Here's how you can effectively convey design constraints and limitations to clients as a product designer.

Be empathetic, specific, explain why and (very important) bring proposals. How will not meeting the specification impact your customer? Which specification cannot be met? Why it cannot be met?(explain it deeply to show that is not your lack of interest in satisfying the customer's needs) Which other options are they? any proposal that gets close to the original specification? It is very important that before going to the customer you think about his/her questions, to be prepared. The customer is always right, they say, but we can't always do what they want, with the right story and message it is easier for them to understand that.

I like Mike Monteiro's perspective when he says it's our duty as designers to do these two things with clients: Ask why and Say no

Be transparent and use clear, simple language when explaining design constraints and limitations to clients. For example, during a website redesign project, I highlighted technical and budgetary constraints that influenced design choices. I used visual aids, like wireframes and mockups, to illustrate how these limitations impact the final product. By discussing potential trade-offs and offering alternative solutions, I ensured clients understood the reasoning behind design decisions. Maintaining open communication and providing context helped build trust and align client expectations with the project's realities.

Here are some key steps I follow to ensure clients are informed, aligned, and supportive: -Client's Perspective: Listen to understand their needs, goals, and priorities. -Clear Language: Avoid jargon; use simple, straightforward terms. -Visual Aids: Use diagrams and sketches to clarify complex concepts. -Explain the Why: Provide reasons behind constraints for better understanding. -Offer Alternatives: Suggest flexible solutions within constraints. -Use Data: Support explanations with data and case studies. -Be Transparent: Build trust by being honest about limitations. -Involve Clients: Engage them in brainstorming, feedback, and decision-making. -Follow-Up: Provide regular updates and be open to refining the design.

While designing, consider yourself as a flag bearer and consider below pointers: 1/Be transparent! Don't wait for the client to ask about limitations. Explain the limitations, and why they exist. Be honest, even if they might be perceived as negative. It's better to be upfront than to have to backtrack later. 2/Offer alternatives: This shows that you're thinking creatively and trying to find the best possible outcome. 3/Visuals can help explain the task process. In the last, it’s important to set realistic timelines, flag the bottlenecks, and understand the requirements. By following these tips, win your clients in a way that is both informative and helpful to build a long-lasting lead.

Se aplica perfectamente esa idea de una imagen, vale más que mil palabras. Ya me lo enseñó Javier Cañada hace tiempo: si lo que vas a contar es analítico debes contarlo de forma sintética, y si lo que vas a contar es sintético debes contarlo de forma analítica. Si vas a exponer un flujo, no hay nada mejor que un diagrama, si vas a contar una funcionalidad, no hay nada mejor que un prototipo. Diferenciar qué vas a contar me parece lo clave.

Utilize diagrams, charts, and prototypes to illustrate design constraints and possible solutions. Visual aids can make complex ideas more accessible and allow clients to see how constraints affect the design. For example, a prototype can show how material limitations impact the final product.

Visual aids are essential tools for effectively conveying design constraints and limitations to clients as a product designer. They provide a clear and tangible way to illustrate complex ideas, making it easier for clients to understand the challenges and considerations involved in the design process. Visual aids such as wireframes, prototypes, and diagrams helps bridge the gap between abstract concepts and practical realities. These tools can highlight technical limitations, usability considerations, and other critical factors that influence design decisions. Leveraging visual aids, we can foster better communication, manage client expectations, and facilitate more informed decision-making.

Creating a visually appealing design is essential, as it must align with the business vision elements at first glance. By incorporating micro-interactions, illustrations, and a thoughtful use of white space, the design can effectively capture user attention and stand out prominently.

En mi experiencia, me ha funcionado mejor presentar prototipos o grafica de flujos de proceso para que el interlocutor pueda entender cuales son los limites o restricciones del diseño . Por ejemplo en el diseño de un producto o flujo, ciertos usuarios pueden requerir de añadir características o campos no compatibles que dificultan la venta final o la performance del producto y esto se puede hacer notar al momento de presentar un prototipo beta y ver como funciona en producción o en un user testing.

Work with the client on identifying key features that are critical to quality and those that can be left out. This will help elevate some of the design constraints.

This approach helps clients understand the trade-offs involved and ensures that the final design delivers maximum value within the given constraints. By focusing on what truly matters, we create designs that are both innovative and practical.

