When developing a concept, how many options do you provide a client with?

[zeroedin]

the problem multiplies if the client insists on taking that concept to the "board". then you're opening a whole brand new can off worms. been down that road and got stung. so now we do 1 design, 2 variation for web and 2 designs and 2 variations each for print. we also tell our client upfront we deal with one person and one person only.

[ashul]

+1 for one - if you give three, how different are you from a template monster? If you are providing a full service you need to identify what the client wants before embarking on creating a design, there is no point second guessing you might as well send them to template monster and get them to choose what they like..

[adrianlynch]

Twelve, and each with a variety of faux wood styles...

Oh ok. Really just one.

A

[tuna]

Originally Posted by adrianlynch

Twelve, and each with a variety of faux wood styles...

A

So what wood styles do you think are the best...

[patricktt]

Originally Posted by Ray

I'm not entirely keen on the multiple concept approach, for the reasons outlined above, and also because you usually end up with 80% of the effort on 1, and 20% on the other...

and in my experience the client always picks the 20% one!

[danspace]

Originally Posted by madpilot

Also, if you provide multiple concepts, the client will inevitably play Frankenstein and then no body wins.

Double entendre or unintended pun?

I agree with Kay & Tuna on the one design. In my limited experience, too much choice and the design gets sidetracked (like this). I know how it sounds however I think if you do the research, one is enough.

When I'm in two minds about a design, I tend to refocus on the core ideas, even if I have to call the client for clarification.

[webdesignermelbourne]

Great example danspace. I do often find that the client tends to sometimes sway away from what would make a reasonable, efficient and well presented GUI web site to something that is not that. But in all truth from my humble experience with bosses and clients it takes time and practice to lead them to the light. And sometimes I find that it is best to start with one design that you have chosen once having a long conversation with them about what they want. Even if the design may have to start at template monster. Sometimes template monster is exactly what they want with a bit of customisation.

I am quite partial to multiple wood styles though. The more the merrier.

[jexley]

Originally Posted by webdesignermelbourne

Great example danspace. I do often find that the client tends to sometimes sway away from what would make a reasonable, efficient and well presented GUI web site to something that is not that. But in all truth from my humble experience with bosses and clients it takes time and practice to lead them to the light. And sometimes I find that it is best to start with one design that you have chosen once having a long conversation with them about what they want. Even if the design may have to start at template monster. Sometimes template monster is exactly what they want with a bit of customisation.

I am quite partial to multiple wood styles though. The more the merrier.

Can you stop commenting on seriously old threads? If you're out to up your post count, start some new ones and invite others into the conversation.