How to Run Effective Design Critique
So they foster growth, comradery and organizational alignment
Why does it matter?
Design feedback sessions do more than just elevate the design quality. They foster team growth, comradery and help to align people across the organization. However many feedback sessions can fall into certain traps like group think, lots of people thinking about extremely minor decisions or wasted time due to not having stakeholders. Here are some methods I have used to keep my critique sessions focused, concise and effective. A team's success is based as much on the quality of group dynamics as it is on the actual people on the teams so it's critical to use these sessions to influence strong behavior and inclusive workspaces.
Set clear objectives and understanding for critique session
Establish the specific goals of the critique session. Are you evaluating for usability, visual design, or alignment with business objectives? Shared Understanding is the key to evaluating if a design is successful and the only way to gurantee that a feedback session will be a good use of time.
Create a Safe Environment
Designing is hard, but we're all striving for the same goal which is to solve certain problems and business objectives. Recognize the work designers have done and celebrate them even if they created something that won't ultimately work - it's part of the process!
Document Everything
Capture feedback in real time and use visual documentation when possible. Create a reference point for designers and prevent misinterpretation.
End with Clear Next Steps
Conclude by summarizing key points and establishing action items. Call out how the feedback will be incorporated and the what the timeline looks like for revisions.
Promote Equal Participation
Every person in the room can contribute value to the conversation - otherwise they shouldn't be there. Make sure to get everyone talking, listening and contributing their own ideas. There are a bunch of things you can do to make sure the more introverted members of the team get talking and contributing.
Give your team processing time
Share the agenda in advance
Amplify or repeat ideas
Take not of who talks a lot and who doesn't. Try to keep the speaking time balanced.
Watch out for interrupters
Observe interruptions and show support for team members that received dismissive treatment from other team members. Make sure to show that they feel valued - If someone is interrupted a leader can say something like, "Sorry Patty, I need to make sure I understand Maya's points before moving on."
Make sure responsibility is shared
One of my core values is Pride Over Every Pixel. The idea is that we as a designers have a responsibility for the entire experience and a larger mandate than just the screens and projects we work on. Critiques can be a great way to build structure to help share the burden or responsibility.
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