Download our FREE whitepaper 'From you to user'!

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal design

Our projects usually take anything between 2 – 12 weeks. It usually works best to keep momentum: once we get started, let’s be committed!
That really depends: how much research has to be done, what source material is available, how much detail needs to go into the designs and how many iterations will be needed. We do ‘value-based pricing’: we assess the project (materials, time, etc.) and the license needed for the use of the design (full or limited license). Delivering value is our main goal, and we preferably determine a fixed project price beforehand.
Hah! Good question. Aclara comes from the Spanish verb ‘aclarar’, which means to clarify or explain. That’s what we do! Spanish is a wonderful language, and we just love all the A’s in Aclara.
Legal design is a user-centred, creative, problem-solving methodology and mindset aiming to improve legal products, services and systems. It combines legal expertise, information design and design thinking. That means it’s collaborative by nature and requires curiosity, experimentation and empathy. The best way to get to know legal design is by participating!
AWe start with research, asking questions, doing interviews where necessary. We delve deep into the end users’ wants and needs. Once we established a framework for what the project needs, we draft sketches. After getting client feedback, we make a first design version, followed by feedback and making iterations. That step repeats itself until we reach a final version. A legal design project is always a collaboration and an iterative process.

Design technicalities

If we decided on using flexible tools like PowerPoint, then yes (generally). But for most of our designs, we work in design software that most lawyers/companies don’t have and can’t work with. Design software gives you the best results, so that’s our preferred tool – by far. To what extent you can change the designs also depends on the license.
The design products we deliver (such as an infographic) are licensed appropriately for what you need them for. That means that you get a license to use the designs in accordance with what we agreed on at the start of the project. So you can be sure you can use the designs in the way you want! Do you need something more or different than that? A broader license may mean additional fees apply.

The 'legal' in legal design

We don’t – we leave the legal content and up-to-date expertise up to the experts (you?). But because we have worked in legal services for many years, we know all about the law and can brainstorm with you on legal topics. Be prepared for sharp questions…
Currently, there is little case law on using visuals in legal documents, such as contracts. And jurisdictions may differ in how they deal with legal visuals. We see that as an opportunity: the future of legal services will definitely include more use of visuals, so it’s only a matter of time before there will be some case law. And yes, that can be scary, but real innovation always has to be.
Well, hard to read, dense text can be riskier because people will not read it, let alone understand. And clear, effective visuals usually go together with text, they are not meant to replace all text. Also, clear visuals help people understand each other, which prevents disputes and errors.

Getting into legal design?

Yay, welcome! If you want to know how we got started with legal design and what journey we took, you can book a personal consultation for a one-on-one ‘ask us anything’ session. We’ll also give you tips on resources, courses etc. Check it out in the shop. Or book one of our workshops. We also regularly schedule ‘Explore legal design’ sessions with small groups, to exchange experiences and get you started. And make sure you check out our ‘Favourites’ page, which includes all tips and tools to help you on your way.

Do you want to know more?

get in touch
see our showcase

Follow us!

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

follow us:

© 2018-2024 Aclara Legal Design