itsual Design Critique
Overview
Critique is a learning tool. Done well, it raises quality and shared standards; done poorly, it becomes opinion combat or rubber-stamping.
When to Use
- Reviewing work-in-progress designs
- Aligning on design quality bars
- Mentoring designers through feedback
- Cross-functional design reviews with product and engineering
Core Practices
- State the goals and stage of the work at the start
- Ask for the type of feedback needed
- Ground feedback in user goals, principles, and constraints
- Separate personal preference from usability or business risk
- Capture decisions and follow-ups
Principles
- Critique the work, not the person
- Be specific — “this feels off” is not actionable
- Balance problems with recognition of what works
- Match feedback depth to the fidelity and stage
- End with clear next steps
Verification
- Feedback is actionable and tied to goals
- Designer knows what to change or explore next
- Critique improves the work rather than only generating comments