1. Don’t Overload with Fonts
- Avoid using too many fonts in a single project. Stick to a maximum of two or three complementary fonts to maintain a clean, professional look. Overuse of fonts can make designs look cluttered and unprofessional.
2. Don’t Skip the Planning Phase
- Jumping straight into design without planning can lead to wasted time and miscommunication. Take time to understand the client’s goals, do research, and outline concepts before creating.
3. Don’t Neglect the Target Audience
- Design decisions should be influenced by the intended audience, not personal preference. Avoid designing based solely on trends or personal taste without considering the user’s needs.
4. Don’t Ignore Feedback
- Feedback is crucial, even if it’s challenging. Avoid defensiveness, and instead view feedback as a way to improve and meet client expectations better.
5. Don’t Forget About Accessibility
- Designing without accessibility in mind can exclude users with disabilities. Avoid low contrast, unreadable fonts, and complex navigation to ensure an inclusive user experience.
6. Don’t Underestimate White Space
- Filling every inch of a design with content can make it overwhelming. Use white space strategically to give the design balance, emphasise important elements, and improve readability.
7. Don’t Use Stock Images Without Modifications
- Unaltered stock images can make designs look generic. Instead, customise or enhance images to align better with the brand and add originality.
8. Don’t Over Promise on Deadlines
- Being realistic about deadlines helps avoid burnout and maintains a high quality of work. Overpromising and rushing can lead to errors and affect the project’s outcome.
9. Don’t Ignore File Organization
- Poorly organised files can lead to confusion and delays. Keep files properly labelled and organised to streamline collaboration and future edits.
10. Don’t Overlook Licensing Issues
- Ensure all fonts, images, and assets used are properly licensed. Using copyrighted materials without permission can lead to legal problems.
11. Don’t Ignore Trends Completely, But Don’t Follow Blindly
- While trends are useful to know, they should not dictate every design decision. Avoid using trends that don’t align with the project’s goals or will age poorly.
This “not-to-do” list helps designers stay focused on essential design principles, work more efficiently, and maintain high-quality, client-centred work.
