Design Critique Facilitation

Design Critique Facilitation

Critique Format

Setup (2 min)

• Designer presents context: goal, constraints, user, stage of work.
• Type of feedback requested: "I need help with the navigation structure" (not "thoughts?").

Review (5-10 min)

• Silent review first (1-2 min). Everyone looks, no talking.
• Structured feedback: "I notice [observation], which might impact [outcome], because [reasoning]."
• Facilitator keeps feedback on-topic.

Discussion (5-10 min)

• Designer asks follow-up questions.
• Group discusses highest-priority issues.
• Avoid redesigning in the room.

Close (2 min)

• Designer summarizes key takeaways.
• No action items assigned in critique (designer decides what to act on).

Rules

1. Critique the work, not the person.
2. Be specific. "The hierarchy is unclear" → "The H2 and body text are too similar in weight."
3. One person talks at a time.
4. Opinions are valid when connected to principles or user needs.
5. "I like it" is not feedback. Neither is "I don't like it."
6. Seniority doesn't determine correctness.