How many times have you presented design options for a client only to have them pick the “worst” one? I think this happens often – at least more often than it should.

My first concern is that you would show the client something you don’t want them to pick in the first place. But in the case where several designers contribute to the effort, or where others in a position higher than you have input on the process, this is sometimes unavoidable. And unfortunate in democratic design.

But why is it that the client has such a strong propensity to choose the worst one? I think it’s because clients can have a lack of design understanding, unsophisticated appreciation, bad taste or all three.

Why did they hire you in the first place? Maybe they don’t have the tools to do the job, or the time. Or maybe they want a professionally done solution.

Isn’t that what we should give them?

I propose – and challenge –  that designers present one solution to their clients. The best solution. Spend the time you would have spent on all the other design variations on client education. Explain how the solution you are presenting is the best. And if it isn’t than you can talk about your need to understand their problem or business better.

In the end I think the designer and the client would be better served. The designer by having their effort go on to represent their best capabilities. And the client through not having to make a determination based on their own lack of expertise, but having the best option from the professional they hired.