I do this with every project, no matter how big or small it is; there are no shortcuts on the path you have to walk with your client. The only difference is the time it takes. If you skip the process, you could fail to realize the product’s potential.

The process has a few simple loops:

1. Coffee first: define the project (what to do, the expectations, and the scope of it) with your client.
2. Research on both sides (client and yours)—this gives better clarity; sometimes we do workshops to align the direction.
3. Discuss the direction. We don’t like surprises; we want to be on the same page with the client all the time.
4. Prepare the first sketches and stay within the direction frame.
5. Mockups: test if it works.
6. Deciding the solution is one of the most demanding steps. The only thing that helps is the experience we have.
7. Rethink and improve. Your mind should be open; make the loops if necessary.
8. Finalization: make sure you are on top of everything: all the executions and all the production people involved.

The sketches we made on the computer are only halfway done. As you can see, I don’t like to call it design; most of the time, the sketch will change and adapt through the process. I listen to the craftspeople I meet along the way and make changes to improve the solution. The experience I gather with every project comes from craftsmen who know more than me.

Here is what I learned from the process:

A good process will give you satisfaction.
The looped process will give you experience.
The failed process will teach you lessons.
The finished process will give you the best projects.