Working with DM Design

Strategy is the foundation of successful design.

Beautiful things are fun to create. But if they aren't functional, then it fails as design. Capitalizing on the details of both however, is the difference between "just ok" and "legendary" results.

OUR MAGIC SUMMARIZED

The steps in the dm design process that deliver these legendary results, consistently.

01

Discovery

Multiple, thorough research sessions take place in order to strategically develop the foundation for prototyping visual concepts. The brand mission and positioning, competitive landscape, business location, and best practices are just a few of the numerous components which are recorded in what is known as a “Discovery & Planning” document in order to provide a clear direction for prototyping.

02

Planning

It is during the planning phase when user personas and tone & manner boards are created to establish a direction for the coming prototypes. Font pairings are presented and discussed as well as potential color palettes. A sitemap, user journeys, and finally wireframes are established for web experiences.

03

Prototyping

This is where beauty and function is visualized; options are explored for identity concepts, a business system, packaging, signage and other agreed on deliverables. This includes web design static protoypes iterated with driving intent to make the user experience engaging and efficient. Additional ideas for collateral not presented in the original proposal may be introduced if appropriate, to further increase brand differentiation.

04

Production + Launch

We swiftly move to scheduling production dates for print pieces and site visits for quality assurance. Making sure your deliverables arrive comfortably on time is high priority. Digital production such as website development will be in progress during the production phase.

The Launch is the realization of the strategy + branding coming together in beautiful harmony. Your customers have the opportunity to experience and shape your brand perception, so you should collect metrics and feedback that will build upon this foundation in the future. This phase should not be thought of as the end of the design process, but the first opportunity to begin assessing its effectiveness of delivering your brand promise. We can then understand how to take actionable steps towards most effectively improving upon the overall user experience.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

While our speciality is in creating identity systems and user interface design, we care about how all these offerings work together to build you something remarkable.

Branding

Strategy

Identity System

Collateral

Style Guides

UI + UX

Web Design

Digital Design Systems

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Frequently Asked Questions

Need additional clarity? Below you will find answers to some FAQs regarding our process and services. If you are still in need of help, we will be happy to correspond with you directly. Contact Us.

  • Logos or rather, “identity systems”, are included as a part of our Brand Packages, but we don’t design logos as à la carte items. Our Brand Packages vary in scope and deliverables and typically take three months to complete from discovery to delivery.

  • No. We design and prototype 100% of all the sites we do in-house, but the development is handled by either a developer of your choice or a trusted partner of ours. All of our websites are built with responsive architecture and are built on the Squarespace platform or alternatively, WordPress depending on your needs.

  • It all depends on the requirements of a project, but we often work with additional partners for photography and video, copyrighting, marketing plans/media buying, social media, SEO campaigns, illustrations and printing.

  • Not necessarily. We determine what individual projects we take on depending based on a few different factors. Our clients are primarily contracted to work with us for a designated period of time (typically 2-3 months), which includes a specific number of projects to be completed month-to-month. For more details on retainers, send us an email with your specific question(s).

  • Not at this time, currently. However, as we continue to grow and expand our offerings, this is something we would like to include.

  • Each branding package is custom tailored to the client's needs, but the typical pieces to be expected are identity components (logo, patterns, illustrations as determined appropriate) and a business system (envelope, letterhead, and business card). All other pieces would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Website costs can vary a great deal depending on the project scope and the amount of functionality desired or required. Typical “brochure style” websites start at $10K and go up from there. At DM design, we have the ability to prototype the static screens and style guide, required for a developer to implement on the web. Additionally, we contract with a trusted marketer and content writer for the copy on the site. All these processes account for the minimum cost of a custom website.

  • For one-time projects, we generally ask for a 35% upfront deposit to begin services.

  • We email digital invoices that allow you to pay with a debit or credit card immediately. However, note that this method is only acceptable for invoices totaling $2,000 or less. Totals exceeding this amount must be paid via check or money order.

  • In this instance of service, At least 50% deposit must be paid prior to us beginning work. The remainder amount for the month of service must be paid no later than NET 15, unless otherwise agreed.