Stage 2: Design Development

Duration: 5-7 days Owner: Creative Director Trigger: Approved brief from Order Reception Completion: Client-approved design with material specifications

Purpose

Transform client brief into concrete costume design with approved aesthetics, materials, and construction approach.

Process Flow

Approved Brief
     │
     ▼
Concept Development ──────▶ Research & Sketches
     │                           │
     │                           ▼
     │                    Material Selection
     │                           │
     ▼                           ▼
Client Presentation ◀──── Prepare Lookbook
     │
     ▼
Client Review ──────▶ [APPROVED] ──────▶ Pattern Making Stage
     │
     ▼
[REVISE] ──────▶ Refinement (1-2 days) ──────▶ Re-present

Inputs

Input	Source	Required Information
Documented Brief	Client Relations Manager	Character, event, requirements
Reference Images	Client	Visual inspiration
Timeline Constraints	Production Manager	Available time for design iteration
Budget Constraints	Client Relations Manager	Material budget allocation

Activities

1. Concept Development (2-3 days)

Research character, period, and context. Develop 3-5 distinct concept directions.

Deliverable: Concept sketches showing silhouette, proportion, key details

2. Material Selection (1-2 days)

Identify fabrics, trims, closures, and special materials for each concept.

Deliverable: Material swatches, supplier info, cost estimates

3. Design Approval (2 days)

Present concepts to client, gather feedback, refine selected direction.

Deliverable: Client-approved final design with material list

Outputs

Output	Format	Delivered To
Final Design Sketches	Digital (annotated)	Pattern Maker
Material Specifications	Spreadsheet + swatches	Production Manager
Color Palette	Digital swatch card	Production Manager
Construction Notes	Document	Pattern Maker
Client Approval	Signed approval form	Client Relations Manager

RABSIC Matrix

Role	Position	Specific Responsibility
A (Accountable)	Creative Director	Owns design quality and client approval
R (Responsible)	Creative Director	Creates concepts, selects materials
S (Support)	Design Assistant	Researches references, prepares swatches
C (Consulted)	Pattern Maker	Advises on construction feasibility
C (Consulted)	Client	Provides feedback and final approval
I (Informed)	Production Manager	Receives approved design for production planning

Quality Gate

Pass Criteria:

• Client has signed design approval form
• All materials identified with supplier and SKU
• Color palette documented with Pantone or RGB values
• Construction notes explain assembly approach
• Budget still within client's approved range
• Timeline still feasible for production

Failure Action: If client doesn't approve any concepts, conduct additional research round (adds 2-3 days to timeline).

Standard Operating Procedures

See SOPs for detailed procedures:

• Concept Presentation SOP - How to present designs effectively
• Material Sourcing SOP - Finding and costing materials

Common Issues

Issue	Frequency	Mitigation
Client loves parts of multiple concepts	50%	Offer hybrid concept combining elements
Material not available in needed quantity	30%	Identify 2-3 backup options during selection
Client requests major changes after approval	20%	Charge revision fee, explain timeline impact
Budget exceeded by material costs	15%	Present value-engineered alternatives

Revision Policy

Included:

• Two rounds of concept revisions
• Minor tweaks to approved design (color, trim, small details)

Additional Cost:

• Third round of concepts: $150
• Major changes after approval: $200 + timeline extension
• Complete redesign: Restart design phase, additional 5-7 days

Success Metrics

• First-Round Approval Rate: Target >60% (client approves one of initial concepts)
• Total Revisions: Target \<2 rounds per project
• Material Accuracy: Target >95% (materials as-specified are available)

Timeline Scenarios

Scenario	Duration	Trigger
Simple Design	5 days	Modern costume, minimal research needed
Typical Design	6 days	Period costume, moderate research
Complex Design	7 days	Intricate details, extensive research
With Revision	+1-2 days	Client requests changes
Major Redesign	+5-7 days	Client rejects all concepts

Related Links

• Order Reception Stage - Previous stage
• Pattern Making Stage - Next stage

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Last Updated: 2026-02-02 Stage Owner: Creative Director