Before starting design work, understand what the project is really about, what function it has and what the end user should get out of it. Don't let design overrule functionality.
Follow these 10 steps to improve your designs For the Civil War 150 site for The History Channel, it was important to understand what information the user should get from the experience, in order to make it visually interesting, easy to digest and not overwhelm the viewer with random facts
Often, designers 'jump' on a project not understanding and not seeing the goal. Sure, they may eventually reach that goal, but only via a much longer route: one that will involve a lot of changes. Understanding – almost imagining the final piece in your head – will let you go through a healthier process. The resulting design might surprise you.