Powerpoint presentation: guide to creating a good graphic brief

Creating a compelling PowerPoint presentation isn't just about well-aligned slides. It is above all a matter of brief: a Graphic brief clear, structured, and in line with the brand's universe.

Because behind each successful presentation, there is a real work of foresight: understanding the visual identity, identifying the objectives, framing the expectations... in short, giving to the designer everything he needs to create a support that is at the same time professional, coherent and impactful.

A vague brief is the start of endless back and forth with your service provider.

In this guide, we show you How to build a graphic brief with the greatest care for your next PowerPoint presentation.

Objective: to lay the right foundations from the start.

The graphic brief, an essential element of an impacting PowerPoint presentation

What is a graphic brief?

First, let's see the consensus definition of the term “graphic brief”: it is a document serving as a roadmap for creating visuals around a specific project. Issued by the entity behind the idea, it can be addressed to the graphic designer alone, or to several professionals who are working on various aspects of the project.

This document clearly describes the Expectations about the final result, but also the objectives and context of the project, not to mention the visual constraints to be respected.

The graphic brief thus becomes a essential tool on which to support and guide creation of one or more visual supports that will be used for the project. Its objective may be the design of digital supports or prints, of PowerPoint presentations, web interfaces, or even a complete graphic charter.

The challenges of writing a graphic brief for a PowerPoint presentation

When considering teamwork, a A well-constructed graphic brief is essential. Indeed, if it is poorly designed, employees may not understand each other about the expected result, or even produce a disappointing result.

A good graphic brief therefore makes it possible to save invaluable time, and to align teams with customer expectations. All employees are thus equipped to aim for a excellent end result, consistent with the brand image and the objectives of the project.

The components of a well-constructed graphic brief

To build a good graphic brief that will serve as solid foundation for visual design around your project, you need to integrate the following elements:

• a clear explanation of context of the project, goals to be achieved and target audience ;
• Of information about your brand or business, your values and The visual universe existing (graphic charter, logo, colors, fonts);
• the Details of deliverables expected, without forgetting the technical constraints (types of formats, planned supports);
• the Validations calendar and renderings;
• Of visual references inspiring or to avoid;
• The modalities of collaboration for all parties involved, the budget and the key stakeholders.

Proposing a structured framework allows the designer and/or the teams involved to meet expressed needs and objectives of the project with relevance and creativity, while remaining within the time and constraints set.

The essential steps for building an effective PowerPoint graphic brief

Step 1: clearly lay the foundations of the graphic brief

The first step in writing your graphic brief is to explain the context of the project and its objectives. Also define the reasons why you need this support: do you want to renew, inform, convince, sell, build loyalty ?

Be explicit about the message you want to get across, and the tone to adopt: are we going to speak formally? Playful? Quirky? Pedagogue? Lay the groundwork right from the start!

Finally, brush a Portrait of the target audience for the project and the graphic creation : feel free to include details about age groups, occupations and interests, needs, and expectations. You can also suggest strategic approaches to way to convince this audience!

Step 2: Determine the key elements to include in the graphic brief

Then, incorporate into the graphic brief:

• The list of expected deliverables (for example a logo, flyer, assembly, banner);
• their declinations and dimensions;
• their formats (PDF, PPT, JPG, etc.);
• and the media on which you plan to use them (web, print, presentation, social networks).

Specify the graphic and logistical constraints :

• include the details of a graphic charter to be respected if applicable (including the tone and values of the brand);
• indicate the schedule to follow for the validations and the deadline;
• be explicit about the budget planned for the creations requested.

Do not hesitate to Suggest examples of visual references appreciated or to avoid, and to give access to moodboards, models or old visuals if you have them. You thus give a clear creative framework by explaining the style you are aiming for (modern, eclectic, refined, colorful, colorful, institutional, ecological, among others).

Step 3: detail the best practices for a smooth collaboration

The last essential step in a quality graphic brief is to set the framework for collaboration. You are thus creating a healthy and serene collective workspace, in which employees agree on the timetable, working methods and means of communication.

You can define a Messaging channel or dedicated contact, on which you or your teams remain available.

Likewise, do not hesitate to plan structured feedback phases, by clarifying the process around modification and validation deadlines.

Finally, you have to Know how to trust the creative vision of designer, by determining the margin of interpretation, innovation and initiative that it may have at its disposal.

Last tips for a graphic brief in reinforced concrete

Did you think you had completed the brief? Here are the latest cartridges to go from “good brief” to “brief that saves time, ideas and points.”

The brief is the foundation

A solid project always starts with a clear brief.
Not just a doc to fill out. A real base for:

• avoid misunderstandings and returns in all directions;
• align everyone from the start;
• boost the relevance and quality of deliverables.

The more specific the brief, the more striking the final design is.

A good brief = a project that progresses quickly, well, and without friction.

Create your ultimate checklist brief

No question of forgetting a detail that changes everything.
Devise your own checklist, to be validated before each brief.

Here are a few essentials:

• the visual elements to be integrated (logos, fonts, colors, illustrations);
• the tone to adopt (formal, friendly, expert, etc.);
• “no-goes”: what should absolutely be avoided (forbidden colors, visuals not to be used, legal notices);
• the goals to be achieved, clearly expressed.
  

Print it out or keep it handy for every new project.

Capitalize on PowerPoint (really)

You have the tool, use it to the fullest.

PowerPoint can:

• structure your briefs with clean and professional templates;
• ensure visual coherence thanks to slide masks ;
• help you save time with customizable templates ready to use.

Use PowerPoint Like a graphics studio : fast, fluid, effective.

Do not hesitate to take the time to build your brief carefully, to put maximum chances on your side.

A graphic brief doesn't have to complicate your life. On the contrary, it is a structuring approach on which to base your work, to guarantee a consistent, professional and high-quality end result.

If you want to know more about the secrets of PowerPoint, feel free to contact us to benefit from the support of Mprez experts!