Tips for Writing a Comprehensive Design Brief

Writing a design brief is essential whenever you consider hiring a Powerpoint presentation designer. After reading your brief, the freelance presentation designer will understand what the project is about, expectations regarding the end goal, and the timeframes or deadlines. Not only will you be happier with the end results, but you will also:

  • Save the designer precious time
  • Set clear expectations for both parties before anything is done
  • Ensure accountability for set deadlines
  • Streamline the design production

No design project can start without a comprehensive design brief, so you must write it early on in the process. In fact, you should start making notes as soon as you have a vision or an idea of what you want your slide deck to look like. 

This article discusses several tips for writing a comprehensive design brief quickly and more efficiently. Keep reading!

1. Write an Overview of Your Business

The designer will want to know more about your business. So, make sure you provide them with crucial facts about your industry, size, and similar background information. Talk about your brand identity, unique selling points, key differentiators, and core values. Include information about the company point of contact for the project.

2. Scope of the Design Project

At this stage, you describe the work that should go into the project. Perhaps you want an entire presentation design, landing page graphics, or a company logo. Be sure to consult your designer before spelling out the scope of the project in the design brief. Agreeing on critical components of the project beforehand eliminates any misunderstanding in the future.

3. Define Your Target Audience

What's the average demographic of your audience? Include details such as their age, occupation, business they work for, industry they’re in, and what their end goal is for attending your presentation. In many cases, your target audience will be similar to the marketing personas of your customers, so take advantage of what you already know about them.

4. Keep Your Competition in Mind

Good presentation design always keeps in mind what their competition is doing. The trick is to understand your unique selling points and highlight them to create something unique. Checking out the competition is essential in understanding what you’re up against and how you can stay one step ahead.

5. Specify Your Goals

What problem do you seek to solve through the presentation? Answers to that question should make up a large part of your design brief’s objectives or goals. For example, if you’re presenting to a group of investors in order to obtain funding for a new project, your slide deck should be designed to inspire feelings of trust, confidence, and authority.

6. Establish a Schedule

One way to set clear expectations from the get-go is to schedule the stages needed to bring the project to fruition. Make sure the designer understands what you expect them to deliver after a specific time. That way, you can count on a completely finished product before you’re supposed to present.

7. Set a Budget

In your brief, propose a budget that establishes possible materials required for the project and addresses the designer’s fee. Make sure there is a clear breakdown of what you expect so that you and your designer are guaranteed to be on the same page. Include a provision contingency to cover unforeseen issues.

Writing a Comprehensive Design Brief

The best way to make the most out of your freelance presentation design services is by writing a detailed, straightforward brief. Present it to your designer and enter a contract for the work! 


When you work with Kristian Olson Art & Design, you’re guaranteed a final product that you love. I am an experienced freelance presentation designer with a portfolio of work for sales, team, executives, corporations, and more across a variety of industries. Get in touch with me today to learn how I can bring your vision to life!

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