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Understanding design: more than just aesthetics
What does design mean to you? Is it just about aesthetics, or does it hold a deeper significance? At SP, we've reimagined design to be much more than just visual appeal.
In our latest blog, we delve into the essence of 'visual design' and how it can revolutionise your approach to winning. From creating lasting first impressions to driving innovation, discover how a broader perspective on design can set you apart from the competition. Ready to explore the transformative power of design? Read on to uncover the full story.
What is design?
It's a question that often leads to more questions.
Does it hold the same meaning for you as it does for me?
When we talk about 'design,' are we even discussing the same concept?
Design is a notoriously ambiguous term. It is both a verb and a noun, and could be referring to a person, a department, an output, or a process. Most of the time, in our profession, we are describing graphic design. But even that term is confused, as APMP demonstrated with their 'Graphics micro-certification', where they are not referring to graphic design, but a small subset of that, specifically, designing graphics.
A shift in terminology at SP/ A change in the way we view design
At SP, we've adopted the term 'visual design' to better communicate our role. We're not just graphic designers; our work encompasses much more. We aim to highlight the broader value of design, extending beyond mere graphics to the benefits it brings to the entire business development process.
The value of design
Design is integral to how we communicate and process information. It's not just about making things look attractive; it's about enhancing how we convey messages and engage with content. By focusing on visual design, we acknowledge the creative processes that drive innovations that will help you to win more.
Here are our top reasons why visual design is crucial in winning:
1. First impressions matter:
Visual design helps create a strong first impression. A well-designed proposal or presentation can immediately capture the attention of your audience and set a positive tone for the rest of your pitch.
2. Professionalism and credibility:
High-quality visual design conveys professionalism and credibility. It shows that you have invested time and effort into your proposal, which can make your business appear more reliable and trustworthy.
3. Clarity and communication:
Good visual design helps in clearly communicating your message. It can make complex information more understandable and engaging through the use of visuals like infographics, charts, animation and diagrams. It can highlight important aspects of your solution, so they're not overlooked.
4. Brand consistency:
Consistent visual design across all your materials reinforces your brand identity. This helps in making your brand more memorable and recognisable, which can be a significant advantage in competitive bidding situations.
5. Emotional engagement:
Visual elements can evoke emotions and create a connection with your audience. By using appealing visuals, you can make your pitch more persuasive and impactful, increasing the chances of winning the deal.
6. Readability and accessibility:
A well-structured layout makes content easier to read and understand. Creating a clear visual hierarchy ensures your proposal is easy to navigate, allowing readers to find the information they need quickly. It's also essential to consider the inclusiveness of your content, and a well-designed layout can significantly enhance accessibility.
Visual design is crucial for making strong first impressions, conveying professionalism, enhancing communication, ensuring brand consistency, evoking emotions, and improving readability and accessibility.
To learn more about how design can elevate your business proposals, go here and/or contact one of our design experts to arrange a no obligation meeting by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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