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The evolving role of the contemporary proposal designer
Dive into the transformative journey of proposal design and learn how these unsung heroes are redefining success in the competitive realm of bidding.
First impressions count. The role of the proposal designer has never been more critical in creating the right one.
Discover how the modern proposal designer can shape the entire bid lifecycle with innovative design thinking and cutting-edge technology.
The last ten years have seen a seismic shift in the role of the proposal designer. Gone are the days when graphic illustrators or document managers were confined to the final stages of proposal beautification. Today, the contemporary proposal designer is a strategic player throughout the bid lifecycle.
From aesthetics to strategy, the evolution began with a shift from mere aesthetics to a holistic view of design thinking. Designers now engage in the capture phase, bringing a visual narrative to the forefront of the bidding strategy. They're not just making documents look good; they're making them work effectively.
As digital media took centre stage, proposal designers adapted, incorporating multimedia and video into their repertoire. This shift upgraded the bid presentation experience, making it more dynamic and engaging for the modern evaluator.
The fast-paced nature of bidding required designers to adapt to designing at proposal speed. They learned to work under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality, ensuring that design elements are not an afterthought but an integral part of the proposal development process.
Good designers do more than create visuals; they make writers write better. By pre-designing content, not just pre-writing it, designers help shape the narrative, ensuring that the written word and visual elements are in harmony.
The role of AI has also entered the design sphere, offering new tools and methods to streamline processes and enhance creativity. Proposal designers are now leveraging AI to generate design elements, further expanding their capabilities.
The question of who should handle proposal design – specialists or the marketing team – has become more nuanced. The role now often requires a dedicated internal design team or the use of specialised external teams to meet the demands of complex proposals.
Most recently, the role has gained formal recognition through the APMP graphics micro-certification, validating the specialised skills and strategic importance of proposal designers.
Meet our design team at Strategic Proposals:
Our design team is at the forefront of this evolution. They embody the modern blend of strategic thinking, multimedia prowess, and rapid execution that sets apart winning proposals.
Read more about what they do here.
To find out more about the key skills and tools necessary to develop powerful, compelling proposals contact our experts on 0800 009 6800 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
