Purpose #
This article explains how Shopstars manages the design handoff process, client approvals, and iterative refinement. It covers how designs are shared, how feedback is collected, how approvals are documented, and how iteration cycles are structured to maintain efficiency while ensuring quality. Clients should use this as the reference for understanding how design progresses from concept to implementation.
Why a Structured Handoff Process Matters #
Design without structure leads to scope creep, miscommunication, and delays. By following a documented handoff and approval workflow, Shopstars ensures that design decisions are aligned with business goals, captured clearly, and traceable. This reduces rework, accelerates development, and ensures that final outputs match client expectations.
Design Handoff Process #
Preparation
Designers prepare mockups in Figma or other approved tools. Each file is organized into pages or frames for homepage, collection, product detail, and any required custom sections. Typography, color palettes, and component systems are applied consistently to maintain brand alignment.
Handoff Package
When a design is ready for client review, Shopstars delivers a package that includes:
- Figma file access with commenting enabled
- Screenshots of each key page for quick reference in Basecamp
- Notes explaining interactive elements, hover states, or animations
- Links to component libraries when applicable
Developer Readiness
Before handoff, designers ensure that spacing, grids, and assets are export-ready. Components are structured to reduce ambiguity during development. This prevents delays caused by missing assets or unclear specifications.
Approvals #
Basecamp as Source of Truth
All approvals are logged in Basecamp. Clients review Figma links, provide feedback as comments, and approve finalized designs in the project thread. Slack discussions may support clarifications, but approvals are valid only when confirmed in Basecamp.
Approval Stages
- Wireframes: Low-fidelity layouts approved before detailed design begins.
- High-Fidelity Mockups: Finalized visual design approved before development.
- Revisions: Iterations logged and approved individually to prevent confusion.
Clients are expected to consolidate feedback before submitting it to avoid conflicting directions.
Iteration Cycles #
Feedback Collection
Clients provide structured feedback in Basecamp, referencing specific frames or components in Figma. Shopstars reviews feedback for clarity and confirms next steps.
Revision Timeline
Revisions are grouped into cycles. Each cycle includes design updates, internal review, and client confirmation. Limiting revisions to defined cycles prevents scope creep while ensuring client needs are met.
Version Control
Each iteration is labeled clearly in Figma and documented in Basecamp. Clients can always review previous versions if needed. This ensures transparency and avoids confusion over which design is current.
QA Alignment #
Once designs are approved, they serve as the benchmark for QA. During development, QA specialists compare the implemented store against approved designs. Deviations are logged in Basecamp and corrected before launch.
Client Responsibilities #
Clients are expected to:
- Provide timely feedback within defined review windows
- Consolidate team feedback into a single response per cycle
- Approve designs in Basecamp before development begins
- Maintain consistency by avoiding new requests after approvals, unless scoped as new work
Summary #
Design handoffs, approvals, and iteration at Shopstars follow a structured process that reduces miscommunication and ensures quality. Designs are shared in Figma with supporting documentation, approvals are logged in Basecamp, and iteration cycles are managed efficiently. Approved designs become the benchmark for development and QA, guaranteeing alignment between concept and final implementation.
