As a graphic designer, you know that design is not just about creating beautiful visuals. It's also about communicating ideas and solving problems. However, there's a common misconception that design is purely intuitive and doesn't require verbal communication. In this post, we'll explore why verbal communication is essential in the design process, even for those who consider themselves "intuitive" designers.
While designing may be intuitive for some, it's not a process that happens in a vacuum. Even the most "intuitive" designers have a process, whether they realize it or not. This process involves making decisions and solving problems, and these decisions need to be communicated to others involved in the project. This is where verbal communication becomes essential.
Verbal communication is especially important when working with clients or team members who are not designers. For these individuals, logic and a clear explanation are necessary to understand why certain design decisions were made. It's not enough to simply say "it feels right." Verbal people need to understand the reasoning behind a design choice.
This is why designers must learn to explain their decisions verbally. By doing so, they can help clients and team members understand the thought process behind a design choice, which can lead to more effective collaboration and better results.
A few quick tips to improve your verbal skills:
- Practice explaining your design decisions:
Whether it's to a colleague or to a client, take the time to practice explaining the reasoning behind your design choices. This will help you develop the language and vocabulary needed to communicate effectively. - Ask for feedback:
Ask for feedback on your communication skills from colleagues, mentors or clients. This will help you identify areas where you need improvement and work on them. - Use visual aids:
Use sketches or visual aids to supplement your verbal explanations. Sometimes, a visual representation can help others understand your design choices more easily. - Develop a clear structure:
Develop a clear structure for your verbal explanations. This could include outlining the problem you were trying to solve, the process you followed and the reasoning behind your design choices. - Practice active listening:
Active listening is an important part of effective communication. When someone else is speaking, make sure to listen carefully to what they're saying and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand their perspective.
It's essential for designers to recognize the importance of verbal communication in the design process. While some designers may rely on intuition, a clear explanation is necessary to help clients and team members understand the reasoning behind design decisions. By learning to communicate verbally, designers can improve collaboration and achieve better results. So the next time someone asks you why you made a certain design choice, be prepared to explain it verbally.
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