When youâre planning a projectâwhether itâs writing a novel, launching an ad campaign, or running an eventâyou need to know how you want the project to make your audience feel. Youâre trying to elicit a certain response, and you need to know what exactly that response should be and how you will get it.
This feeling that your project should generate can be hard to put into words, which makes planning for it and getting othersâ buy-in difficult. But a mood board can bridge the gap between the vision in your head and what others experience. Keep reading to learn more about mood boards and how to create them.
What is a mood board?
Mood boards are a way to show a general vibe or feeling about a particular topic. The creator makes a collage, whether physically or digitally, of words and images that together describe the feel of the topic.Â
The most common use for mood boards is for designers to illustrate a style, such as an interior designer picking colors, materials, and example images to show the feel of the room theyâre going to decorate or a photographer collecting images to show the style they need to achieve in a photoshoot. However, non-designers can use mood boards too. For example, someone who works in marketing may use one to describe a brand.
Why make a mood board?
Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words. When youâre trying to describe the way something should look or feel, it helps to visualize it.Â
For example, stakeholders could potentially get the vision of how a certain app should feel. But put some images in front of them, and theyâll know exactly what youâre going for.Â
Because other people are more likely to understand your vision when they see a mood board, theyâre a tool that will greatly benefit your team. For example, a mood board will empower partners to start on their project tasks without going in the wrong direction, saving you time. Stakeholders are more likely to buy in if they get a clear idea of what youâre conveying, increasing your chances of success.Â
Even if the mood board is just for you, you still get the advantages of clarity and efficiency. The act of making one forces you to nail down just what youâre looking for in your project, which will help you get going on it quickly and without having to backtrack.Â
How to make a mood board
Mood boards are pretty open-ended. However, here is some general guidance:
1. Pick your medium
Mood boards can be physical or digital, depending on your needs and preference. If you stick with an old-school mood board, you can include more than words and images. For example, you can include material samples for people to touch, like textiles or 3D objects.
However, digital mood boards have their own advantages. You can include links and media clips and itâs easier (and often faster) to gather your materials together. If youâre leaning digital, try Lucidspark for a flexible, collaborative space to brainstorm and create your mood board.
