Working Together: Content
Chapter 12: Content
Content
Lesson 1 of 15
A design is only ever as good as its content.
The work of a designer is always to enhance and show off a design’s core message. Sometimes the content itself is the message, as is generally the case with copy, or even some imagery. Other times, content is there to support the message, making it clearer or helping draw attention to it. There are many ways the content process may be managed. Sometimes you will come in with all of your content and assets prepared. Sometimes you will deliver a core message to your designer and leave everything else open to their interpretation. You may work together to develop content that they will then use in the final design. Or you may have to get started before content is ready.
Regardless of the process your project requires, it’s important that you understand the content development process and what you and your designer need to do to end up with a final product that communicates your message. Without this background, you can end up wasting a lot of time and money on content that doesn’t work with your designs, or, conversely, design that doesn’t support your content. In the worst circumstances, you may even find yourself needing to redo the project. Whether you are developing all content for the process or relying on stock assets to bolster your message, a thorough understanding of the content process will set up your project for success.
A thorough understanding of content is essential to ensuring…
Your designer has what they need to complete the process.
Your content is developed or chosen correctly for your design.
Your design is developed correctly for your content.
Custom developed content supports your goals and need.
You know how to communicate your needs.
You don’t waste time and money on designs that don’t work.
You efficiently leverage placeholders when content isn’t ready.
You know how to source and purchase stock assets.
You leverage tools like AI effectively, where helpful.
Ineffective content processes can mean…
Lots of wasted time and money.
Inefficient workflows.
Holdups when designers don’t have the assets or information they need.
Design that doesn’t support its message.
Ineffective use of placeholders.
AI asset that undermine your goals and process.
Stock assets that cost too much or look bad (often at the same time!).
Illegible or unclear design.
Projects that need to be redone or majorly reformulated.