On Design Critique — Part 1 : Giving Critique
As Designers/creators, we thrive on feedback. It is a very powerful part of our process. And we seek feedback at various steps. It is safe to say that “review” or “feedback” can be categorised in 3 forms:
- Reaction — “I don’t like this TOM”
- Direction — “You should write smaller TOMs”
- Critique — “This is an interesting TOM but did you consider writing a shorter one”
When feedback lacks focus and appropriate purpose it is counterproductive and can be harmful at times. Critique helps in:
- Building shared vocabulary and making communication more efficient
- Find consensus based on product objectives when deciding between multiple options
- Inform and drive iterations aspects of design where they are most needed.
Bad Critique
There are however some forms of Bad Critique as well. These are detrimental to not just the success of the project but also to the psyche of the team members.
- Selfish — In extreme cases, selfish critique comes from the motivation of giver to be heard, attract attention, and be recognised as smarter or superior.
- Untimely — When not asked for.
- Incomplete — Reactive, lacking critical thinking, without “why”
- Preferential — When the feedback is just out of preferential preference. Usually from people at a position of approval.
Good Critique
Here are some examples of how you can give good critique. This helps in crerating a safe space for the team members to participate in the critique sessions without fear of personal judgement. Which in turn helps in creating stellar products.
1. Lead with questions
Get more information to base your feedback on and show an interest in their thinking. This makes the designer more comfortable in talking about their thought process and decisions.
Example:
a. Can you tell me more about your objectives?
b. What other options did your consider?
c. Why did you choose this approach?
d. What were the constrains you were working with?
2. Use a filter
Hold on to your initial reaction, investigate them, and discuss them in the proper context a, as appropriate. After you understand your reaction and what caused it, think about when it makes the most sense to discuss that reaction and to what length. Let it be related to product’s objectives or best practices and not about personal reaction or preference
Example:
a. Dont’ say — “thats’ cool”
b. Dont say — “I don’t get it”
3. Dont Assume
Find out the thinking or constraint behind choices. Avoiding assumptions is simple : Ask about them. Ask more questions
Example:
If your feedback is based on the assumption that the designer had no constraints and could have done anything, ask them if they faced any constraints that influenced their choices.
4. Talk about strengths
Critique isnt’ just about whats’ not working. Use the OREO method — Begin by offering positive feedback, followed by negative one, followed by another positive one. When we talk about aspects that are working, higher potential for designer to examine those areas and abstract concepts or elements that can be used to strengthen other areas in design that might not be working
Example:
“I like the way you have adhered to the design system, but I’m not sure if sticking rigidly to the colour scheme in the illustrations is doing justice to the visual aesthetic. You might want to experiment more there. I appreciate the efforts that you’ve put into the project.”
5. Think about perspective
When you analyse design, it is important to balance your expertise with user’s perspective. Consider from whose “angle” are you analysing the design
Example:
“From the user’s perspective, I think all steps in the flow make sense and are understandable and useable. But from an interaction design perspective, I think there might be redundancy and opportunities to simplify.”
Further Reading : Discussing Design by Aaron Irizarry and Adam Connor
