The onus will be on you and the agency you bring in.
Summing Up:
In the initial meeting, both you and the agency you invite will be on your best behaviour. The key to hiring the perfect digital design agency for you is to attempt to cut through all the initial pleasantries and ask yourself if you or your organisation would be willing to work with them even when the situations are grim and low.
