Laatste update: 21/11/2024
The design process is quite something. Getting the right input, processing it as required, and then reviewing the result. In practice, this often becomes a drawn-out process, bogged down by endless back-and-forth communication via email and phone. Feedback gets lost, human errors creep in, and frustration builds: “Can you make that logo a bit bigger?”. Yet the creative process has the potential to be both beautiful and satisfying. That’s where visual content automation comes in, offering several solutions to streamline the workflow.
Low threshold: Adobe InDesign
The graphic design process typically follows a clear structure: after a briefing, the designer translates the client’s requirements into a design that aligns with the corporate identity. Once approved, the full publication is further developed, and a proof (often in PDF format) is sent to the client for review. During the feedback round, multiple colleagues often provide comments on the document. Finally, the file is sent back to the designer, who reviews and implements the feedback as needed. However, this process can become time-consuming, especially when feedback is unclear and different colleagues give feedback. Or when colleagues have different opinions …
The good news is that it can be done faster and less prone to error. In Adobe InDesign you can import comments directly into your document – provided the feedback was applied correctly in Adobe Acrobat (Reader/DC). The PDF Comments window in InDesign allows you to execute comments automatically, either individually or all at once. Additionally, the comment history can be reviewed anytime via the Story Editor. Perhaps you’re already using these tools, but let’s list them just to ensure nothing is overlooked:
Adobe Document Cloud
Another one to remember: Adobe Document Cloud. IT departments often prefer users not to install software like Acrobat Reader or Acrobat DC themselves, citing concerns about viruses and other security risks. Adobe Document Cloud offers a convenient solution by providing online services as part of an Adobe CC subscription. This allows PDF files to be shared online for revision or approval, even by users who don’t have access to Acrobat Reader. While the online options are more limited than the desktop version, these modifications can still be easily imported into design files – saving valuable time.
Dynamic Data Publishing & Dynamic Asset Management
To accelerate your creative process even further, consider Dynamic Data Publishing (DDPS). This technology can help you produce marketing materials – such as catalogues, product sheets, labels, programme booklets, and banners – up to 50% faster by automating repetitive tasks. DDPS gathers data from sources like PIM or CRM databases, optimally formats the content, and publishes it efficiently, all without altering the original database. As a designer, you retain full control over the final output in Adobe InDesign or other tools.
Want to take it a step further by streamlining both creation and distribution? Explore the benefits of Digital Asset Management (DAM). DAM represents the perfect synergy between automated content creation and supply chain management. By integrating your DAM system, you ensure that incorrect or outdated data is never used. Images stored in your DAM are automatically incorporated into the templates provided by the DDP Suite. All content is approved and requires no prior review process. Goodbye frustration, hello creativity!
Tim Melis
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