What is a design brief?

A design brief is a critical document that outlines the objectives, constraints, and requirements of a project. It serves as a foundational guideline for designers and stakeholders, ensuring that all parties have a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished. The design brief typically includes details such as the target audience, desired outcomes, functional requirements, aesthetic considerations, and any limitations or regulations that must be adhered to throughout the design process.

This comprehensive overview allows designers to align their creative efforts with the goals of the project while maintaining awareness of any restrictions that may impact the design, such as budget or material limitations. Focusing on these elements enables a more effective and efficient design process, leading to better results.

In contrast, some other choices do not encapsulate what a design brief is intended to achieve. A visual representation of the product would serve more to illustrate ideas rather than clarify objectives or constraints. A list of materials pertains to production logistics rather than the design process itself, and a financial plan, while important, falls outside the scope of a design brief, which is centered on conceptual and project parameters rather than financial considerations.