A real problem where customers’ requests to “just show us” hinder the development of the design

Understanding the Dilemma: “Just Show Us”

In the fast-paced world of design and development, a common request from clients is, “just show us.”

This seemingly harmless phrase often aims to provide a quick visual solution or an immediate interpretation of ideas during the design process.
However, little do clients realize that this request can severely hinder the development and creativity of design projects.

When a client asks for a quick look or demo of a product, it may seem like an easy and harmless request.
But, for the design team, it involves much more than pulling up an existing visual or prototype.
Design is not just about putting pieces together; it’s a thorough process of research, strategy, and creating solutions that fit the needs of both the client and their audience.

The Challenges of The “Just Show Us” Request

Creativity Takes Time

Creativity is at the heart of every design project.
It requires time, thought, and careful planning.
When a client requests to “just show us,” it often places undue pressure on designers to produce something creative and fully formed in a short amount of time.

The outcome is frequently less innovative and less aligned with the strategic goals of the project.
Instead, designers need the freedom to brainstorm, explore different directions, and iterate their designs without the constant need to generate immediate visuals.

Interruption of Workflow

Creating a premature visual can disrupt a designer’s workflow.
If a designer is in the middle of concept development or a specific part of the design process, shifting gears to create something on-demand can create inefficiencies.
Not only does it take time away from ongoing tasks, but it can also lead to inconsistencies within the project.

This interruption leads to a disjointed creative process and can potentially derail the progress already made.
Instead, it’s more productive for clients to wait for scheduled presentations where thoroughly developed concepts are showcased.

Lack of Context

When clients request to “just show us,” they often forget that design isn’t just about visuals.
Design involves understanding the context—why certain design choices are made and how they fit into the overall strategy.

A quick preview often lacks the depth and explanation needed to appreciate the direction being taken.
This lack of context can result in confusion, discouragement, or even misguided feedback that hinders the development process.

Balancing Expectations with Effective Communication

Setting Clear Expectations

It’s crucial for design teams to set clear expectations with clients from the beginning.
This involves communicating the design process, timelines, and when they can expect to see deliverables.

Providing an outline of the phases within a project and explaining what will be achieved at each stage helps manage clients’ expectations.
This transparency can reduce the frequency of “just show us” requests and build trust in the process.

Education and Collaboration

Educating clients about the design process is another vital step.
Designers can share insights into their work processes and the importance of taking time to explore various creative possibilities.

Encouraging collaboration rather than rushed previews helps clients become part of the creative journey.
Regular updates and collaborative workshops can reinforce the design rationale and ensure clients are engaged and informed without the need for unnecessary preview requests.

Structured Feedback Sessions

By organizing structured feedback sessions at regular intervals, designers can ensure that client input is received at critical points during the project.
This intentional approach allows designers to respond to feedback and make informed revisions in a time-efficient manner.

Clients, in turn, get the opportunity to provide targeted feedback and see the design evolve with their input.
These sessions help to create a more strategic and successful project outcome.

Conclusion: Building Trust and Allowing Creativity to Thrive

While the request to “just show us” may come from a positive place, it often fails to recognize the intricate and strategic nature of design work.
To mitigate this, designers need to actively manage expectations, educate clients about the design process, and foster collaboration.

By understanding the challenges posed by premature previews and adopting a structured approach to feedback and communication, both clients and designers can achieve more successful and fulfilling outcomes.
Ultimately, this allows creativity to flourish and ensures that the final design truly aligns with the strategic objectives of the project.

Opening a conversation about these aspects at the onset of a project can build trust, permit creativity to thrive, and lead to designs that resonate with the intended audience.