Proposal Documents (Feat. Mind Map)

Proposal Documents:
Following the post-production research has been carried out and the initial idea of the project has been firmed up, the first step is to communicate this idea to the client. To do this, a proposal document is created. This document can be created and delivered in a variety of different ways, from a word-processed document that is sent to a client, to taking the form of a pitch at a meeting. The purpose of the proposal is to 'sell' your idea to the client so that they give you the 'green light' to develop the project. The proposal may be known as a high-concept document.

Proposal - A formal written plan produced for others to assess the validity of a project.

Pitch - Planned presentation of a project to possibly gain support and financial backing.

High-concept document - One-page document summarising a project.

The audience for a proposal is normally a non-technical one so the proposal needs to be written using non-technical language that is easy to understand. However, there needs to be enough detail in the proposal that the client is clear about what you want to create. The level of detail will vary depending on how the proposal will be developed. Written versions require more detail, as these are only documents that the client will see. A proposal that is to be presented may contain less detail, as there is the opportunity for the client to verbally seek clarification during the delivery of the proposal.

As a minimum, the proposal should include:

- Data about the proposed target audience.

- Sufficient detail to clearly explain the proposed solution to the client.

- An outline of the resources required.

- An outline of the potential costs of the project, with data to back up the comments.

- Information showing how you will be able to create the product within the set timescale.