Quick reference guide template

Use this template to make sure your original design intent is clear, as well as consistent as the idea moves from conception through production and beyond. Clarity and brevity are key, so make sure your quick reference guide is easy to understand — yet thorough enough to convey the necessary information to a wide variety of people.

The Mural quick reference guide template includes space set aside for the solution and the design intent of your project, as well as highlights from your research and further background on project focus and milestones.

The quick reference guide template helps you:

• Quickly explain the purpose and rationale for design decisions
• Create a central resource outlining the purpose and principles behind your design
• Share your rationale and key principles with stakeholders
• Collaboratively update your guide as your project or design evolves

How to use the quick reference guide template

To make best use of the Mural quick reference guide template, follow the below steps.

1. Identify a design that's ready to be documented

The first step is to identify a design or project that's in the early stages of development — this will help define the purpose of the project from the outset.

2. Assemble the team working on the design

Assemble the team that originated the solution, as they'll have the appropriate background information and context for why the current solution is being pursued.

3. Define the design intent and key principles

With the team directly involved in the design, discuss the design intent and ask them to communicate the design principles and standards in a concise manner.

4. Describe the focus of the research

Use this section to outline the research that went into the design, as well as the key insights that informed the decision-making along the way.

5. Describe the focus of the project

Finally, outline the focus of the project and include key milestones along the way, including dates, success metrics, and responsible parties.

Tips for running a quick reference guide template exercise

To run a successful quick reference guide template session, you should:

• Ensure that all key stakeholders from the team involved in the design are engaged, so you avoid any blind spots
• Use sticky notes, tags, and color coding to capture and organize information and feedback from everyone on the team
• Update your quick reference guide going forward to make sure that it reflects the current state and performance of the project or design