Work with clients to prioritize essential features, ensuring they understand which elements are feasible within the constraints. Discuss the trade-offs and guide them in making informed decisions about what features to focus on. This helps in aligning expectations with practical possibilities.

Comunicar e alinhar expectativas de forma recorrente é uma excelente prática, independentemente da pauta. O cliente precisa estar ciente, de maneira simples e assertiva, sobre as limitações dos recursos, do projeto, o que agrega ou não valor e as fronteiras em que sua audiência está envolvida. Por exemplo, incentivar o cliente a se posicionar como seu próprio público é uma abordagem bastante interessante. Esses elementos, quando reunidos, discutidos e finalizados, ajudam a alinhar as expectativas de ambas as partes.

Ask as many questions as possible to understand your user's needs, vision, and expectations clearly. Offer your perspective along with loop holes and their benefits, and there is always room for improvement.

Maintaining open communication channels throughout the design process is essential for managing expectations and preventing misunderstandings. Regular updates and check-ins with clients help keep everyone aligned and aware of what is feasible. When new constraints arise, addressing them promptly and discussing their implications ensures that any potential issues are handled collaboratively. Encouraging clients to ask questions and provide feedback fosters a partnership atmosphere, where challenges are tackled jointly and solutions are developed together. This transparent communication builds trust and ensures a smoother, more effective design process.

Maintain transparent communication throughout the design process to keep clients informed about any challenges or changes. Regular updates and honest discussions about potential issues ensure that clients are not surprised by any constraints and can participate in finding solutions.

Coloque-se no lugar do cliente e imagine como você gostaria de receber as atualizações sobre um projeto importante que envolve investimento, tempo, pessoas, entre outros recursos. Crie um ambiente acolhedor, como se estivessem na sala da sua casa tomando café, onde o cliente se sinta à vontade para trazer ideias, fazer perguntas e expor suas visões como dono do negócio. Além disso, faça atualizações recorrentes sobre o status do projeto e mantenha sempre o canal de comunicação aberto.

As a designer, the golden rule is to have open and honest communication. Client may expect many things which may not look feasible to you, better tell them upfront or communicate your concerns.

No campo do design, as ferramentas estão se tornando cada vez mais democráticas e amigáveis, oferecendo uma ampla gama de alternativas, desde as mais acessíveis até as mais caras. Em caso de escassez de orçamento ou ferramentas, o Designer pode utilizar recursos e até mesmo algumas inteligências artificiais disponíveis de forma gratuita ou a baixo custo. Se não houver dinheiro suficiente para contratar ferramentas mais robustas e um designer dedicado ao projeto, é possível utilizar ferramentas como Canva e bancos de imagens como o Freepik, além de treinar um colaborador para desenvolver partes do produto - reduzindo o custo final. No entanto, é fundamental alinhar as expectativas em relação aos resultados.

Aquí siempre tengo sentimientos encontrados. No abogo por presentar una única propuesta, pero el extremo lo tomo (tanto como cliente, como persona que lidera producto), como inseguridad. Es decir, presentar demasiadas propuestas no es positivo. Prefiero una propuesta sólida, y otra (quizás) algo más conservadora.

Não leve para o cliente o problema, apresente o problema e pelo menos duas soluções, a ideal e uma alternativa que apesar de não ser a ideal ainda assim atenderia de forma satisfatória.

The most important aspect which I have always found is considering manufacturing aspects at the design stage. I don’t mean to make ‘simple to manufacture’ designs. But designer must visualise the difficulty being faced when the design goes to shop floor. As the old proverb says - Roof is the limit and not the sky. Designer must know that his design has to be produced within available manufacturing resources (a roof) and not anywhere else in world.

Present alternative solutions when constraints impact design decisions, providing clients with viable options. Explain the pros and cons of each alternative and how they meet the project goals within the given limitations. This approach empowers clients to make choices that best fit their needs and constraints.

Trabalhar com restrições muitas vezes pode ser até um benefício para o profissional criativo e também ajuda a delimitar o projeto como um todo. Quando trabalhamos sem um briefing definido ou limitações (sejam elas quais forem), o campo criativo fica muito amplo, o que pode dificultar a execução e escolha de caminhos deste projeto.