What is the purpose of a design brief?

The purpose of a design brief is to serve as a written outline that clearly articulates a problem or need that requires addressing through design. This document provides a framework for the project by summarizing key objectives, desired outcomes, and constraints. It is crucial in guiding the design process by ensuring that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the project’s focus and goals.

By defining the problem or need, the design brief sets the stage for brainstorming, ideation, and ultimately, the development of design solutions that are relevant and effective. This focused approach helps designers prioritize features and functionalities that directly address the identified issue, leading to more successful and user-centered outcomes in the final product.

In contrast, while aesthetics, user preferences, and ergonomic measurements are important considerations in the design process, they do not encapsulate the overarching purpose of a design brief, which is fundamentally centered around outlining the problem or the need that the design aims to solve.