The design briefing is your introduction to the design team responsible for the design aspects of your deployment.
The aim of the design briefing is to give the designer a sufficient brief to begin the design process. When the meeting ends, the designers should have a good idea of your organisations identity, personality, and target audience.
To prepare for the design briefing, have a clear idea within your team of how you want your new website to look and behave. Consider the following questions:
Recognition and identity
1. Can you supply a logo and branding guidelines (if any)?
Your Association’s personality
2. Describe the essence & culture of your organisation
3. Which of these words capture the style you are aiming for?
relaxed | out there | formal | corporate | engaging | leading edge | fun | informing
Your industry
4. What industry or sector does you’re association represent?
5. Are there reference organisations (or competitors) in your sector?
Your audience
6. Describe your typical member: Age | Gender | Education | Internet use
7. Any other key audiences? E.g. Potential members | Government | Student
Reference sites
8. Can you point to other websites you like, or don’t like?
Document your responses
Have your responses documented to bring to the design briefing.
Process
At the design briefing, the designers will work through your responses to the above. They will ask numerous questions along the way as well, to really understand your goals with the new website.
Make sure that you convey a detailed and accurate brief, so the design concept prepared for you is just what you're after!