For this project, the client wanted to create a visual and easy-to-understand document that outlined the success and key findings of the first year of their pilot program, titled “Institutional Capacity Building.” Since the program is new, the document will require a description of the program. It will also need to include either a “timeline” or a “flowchart” (as described by the client) to show the full year program process.
Problems to Solve
Here is the document “before” the redesign. This is just a rough version of the evaluation department’s ideas.
- Text on page 1 flows all the way across the page and is difficult to read. There is likely too much text.
- No separation between the introduction and key learning points.
- Each key learning point is represented with a different icon (on both pages).
- Very difficult to understand the flow of information on page 2. It appears that there’s a timeline at the top and another timeline at the bottom. The colors and arrows don’t flow in a logical order. Need to understand what the client is trying to convey with a “flowchart” approach.
Here is the document following the redesign.
- Reduced the amount of text in the introduction to make more space for the key learning points. Created wider margins on page 1 to introduce more white space and make the text easier to read.
- Created separation on page 1 between the overview and the key learning points. Simplified the text and added some visual interest to the page.
- Used the same icon for all key learning points. Begin to train the reader that the light bulb icon on page one represents a key learning point. That way, when they get to page two they will already be familiar with it.
- We went through several iterations of the flow chart on page 2 before landing on this timeline. This is explained in more detail below.
Before & After Redesign
More about the process
I developed several concepts for the page 2 flow chart before finalizing this idea. I’m showing these ideas so you can see how a design can evolve as more feedback is provided and the goal becomes more clear.
Redesigns are not always a “slam dunk” on the first try every single time. Designers are also not mind-readers. In order to get the best result, the client needs to work closely with the designer.
Receiving feedback in order to improve a design concept while keeping the client engaged throughout the process is a skill set of its own.
Design 1 and Design 2 above were presented to the client at the same time. In Design 1, wanted to show the client how their original idea/concept could be improved upon. But, the information still didn’t appear to fit. So, I introduced Design 2 as a second concept for the client to review.
The client was happy with Design 2 and it brought out a very helpful discussion about what they liked and didn’t like. Presenting two options makes it easier on the client because they feel like they are comparing one design to the other instead of picking apart a designer’s work. Sometimes, clients are a bit shy about “criticizing” a designer, so I like to use this tactic to get more feedback while keeping the client comfortable. After discussing both options, they did not really like Design 1 and also felt that the timeline concept in Design 2 was NOT strong enough. So, I used their feedback to create Desgn 3; in more of a timeline form.
The final concept (Design 4) actually came to me the day after I created Design 3. Sometimes, it’s best to sleep on these ideas. Design 3 and Design 4 (chosen as final) were also presented to the client at the same time. The client chose Design 4 without any further discussion, which made me very happy.
Interested in a project like this?
Please contact me if you’d like to talk about simplifying or redesigning your own reports!