WEB DESIGN – PROPOSAL 12/2022

1. What is a design proposal?

A design proposal is a document or a series of slides that set out your plan for
a design project. Normally requested by clients, it’s a way for them to
compare the value that different designers are offering them. But value ≠ price

“The best fit for clients doesn't mean the least expensive option, or the best
design portfolio. It means that you can move the needle for them and help
them with something they need to get done”

So a solid design proposal template doesn’t need to show off your fancy
design skills—or even any design skills at all. But it should clearly explain your
client’s problem or objective, how your web design will help their business,
and why you personally are right for the job.

And crucially, you need to show new clients that you’re the best option for
their business in terms they understand. Remember, your client probably
doesn’t know design. That’s why they’ve come to you.

But it’s also important to make one thing clear: design proposals don’t have to
exist purely for your client’s benefit. If you approach them the right way, they
can guide the design process, keep the project scope in check, and align
yours and your client’s expectations. So before you start a proposal, make
sure to have productive conversations with the client on the goals, budget,
and scope of the project.

“Your design proposal should never surprise a client.”

2. Why do clients and designers need proposals?

Companies and individuals have so many options to choose from when

looking for design services. Clients ask for design proposals because they
want to compare your offer with those of other designers and find the best fit
for the project.

A well-written design proposal clearly defines what you’ll be doing for your
clients and how your proposed solution will address their needs. It allows you
to show the value that you're offering and communicate that you're the right
person for the job.

Also, a design proposal will help you and your clients set expectations from
the beginning. Clearly stating what you'll deliver, when, and how much the
service will cost is vital for the project's success.

Ts Abdul Hasib Sadiqin

WEB DESIGN – PROPOSAL 12/2022

3. What should a design proposal include?

So, with both your client’s and your own interests in mind, here’s what your
proposal writing should cover:

 Cover page: an elegant front cover with a simple, professional design

 Table of contents: a breakdown of your proposal sections with page
numbers for easy access
 Project overview / Introduction: an executive summary of the project
based on your conversations with the client. Use the client’s own words
to avoid misunderstandings. If their definition of the project is
ambiguous, you need to clear this up before starting the proposal.
 Objective: this should be measurable and clearly defined (e.g.,
increase conversions). If a project has more than one objective, make
sure you and the client agree on which takes priority.
 Problem Statement: concise description of an issue to be addressed
or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the
current (problem) state and desired (goal) state of a process or
product. Focusing on the facts, the problem statement should be
designed to address the Five Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why).
The first condition of solving a problem is understanding the problem,
which can be done by way of a problem statement.
 Scope: clearly define the limits of what you’ll design for the client as
part of this project and budget. For example, you might be working on a
logo design for a new brand. Defining the scope in the design proposal
helps establish the purview of the project and sets realistic
expectations.
 Storyboard: A storyboard is a graphic representation of how your
project will unfold, shot by shot. It's made up of a number of squares
with illustrations or pictures representing each shot, with note about
what's going on in the scene and what's being said in the script during
that shot.
 Development Process: process of dividing software development
work into smaller, parallel or sequential steps or subprocesses to
improve design, product management. It is also known as a software
development life cycle (SDLC).
 Conclusion: the last part of something, its end or result. When you
write a paper, you always end by summing up your arguments and
drawing a conclusion about what you've been writing about.
 Timeline: present a timeline that’s realistic for you. In my experience,
most design clients would rather have something done right than done
fast. Leave more time than you think you’ll need, as this sets your

Ts Abdul Hasib Sadiqin

WEB DESIGN – PROPOSAL 12/2022

clients' expectations and gives you breathing space when there are
complications.
 Deliverables: write a comprehensive list of what you’ll deliver the client
by the end of the project. Make sure they know that anything extra will
require adjusting the budget and scope.

Ts Abdul Hasib Sadiqin