What is a design brief?

A design brief is a document that outlines the objectives, constraints, and requirements of a design project. It acts as a foundational guideline for designers, providing clarity on what needs to be achieved and the parameters within which they must work. The brief serves multiple purposes: it helps communicate the goals of the project to all stakeholders involved, establishes a clear scope, and defines the target audience and intended use of the design.

This clear and structured approach ensures that designers and clients are aligned on expectations and objectives, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings later in the design process. By detailing the constraints, such as budget, materials, and timeline, the design brief aids in making informed decisions throughout the project.

In contrast to options like a marketing strategy summary, customer feedback report, or prototype evaluation, which focus on aspects of product marketing, user input, or testing outcomes, the design brief specifically centers on the initial planning stages of the design process. It sets the stage for what the actual design work will entail, making it a critical document in product design.