slb2248 Design Critique Framework
A structured approach to giving and receiving design feedback.
Before the Critique
Presenter Preparation
State the context
- What problem are you solving?
- Who is the target user?
- What constraints exist?
Define the scope
- What stage is this work?
- What feedback do you need?
- What's out of scope?
Share materials in advance
- Design files or prototypes
- User research findings
- Business requirements
Facilitator Preparation
- Set time limits
- Define feedback format
- Prepare prompts
Critique Structure
1. Presentation (5-10 min)
Presenter shares:
- Problem statement
- User needs
- Design solution
- Specific questions
2. Clarifying Questions (5 min)
Reviewers ask questions to understand:
- "What happens when...?"
- "How did you decide...?"
- "What alternatives did you consider?"
3. Feedback Round (15-20 min)
Each reviewer shares observations using the format below.
4. Discussion (10 min)
- Explore key themes
- Identify next steps
- Prioritize changes
Feedback Format
The "I Like, I Wish, What If" Method
I Like... What's working well "I like how the onboarding flow reduces friction."
I Wish... Opportunities for improvement "I wish the error states were more helpful."
What If... Ideas to explore "What if we added a progress indicator?"
The Observation Method
Observation → Impact → Suggestion
"I notice the CTA is below the fold. This might reduce conversions. Consider testing it above the fold."
Types of Feedback
Actionable vs. Preferential
Actionable (Give this) "The contrast ratio on this button is 2.8:1, which fails WCAG AA. Increase the contrast to at least 4.5:1."
Preferential (Avoid this) "I don't like the blue. Try green instead."
Specific vs. Vague
Specific (Give this) "The form has 12 fields. Consider progressive disclosure to reduce cognitive load."
Vague (Avoid this) "This feels overwhelming."
Feedback by Design Stage
Early Exploration
Focus on:
- Problem framing
- Conceptual direction
- User needs alignment
Avoid:
- Visual polish details
- Pixel-level feedback
- Implementation concerns
Mid-Fidelity
Focus on:
- Information architecture
- User flows
- Interaction patterns
Avoid:
- Final copy critique
- Color/font perfection
- Edge cases
High-Fidelity
Focus on:
- Visual consistency
- Accessibility compliance
- Content quality
- Edge cases
Receiving Feedback
Do
- Listen fully before responding
- Take notes
- Ask clarifying questions
- Thank reviewers
- Follow up on actions
Don't
- Defend every decision
- Explain away feedback
- Take it personally
- Ignore patterns in feedback
Facilitation Tips
Time Management
- Set clear time boxes
- Use a timer
- Interrupt politely if needed
Encourage Participation
- Go around the room
- Call on quiet people
- Limit dominant voices
Stay On Track
- Redirect tangents
- Park off-topic items
- Summarize key points
Document Outcomes
- Capture all feedback
- Note priorities
- Assign owners to action items
Remote Critique Best Practices
- Use collaborative tools (Figma, Miro)
- Enable commenting
- Mute when not speaking
- Use video for engagement
- Record for absent team members