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It's important to know when multiple options are necessary, and when a single option is the best way to go.
Multiple options do not necessarily create a better customer experience. Often, too many options can confuse the customer and result in extra proofing rounds.
Sometimes, you'll be tempted to make multiple options when:
the customer’s instructions are confusing
it feels like you could improve on what the customer created
you're having a hard time making a design decision
you want to avoid being rejected
It’s best to avoid multiple options because:
too many options can be very confusing to customers
the QC can always uncheck any option they feel is unnecessary
it’s best to work smarter, not harder
use your time to create a great proof, rather than unnecessary options
What would you do if the customer continually requests multiple options on several rounds of reproofs?
If a customer continues to request multiple options excessively, please consult your lead. With lead approval, hotlist the order. A consultant may need to reach out to the customer.
Guidelines For Multiple Options
Guidelines For Multiple Options
create multiple options if the customer specifically requests them
never make more than 3-4 options per round
if the customer doesn't request multiple options, only do so if the other option provides a large, noticeable design difference
create 2 options if the date and day of the week don't match
Take a look at the scenarios below.
Scenario 1: Multiple Fonts Request
Scenario 1: Multiple Fonts Request
The original design is on the left.
The customer preview is on the right.
The customer requested to see a couple of different bold/heavy script fonts for the names of the bride and groom. She didn't specify which fonts.
Multiple Options Verdict:
Multiple Options Verdict:
As the DA, the best thing to do is to look through our font selection and find two script fonts that fulfill her request for something bold, while still looking great with the rest of the text.
In this scenario, it's a great idea to create two options.
BambusaProRegular
Greatesque Brush Script
Proof Round 1
Proof Round 1
The DA created these two options and left a note for the QC, indicating which fonts were used.
The QC should leave a note for each option, with the name of the font used, and also include the link to the Minted Designer Font List so the customer can find a font they like.
Scenario 2: Casing
Scenario 2: Casing
The original design is on the right.
The customer preview is on the left.
Note that while the original design is in all lower caps, the customer used a mix of normal casing and lower caps.
Proof Round 1
Proof Round 1
The DA created two options below.
In the first option, the DA applied normal casing consistently.
In the second option, the DA changed all text to lower caps.
Option 1
Option 2
Multiple Options Verdict:
Multiple Options Verdict:
As the DA, the main goal is to create consistent typographical styling and casing, while honoring the customer's choices. In this case, it would be best to use the customer's choice of normal casing, as long as the DA makes it consistent.
In this scenario, there's no need to create a second option with the casing reverted to the lower caps used in the original design.
Scenario 3: Alternate Text Format #1
Scenario 3: Alternate Text Format #1
The original design is on the right.
The customer preview is on the left.
Note that the customer formatted their date a little differently than the original. "November" isn't abbreviated so it throws off the balance a bit.
Proof Round 1
Proof Round 1
The DA created two options below.
In the first option, the DA kept "November" written out fully, and centered the whole group including the date on the artboard.
In the second option, the DA abbreviated "Nov" so the date would look more balanced and aligned with the rest of the text.
Option 1
Option 2
Multiple Options Verdict:
Multiple Options Verdict:
As DA, we're responsible for providing the customer with an outstanding proof.
Because abbreviating "Nov" greatly improves the design, this is a great scenario to provide the customer with two options. This will allow the customer to visually compare the change, and understand how your adjustment improved the overall design.
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