Avoid Starting Over

Have you ever gotten halfway through a project only to realize you’re not sure if it’s actually going to work? 😅

It’s the worst feeling, right?! There’s nothing quite like starting over. Us designers try to avoid that at all costs! Haha.

It’s easy to get excited about an idea, but I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that ideas have to be verified. Too many things can go wrong, so it’s just better to check things first, by proofing the concept.

When I say “proofing the concept,” I’m not just talking about the graphic design—I’m also referring to things like budgets, skill sets, and timelines. The key to any success I’ve had has been looking beyond just the design.

Here’s how I do it:

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What I look for when reviewing an idea:

🔍 Do I have the skills, or should I pitch something that’s within my wheelhouse? Do we have the skills in-house, or do we need to hire?

💰 Is it within the budget?

⏳ Can I/we execute it within the timeline?

📋 Is the project scope manageable for me/the team?

🔧 What additional resources will it require?

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Proofing a concept doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are some steps I follow (or I ask the team to follow if I’m working with one) to break it down:

1️⃣ Create detailed budget sheets.

2️⃣ Build timelines that actually work.

3️⃣ Create a draft or low-fidelity concept/version.

4️⃣ Develop a mock-up.

5️⃣ Build a prototype if possible.

6️⃣ Leverage past experience and data to inform decisions.

7️⃣ Run the idea by other people/departments that may be impacted or that you trust.

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I hope this helps you take the next step with confidence, knowing you’ve thoroughly “proofed the concept.”

Whether it’s a small task or a big project, applying these steps helps avoid unnecessary headaches and ensures your idea is viable from the start.