There was this project, my team and I had different opinions on the design direction. To get everyone on the same page, I called a meeting where we all shared our ideas using simple 3D renderings and sketches. Everyone talked about what they liked about each concept. We then made a list of the best parts from each idea and created a combined visual that everyone could agree on. This approach helped us merge our visions into one cohesive design and made sure everyone felt included in the final outcome.

In my experience there is usually disconnect that happens with visual teams and the technical teams. In apparel the technical also involves fit and the truth of how a visual garment idea looks for reality. The visual teams may always want to fix the look of the design and not value the elephant in the room. Meaning doesn’t work across all sizes. This is when we have to set up a list of questions that all garments must clear in both the visual and technical for brand excellence. Waste being one of them. We also take out visual design from any fit process. They often times get hung up on some obscure portion of the garment, overlooking fit. Keep them Separate for their main role. This helps the work be qualitative and timely.

To bring a divided team together for a cohesive project conclusion, begin by enabling an open discussion in which everyone may share their ideas and concerns. Concentrate on determining shared aims and common goals that can act as a basis for cooperation. Promote unity by drawing attention to concepts that overlap and coming up with a solution that takes note of views from different angles. Establish a defined procedure for making decisions to ensure that all opinions are taken into effect. Make sure you frequently check on the team to assess progress and make any adjustments to stay on track with the shared vision. This approach nurtures a cooperative atmosphere and propels the team towards an agreement and productive result.

To unite a divided fashion team, start by fostering open communication. Organize a brainstorming session where everyone can share their design visions without judgment. Next, establish a clear project vision that aligns with the overarching goals. Create a mood board that captures the essence of the desired outcome, incorporating elements from each team member’s ideas. This visual reference will serve as a guiding light for the project. Regular check-ins can keep everyone aligned and motivated, allowing for adjustments as needed. Finally, celebrate each team member’s contributions to reinforce a sense of shared ownership and collective success, ultimately leading to a cohesive and inspiring project outcome.

It's important to remind your team members that the design vision is rarely about them. Their opinions (as professionals in our industry) absolutely count, but everyone needs to be considering their ideal target customer as the "north star" of each design. When we remove ourselves and our personal opinions from brand discussions, and replace them with decisions that enhance our ideal customer's experience, so many of our disagreement issues fall away. Give your target customer a name and clear persona so that you can refer to them in your meetings, steering team members to remember that they are the most important opinion in the room. This solves so many issues in design reviews, you'd be surprised!