How to Do Deal with a Design Difficulty

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."      —Walt Disney

 

We've all had those moments.  You've picked, pried, and slaved over a design.  It looks promising.  Then, the teacher, client, or whoever it is, breaks the news to you.  The design does not work for them.  What do you do?

Don't Take It Personally
When it comes to design, it's a very subjective topic.  Just because your client does not like your solution, does not mean you're a horrible person or a designer.  It's just that the particular solution you came up with was not what your client wanted.  

Use It As A Learning Curve
Even if the design didn't work, it doesn't mean that it was a waste.  Thomas Edison, a man familiar with failed attempts, shared this thought. "If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward."  That failed attempt has brought you one step closer to a better solution.  Use it as a springboard to create a better design solution.

Refocus on the Design's Objectives
Ask the client why it didn't work and listen. You might discover insight that will make you a better designer on this particular project.  Reevaluate the objectives of the design.  Did it fail because it veered off it's intended course whether by the client or (gasp) you?  Are the objectives true to the client's needs or do they need to change?  Are you and your client communicating the same thing?  Work through all the reasons why the design did not work.

Get Back in There!
It is humbling to have design rejected by a client.  But that doesn't mean it's time to call it quits and give up.  Use the insight you have gained from the failed attempt to create a better solution for your client.  You still have the chance to wow them with your creative insight and expertise.  You may encounter some "foot-in-mouth" or even miss a few "teeth" by the end of it.  But it will be worth it if you create a great product and become an even better designer.

Do You Have Any Advice / Comments on Design Difficulty or Failure?
Please share your comments, stories, and insights!  I'd love to hear from you.