ACA Setting Project Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client says they want a 'modern' website. What should you do to clarify this requirement?
- Use the latest CSS framework without further discussion
- Ask the client to provide reference websites they find appealing (Correct answer)
- Apply a dark theme since it appears contemporary
- Search for award-winning websites and replicate them
Correct answer: Ask the client to provide reference websites they find appealing
Asking for reference examples helps translate vague subjective terms like 'modern' into concrete visual direction the designer can follow.
Question 2: Which element should a thorough creative brief ALWAYS include?
- The designer's hourly rate
- Project goals, target audience, and key messages (Correct answer)
- A list of competing design agencies
- The client's personal color preferences only
Correct answer: Project goals, target audience, and key messages
Project goals, target audience, and key messages are foundational elements that guide all creative decisions throughout the project.
Question 3: What is the purpose of establishing a revision policy during the requirements phase?
- To discourage clients from requesting changes
- To set clear expectations about the number and scope of included revisions (Correct answer)
- To legally prevent any design alterations
- To determine which software version to use
Correct answer: To set clear expectations about the number and scope of included revisions
A revision policy sets mutual expectations upfront, preventing scope creep and miscommunication about what is included in the agreed fee.
Question 4: A print ad must appear in both full color and black-and-white publications. When should this requirement be communicated?
- After the full-color version is completed
- During the initial project requirements phase (Correct answer)
- Only when the black-and-white version is requested
- When the printer raises the issue
Correct answer: During the initial project requirements phase
Multi-format requirements must be established at the start so the designer creates artwork that works effectively in all specified applications.
Question 5: Which question is MOST useful for identifying a project's communication goals?
- What is your preferred font?
- What action do you want the audience to take after seeing this design? (Correct answer)
- How many colors should be used?
- What is your company's founding date?
Correct answer: What action do you want the audience to take after seeing this design?
Understanding the desired audience action reveals the design's core communication objective and informs every creative decision.
Question 6: A client operates in a highly regulated industry (e.g., healthcare). What additional requirement must be considered?
- Using only sans-serif fonts
- Compliance with industry-specific legal and branding guidelines (Correct answer)
- Limiting the design to two colors
- Avoiding digital file formats
Correct answer: Compliance with industry-specific legal and branding guidelines
Regulated industries have mandatory compliance standards that constrain design choices and must be identified during the requirements phase.
Question 7: What does a 'mood board' contribute to the project requirements process?
- It replaces the need for a creative brief
- It visually aligns stakeholders on aesthetic direction before design work begins (Correct answer)
- It documents the project's financial budget
- It specifies the exact software to be used
Correct answer: It visually aligns stakeholders on aesthetic direction before design work begins
A mood board communicates visual tone, style, and direction through imagery and samples, helping ensure design expectations are aligned early.
ACA Setting Project Requirements 3
A client says they want a 'modern' website.
What should you do to clarify this requirement?