The 3 step design presentation process
The ability to present your work effectively can make or break a project. Preparation is key to ensuring that your design work is communicated clearly and professionally, leaving a lasting impression on stakeholders, clients, and managers. While it may seem tedious and like overkill, having a structured approach to presenting your design work can significantly enhance your credibility and the overall success of your projects. Here’s a three-step process to help you prepare and present your design work at a professional level.
01: Maintain a clean and organized Figma file
Transparency and Accessibility: A well-organized Figma file ensures that anyone who needs to see the work in progress can easily navigate and understand it. This transparency builds trust and allows for more effective collaboration.
Efficiency: An organized file saves time for both you and your stakeholders. It reduces the need for lengthy explanations and makes it easier to find specific elements or iterations.
Professionalism: A clean Figma file reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. It shows that you take your work seriously and are prepared for any review or feedback session.
Action Items:
Organize Layers and Components: Ensure all layers and components are clearly labeled and grouped logically.
Use Frames and Pages: Separate different sections of your project using frames and pages to create a structured layout.
Add Annotations and Notes: Include annotations and notes to explain design decisions and interactions, providing additional context for viewers.
02: Record a Loom overview
Asynchronous Communication: Recording a Loom overview allows stakeholders to review your work at their convenience. This flexibility is particularly valuable for remote teams or busy clients who may not be able to attend live presentations.
Clarity and Context: A video walkthrough provides a clear and concise explanation of your design, highlighting key features and decisions. It ensures that your message is communicated effectively, even in your absence.
Engagement: A Loom video can be more engaging than static documents. It allows you to convey your enthusiasm and passion for the project, which can be infectious and persuasive.
Action Items:
Plan Your Script: Outline what you will say in the recording, focusing on key points and design decisions.
Record the Walkthrough: Use Loom to record your screen and provide a voiceover explanation of your design.
Review and Edit: Watch the recording and make any necessary edits to ensure clarity and professionalism.
03: Upload work to Keynote
Comprehensive Presentation: A Keynote presentation allows you to create a polished and comprehensive overview of your design work. It’s ideal for formal presentations where you need to provide a detailed walkthrough.
Visual Storytelling: Keynote’s features enable you to use high-quality visuals, animations, and transitions to make your presentation engaging and memorable.
Flexibility: Having your work in Keynote format ensures you are prepared for any presentation scenario, whether it’s a scheduled meeting or an impromptu review session.
Action Items:
Create a Draft: Start with a draft that includes all key elements of the project.
Enhance with Visuals: Add high-quality images, animations, and transitions to make your presentation visually appealing.
Rehearse: Practice your presentation multiple times to ensure a smooth delivery.
Why the extra effort is worth it
While maintaining an organized Figma file, recording a Loom overview, and preparing a Keynote presentation may seem like overkill, the benefits far outweigh the workload. Here’s why:
Preparedness: Being prepared for any scenario ensures that you can present your work confidently and professionally, regardless of the circumstances.
Flexibility: Different stakeholders have different preferences and schedules. Providing multiple formats for reviewing your work ensures that everyone can access the information in a way that suits them best.
Professionalism: Going the extra mile demonstrates your commitment to excellence and your respect for your stakeholders’ time and needs. It builds trust and enhances your reputation as a reliable and thorough professional.
Conclusion
Preparation is the cornerstone of effective design presentations. By maintaining a clean and organized Figma file, recording a Loom overview, and preparing a Keynote presentation, you can ensure that your design work is communicated clearly and professionally. While it may require extra effort, the benefits of being well-prepared far outweigh the workload. This structured approach not only enhances your credibility but also increases the likelihood of your design work being understood, appreciated, and approved.
Cheers to your success,
Eric
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