♾️ The Indecisive Iconoclast
✅ Summary
A client who can't make decisions.
📜 Full Story
Ever had a client who treats decision-making like a game of hot potato? Meet Michael Brown, a seasoned UX/UI designer who encountered exactly that. What should have been a straightforward app interface redesign turned into a three-month odyssey of "maybe this" and "perhaps that."
Picture this: Michael presents three carefully crafted design options to his client. The response? "I like elements from all of them. Can we combine them? But also make them completely different?" After implementing the requested changes, the client would invariably circle back to the original designs, only to change direction again.
The project timeline stretched like warm taffy. Weekly check-ins became exercises in circular discussions. Michael's carefully structured workflow crumbled under the weight of endless revisions and "just one more tweak" requests. The client's inability to commit wasn't just frustrating—it was costing both parties valuable time and money.
This fictitious case study was developed with the help of Anthropic's Claude models for educational purposes only.
🛠️ How to Fix This
Ready to avoid this special kind of project purgatory? Here's your tactical toolkit:
- Set Clear Decision Deadlines: Establish a decision-making schedule at project kickoff. Each design phase should have a firm deadline for feedback and final decisions.
- Implement a Decision Framework: Create a simple scoring system for design options based on project objectives. Have clients rate each option against predetermined criteria.
- Limited Revision Rounds: Specify the number of revision rounds in your contract. Make additional rounds subject to extra fees.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all decisions and changes. Use a project management tool to track approvals and maintain version control.
- Present Fewer Options: Instead of overwhelming clients with choices, present 2-3 strong options that align with their goals.
The secret sauce? Structure and boundaries. By establishing clear processes upfront, you're not just protecting your sanity—you're actually helping your clients achieve better results. Remember: good fences make good neighbors, and good project management makes happy clients.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a decision-making clause to your contract that outlines the process and timelines for feedback and approvals. It might feel formal, but it's a lifesaver when decision paralysis strikes.