The Role of RFPs in Design

by Chris Arnold on August 17, 2009

I recently wrote an article at Design Litmus that outlined an experience Limber Creative encountered with a Request For Proposal (RFP). It was meant to give an in-depth look at why RFPs, on the whole, devalue the communicative process between the Client and Designer. Here, I’m offering a general overview of RFPs in the creative industry, a few thoughts on their validity (or lack thereof in some instances), and general guidelines you should adhere to when hunting for an appropriate design team to work with.

Creative RFPs

Typically those in the creative industry will encounter RFPs as a result of an internal request process, generally executed by a marketing team within a potential Client’s organization. The document outlines basic requirements, timelines, and facts about their view of what they believe they (might) need. Overall, the request has many pitfalls. Namely, however, we’ve identified the largest to be the lack of communication and identification of process, values, goals, and other important variables like quality and timely execution. If a potential Client simply reads printed submissions, how is the decision-making process valid? And isn’t most of the evaluation hinged just upon a bottom line?

When RFPs Are Valid

Seldom do we engage in an RFP process, but on very rare occasions, it becomes a necessity to move forward with a project we’re excited about. If a company produces a particular request out of corporate requirement and approaches our company to engage in discussion, we understand that there is no other way around the process. Thankfully, a company like this had already identified that Limber Creative is a good fit; they don’t send out numerous requests to other companies. While still an RFP, it becomes specific to a single company and not a dozen others!

Guidelines For Your Business

We actively encourage thinking about deeper questions and approaching the design and development process as a dialogue instead of a one-way street. Finding the best design team for your project shouldn’t involve reviewing line items in a RFP submission, but rather engaging with a company (or two) that you’ve researched and feel could be the best fit for you and your team. At the end of the day, you’ll want to be working with someone who is on your side for the right reasons. Here’s a good way to start:

1. At an overview level, consider your business goals. Generate a “need” list alongside a “want” list to begin with.
2. Research! Ask reputable colleagues, call a few companies, and review portfolios to better understand the landscape.
3. Narrow your focus to one or two companies that you feel the most comfortable to move forward with.
4. Work with a company that understands your goals and will execute what you need.
5. Cost consideration is important; however, it shouldn’t necessarily dictate your ultimate decision.

Remember! Even if an RFP is required within your company, discovering important questions and finding appropriate answers takes meaningful research and discussion. In the end, it is an important key to any successful project.