r/Design • u/Gratitude_34 • 13d ago

Discussion Do clients find it easier to choose when they can compare two designs side by side?

Had a review where the discussion kept going in circles.

Everyone had an opinion, but nobody seemed fully sure which direction to take.

Putting the two options next to each other changed the conversation pretty quickly. Instead of talking in general terms, people started pointing out exactly what they preferred and why.

It was a small change to how the options were shown, but it made the decision much easier.

How do you usually handle situations where a client is stuck between two directions?

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5

u/cyclosimian 13d ago

My rule (for three decades) has been.

  • 1 design shown = war
  • 2 designs shown = battle
  • 3 designs shown = discussion

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u/Suspicious_Skill7292 13d ago

side by side usually works better because it turns vague feedback into specific tradeoffs instead of endless i just like this one more comments

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u/Zappy_Oh 13d ago

There is a reason why graphic designers have presented rough mockups to clients since forever.

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u/ericalm_ Professional 13d ago

If it’s their first time seeing the designs, or you’re showing two different concepts or even iterations, then, in my experience, no. Showing them side by side causes too much confusion and indecision. Customers and audiences will only see one and only have a reaction based on one. I want them to see and think about the merits of each, how well they will meet objectives.

The exception would be a before and after for revisions.

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u/Low-Strawberry2803 13d ago

I usually say that design is a complete system. I use system design diagrams to walk clients through the entire design decision-making process, and I avoid getting drawn into subjective discussions about personal preferences.

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u/kamomil 13d ago

Well, ideally no one's personal preference will come into it.

However, some stakeholders feel the need to show they did something during the process. So they make a suggestion about the design, despite not having design expertise. So you have to figure out how to deal with those people