What is a design brief and why have one
The term sounds intimidating, when a good design brief can sometimes fit in a few lines.
A design brief doesn't need to be a formal document
In its simplest form, a design brief describes the object's intended use, the main constraints to respect (size, material, strength), and what absolutely must work. It can fit in a few sentences for a small project, without needing a complex technical document.
Why this step avoids costly misunderstandings
Even briefly formalising these elements before starting design avoids the misunderstandings that often appear mid-project, when an important constraint wasn't mentioned upfront and forces a rework of already-completed work.
Frequently asked questions
Does a design brief need to be a formal document?
No, a clear description of the use and main constraints is largely enough for most projects.