Agreeing and Adjusting Timescales

Note: this applies to the assignments!! You have set deadlines which need to be adhered to, unless there are extenuating circumstances! See footnote!

When you meet with a client, one of the most important pieces of information you receive will be the project deadline. Ideally, you should be completed on or before this date.

Part of the design process involves you planning how to use your time effectively. There are many ways to do this, but the simplest is to create a Gantt chart. By doing so you will ensure that you have allocated time, which is a precious resource, to all tasks.

However, there will be times when the original deadlines can’t be met – maybe hardware issues have prevented you from working, or sickness has meant you are running behind schedule.

Always contact the client as soon as possible to inform them of any potential delay, and renegotiate – never simply fail to deliver the product.

Important footnote for assignments

Your assignment brief will list the items and functionality required. In many cases, you will not have to include every single element in your submission in order to access the highest marks. However, you must still submit on time.

If you are aware that you will not be able to complete the products in time, you should contact the client and see if you can re-negotiate the content in order to still meet the deadline.

For clarity: the design should always cover all aspects of the brief (section B). If you struggle with the creation (section C), you may be able to negotiate the removal of some aspects in order to meet the deadline. This must be done through written communication (see Communicating with Clients).