Comments on: Presenting Designs to Your Client

By: Mike Miller

Mike Miller — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:38:12 +0000

I like what you’re up to. This definitely addresses a new challenge to us when presenting.
I’ve thought about this as I look to have more clients like you describe. Although I haven’t tested it yet, I’ve considered using GarageBand to make enhanced Podcasts for clients to download and play – this way, I can control what I say and what they see and when they see it. This way I can write and rehearse until my presentation is right where I want it and then have the client download it and follow-up upon their review.
It could be a lot of work but it could pay off too.

By: kadavy

kadavy — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:14:10 +0000

Hey @Thomas, yeah, I’ve used PDF presentations a couple of times, and they do look great. For me, the things that keep them from being the perfect solution are:
1) You have to make them, which can be time-consuming
2) Version control issues. Sure, you’ve named and labeled the file correctly, but it’s still easy to get confused as to which is the most recent. What if there was one link you could go to for a particular project that would always have the most recent version, but would point to previous versions as well?
3) Keeping track of feedback. Sure, e-mail works pretty well, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a comment thread for the work, too?
4) This one is kind of silly, but ever have a client (or yourself) forget to read a few pages on a PDF. I really wish they would improve the UI to cue people to scroll down, but for now you have to put the cues in your presentation.
Does any of that sound valid to you, or am I just being too picky?

By: Thomas Jockin

Thomas Jockin — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:38:30 +0000

….and there’s something wrong with PDF presentations, built in Indesign?
Seems to me to be the best solution, on the technical side.
In terms of content, since you’re not in person to add oratory elements, the structure and logic of the presentation matters even more so.
A good trick I do is copy/paste the last email comments or responses I got on a project, highlight key terms, and then isolate those terms in a new slide, as key points to hit in the design. It helps set up the context for the design, a good lead in to your formal process, and something to refer to at the conclusion.