7 Tips to Manage Scope Creep in Design Projects

It might be the worst thing to happen to a design budget. Scope creep can bash timelines and obliterate budgets.

The best way to avoid this chaos is to beware of the causes of scope creep so that you can better manage projects.

But we all know that things are bound to go off the rails at some point, and we have some advice for how to manage those scope creep issues when they do happen.

Top Causes of Scope Creep

The best way to manage scope creep in design projects is to avoid it. For the most part, there are a few common causes. If you see any of them, it can be a red flag that trouble could be brewing with the project.

Scope creep can include anything from pushing deadlines to adding web pages or functionality. Any major structural change to a project is considered creep, as well as lots of small changes that can stall or derail a project.

• Incomplete design brief or information about a project
• Miscommunication between you and the client about time or complexity of a project
• Moving forward without timelines or milestones
• Unexpected issues for the project, such as a brand change, company buyout, or new team vision
• Missing deliverables from the client to propel the design
• Low priority for project
• Hang-ups or communication issues in the design or editing process

Some design elements that may constitute scope creep include (if they aren’t part of the project from the onset):

• Needing new photos or videos on the website design with each revision
• Adding extra...