It is often thought that software is the solution, but this is usually not the case. Some might say that data is the only way forward, but how do you display this data? Others may argue that the quality of their products speak for themselves, however this only works for existing customers, future customers simply won’t be aware of this. Design is often thought of as ‘nice to have’, rather than a ‘must have’, but design is much more important than you think.

There are tons of different software solutions out there, which according to the adverts are simple to use and easy to create wonderful, creative solutions in seconds. So then why do companies use professional designers?

It’s simple, all of the technology in the world will not create a great idea. All of the technical witchcraft available today will not solve a marketing challenge of how to sell product X, and all of the various gizmos and gadgets can’t sketch out a solution… Fact. You need a human being driving these wonderful tools to enable the magic to happen.

Great designers can understand the challenge, take into account who you are aiming at and get under the skin of the task at hand. They can explore ideas faster than any computer, suggest different ways to get the message across and think the unthinkable, a new idea! Great businesses understand the power of a simple, creative idea and all that it can provide.

Professional designers have a proven track record, they can demonstrate how they work and can fill you with a sense of confidence in their abilities. They are passionate about solving your challenges, and will often end up doing more than you pay for, it’s just the way they’re built. In fact, designers don’t normally do it for the money. They just want to impress people with their talents, they love to show off and make the client say “wow, how did you do that?”. Then they quietly accept the praise, move on and do it all again.

It is not just in business that this happens. It is the doctors where you ring because you’re unwell, the receptionist asks what’s wrong with you (because they are medically qualified???), and then you book an appointment for the doctor to call you to have a chat and see if it’s actually worth them seeing you!!! So doctors, businesses, retail outlets, websites, car manufacturers… you name it, they are increasingly hard to actually speak to.

With the increasing amounts of technology allowing us to communicate globally in seconds, why is it more difficult to get in touch with someone and have a conversation?

When you meet someone, or talk on the phone you get a huge amount of additional information that you simply cannot get through e-mail, Whatsapp, Facebook DM or the myriad of other channels. You can detect if someone is happy or sad, excited or bored, alert or tired. You can see and show empathy, you can pause without feeling like you are being ignored, it is a two way focused communication, rather than sending a message, then waiting for minutes or hours for a response.

My niece and nephew are well used to this, as is anyone under 24, and they call it ‘chatting’. But you simply can’t beat the old fashioned version of this which is called a ‘meeting’ or a ‘telephone call’.

Some would agree, but the facts are that when you focus your communication in a 1-2-1 situation you get better responses, you get the full attention of the person without other interruptions and you get better, more thought through outcomes. Isn’t that the point of communication, better and more thought through outcomes?

At PHd we always try and use the phone and face to face meetings, that way we get faster and better results for our clients. We even use pads and pens (and iPads occasionally) to sketch out a clients needs so we all understand what is required and how it can be achieved. This is followed up with a simple document telling everyone what the outcomes were and who will do what by when…

Sound refreshing?

Why not give us a call and experience the results of our approach.

In the world of graphic design, where creativity knows no bounds and ideas flow freely, there’s a common thread that connects all great designs: they start with a sketch! It doesn’t matter if that initial spark of genius is hastily scribbled on a post-it note or less than elegantly drafted on a paper towel – what truly matters is capturing that idea before it slips away into the abyss of forgotten thoughts. Here at PHd Design, we firmly believe that sketching is the foundation upon which remarkable designs are built, and we’re here to explain why…

From Brain to Pencil

Imagine your mind is a vast landscape of creativity, teeming with ideas and concepts waiting to be brought to life. Sketching serves as the direct line from your brain to the pencil, translating abstract thoughts into tangible forms. It’s the first step in turning an idea into reality, allowing you to visually communicate your vision.

The Key to Idea Preservation

In the fast-paced world of design, ideas come and go like shooting stars. A brilliant concept can strike at any moment, and if it’s not sketched out promptly, it may be lost forever. This is why our design philosophy at PHd Design revolves around the principle of capturing ideas as they emerge. Whether it’s a client’s vision or one of our own, we know that the sketching process is vital for preserving the essence of an idea.

Validation and Refinement

Sketches serve as a designer’s first draft, and a rough blueprint of what’s to come. They allow us to quickly validate or condemn various ideas, as reality often has a way of altering our initial perceptions. What looks incredible in our minds may not translate as well in the physical world, and vice versa. Sketching provides us with a reality check, helping us refine and enhance our concepts more effectively.

The PHd Design Advantage

Here at PHd Design, we take great pride in our skilled and experienced design team. Our understanding of the pivotal role sketches play in the creative process is one of the reasons why we have been independently ranked among the top 100 creative agencies in the UK. Our designers possess the unique ability to swiftly and accurately transform ideas, whether they originate from our clients or our own creative minds, into sketches that serve as the launching pad for exceptional design projects.

It’s important to remember that great designs don’t happen by accident. They start with a sketch—an embodiment of an idea that deserves to be explored and developed. The act of sketching is the bridge between imagination and reality, and it’s a skill we hold in high regard at PHd Design. If you’re looking to embark on a design journey that begins with a stroke of a pencil, we’re here to bring your visions to life. Contact us today, and let’s turn your sketches into something extraordinary.