How to create the perfect design brief template

Working in design and marketing is often fast-paced, as trends change quickly—what's relevant today might not be relevant tomorrow. As a result, agencies often face several challenges as they juggle multiple clients, manage tight deadlines, and try to keep everyone on the same page. Miscommunication and unclear expectations can result in frustration and wasted time. 

That’s where a design brief template comes into play, to help streamline your process and outline project goals, target audiences, and key deliverables. By using a design brief template, you can ensure that everyone—from your team to your clients—understands what’s needed from the get-go. It lets you focus on what you do best: creating amazing work. 

This blog post breaks down what a design brief template is, why you need one, and how it can make your job a whole lot easier. We go over some simple tips for creating a template that works for you, whether you’re a design whiz or just starting out. Let’s jump in and get you set up! 

What is a design brief template? 

A design brief template is a go-to document that outlines everything you need to know about a design project before you get started. For agencies and creative teams, it’s a must-have tool for keeping things organized; it’s like a roadmap for both the client and the designer, helping everyone stay on track. Whether you're working on a logo, a website, or a creative campaign, having a design brief template in place makes sure all elements are aligned.  

The benefits of a design brief template

Why bother with a design brief template? Simple: it makes life easier. Here's how: 

1. It makes communication easy between clients and designers. By laying out all the project details upfront, there’s less chance of misunderstandings. Everyone knows what’s expected, so there’s no need for constant back-and-forth messages or emails asking for clarification. 

2. Using a graphic design brief template keeps the project on track. It acts as a reference point, keeping everyone aligned and working towards the same goal, from start to finish.  

3. It speeds up the creative process by eliminating guesswork and preventing delays caused by miscommunication. In the long run, it saves you time, energy, and unnecessary revisions, letting your team focus on delivering great work while staying within budget and deadlines. 

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What to include in your design brief template  

Drafting a creative design brief template isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about setting yourself up for success. With a clear and structured brief, you’ll streamline the design process and improve client satisfaction.  

Here’s what to include in your design brief templates to make sure you’ve got everything covered: 

Define your project scope and overview 

Start with the project scope and overview. This is where you give a quick rundown of the project’s purpose. What’s the project about? What problem are you solving? This sets the stage and helps everyone get on the same page right from the start. Keep it short and concise to avoid unnecessary confusion. 

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Set your design goals and objectives 

Next, cover the project goals and objectives. What does the client want to achieve with this design? Maybe they’re looking to increase brand awareness, drive more conversions to their website, or create a fresh look for their website. Based on your client's goals this is where you need to set achievable design deliverables. Having clear goals and objectives makes it easier to measure success once the project is complete. 

Identify your target audience 

Knowing your target audience—the people you’re designing for—including who they are, what they like, and what challenges they face, is key to making your project a hit. If you want to create something that speaks to people, you need to put yourself in their shoes for the message to resonate. 

By including a section about your target audience in your design brief template, you'll make it easier for your team to create a design that hits a nerve with that specific audience. Plus, this can save you from those “what were we thinking?” moments later on.  

Confirm your budget and timeline 

You need to know how much the client is willing to spend and when they expect to see the final design. Confirming your budget and timeline will also ensure your team isn’t over-resourcing the client. This helps prevent ‘scope creep’ (when a project’s requirements grow because new ideas and tasks keep getting added) and makes sure everyone’s on the same page about what can be done within a specific timeframe. Make sure to leave a bit of wiggle room for unexpected changes or revisions. 

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Perform competitor analysis 

Understanding what the competition is doing can be a game-changer. For the competitor analysis section of your design brief, look at similar brands and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. What are they doing right? What gaps can your design fill? This will help you brainstorm ideas that stand out from what’s already out there while still resonating with your target audience. 

Define the project deliverables 

Lastly, define the project’s deliverables. This is where you specify exactly what you’ll be handing over at the end of the project—whether it's a logo, website mockups, or social media assets. Being clear about deliverables ensures that there are no surprises when it’s time to wrap things up. Plus, it helps your team stay focused and hit deadlines with ease. 

Teamwork.com provides real-time insights for managing project deliverables, helping you stay on top of your deadlines.

Create the perfect design brief template for your project with Teamwork.com 

Teamwork.com’s templates are flexible, easy to use, and customizable for any type of project—whether you're an advertising agency or a design studio. You can tweak each template to fit your client’s needs perfectly, making every project feel like a breeze. Plus, you can save your customized templates to use again and again, which means less time starting from scratch. Whether you’re working on a quick graphic design task or creating a big branding campaign, these templates have got you covered. 

But wait! There’s more! 

Check out Teamwork.com’s lineup of pre-made templates. Whether you’re managing a big design project or juggling creative tasks, we’ve got you covered. The Design Project Management template gives you a roadmap that will help you navigate your design project from start to finish. The Creative Requests template helps you handle incoming tasks. And for everyday task tracking, try the Task Management template.  

Plug these templates into Teamwork.com’s project management platform, and you’ll instantly level up your creative brief process across the board. Teamwork.com makes it easy for your team to work smarter, not harder. 

Check out what Idea Planet has to say about Teamwork.com since making the switch. 

Design brief template FAQs 

What is the difference between a design brief and a creative brief? 

A design brief helps to define and plan for project deliverables, including logos, layouts, colors, and making sure everything looks and works right.  

A creative brief focuses on the big picture—the project’s goals, target audience, competitors, and messaging.  

The creative brief sets the vision, and the design brief makes it happen. Both are key, with one guiding the strategy and the other handling the execution. 

How do you write an effective design brief?  

To write an effective design brief, clearly outline the project’s goals, target audience, and deliverables. Include specifics like budget, timeline, and any design requirements. Make sure it’s clear and leaves no room for errors. 

Why do designers need a design brief?  

Designers need a design brief to ensure they fully understand the project’s objectives and the client’s expectations. It’s a guide that keeps the project on track, minimizing confusion and revisions. A clear brief helps designers deliver work that aligns with the client’s vision.