Core77

Okay, the article is really titled Making the Most of a Design Engagement, but it's all about how to better work with a design firm once you've signed them up. It's a great piece, and mandatory reading for all clients, would-be clients, frustrated and disgruntled clients, and anyone, basically, who is thinking about working with creative people anywhere in the world in any industry. So ya, it's an important piece. And here's a tip from us--if you've got a current client who needs a slap or two upside the head, send them the link anonymously! (It'll hit 'em harder than this, but will pay you back in more significant ways.)

Here are a few favorite items:

Some clients try to ensure they get the most value by pushing for more wireframes, more scope, more whatever--all quantitative indicators of value. Instead, clients should be pushing hard to get better quality products. Spend your consulting dollars on design work, not just communication (explaining the process and what's going on to the rest of the organization).

and

Have an executive who is willing to make the difficult decisions that may be internally problematic but are in the best interests of the product and its users. One of the most consistent challenges our clients face is the ability to make a decision and move forward. The possibility of removing options from the table often seems like removing the safety net from the project. Don't bind your consultant to superficial work by "keeping your options open."

and the best one:

Don't ask for little bits of everything when shown distinct ideas for you to choose between. It's not a menu.

thanks Steve Portgal!