How do you get peer review for your design documentation?

1 Why peer review?

Peer review can help you identify and correct any errors, inconsistencies, or gaps in your design documentation and specifications. It can also help you ensure that your design meets the client's requirements, complies with the applicable codes and standards, and follows the best practices of your industry. Peer review can also enhance your credibility and reputation as a designer, as it shows that you value quality and professionalism.

2 How to find peer reviewers?

There are different ways to find peer reviewers for your design documentation and specifications. One option is to join a professional association or network that offers peer review services or programs. For example, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) has a peer review program that matches qualified reviewers with designers who need feedback. Another option is to reach out to your colleagues, mentors, or former classmates who have similar or complementary skills and experience. You can also use online platforms or forums that connect designers with peer reviewers, such as Design Reviewers or Peergrade.

3 How to prepare for peer review?

Before you submit your design documentation and specifications for peer review, you should make sure that they are complete, clear, and organized. You should also check for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors, and use consistent terminology and symbols. You should also provide some background information and context for your design, such as the project brief, the client's goals and preferences, the site conditions, and the design concept. You should also indicate what kind of feedback you are looking for, such as general impressions, specific suggestions, or technical advice.

4 How to receive peer review?

When you receive peer review for your design documentation and specifications, you should be open-minded, respectful, and appreciative. You should not take the feedback personally or defensively, but rather as an opportunity to learn and improve. You should also evaluate the feedback critically and objectively, and consider the source, the relevance, and the validity of the comments. You should also ask questions or clarifications if needed, and thank the reviewers for their time and input.

5 How to use peer review?

After you receive peer review for your design documentation and specifications, you should review the feedback carefully and decide how to implement it. You should prioritize the most important or urgent changes, and make sure that they align with your design vision and the client's expectations. You should also document the changes and the reasons behind them, and communicate them to the relevant stakeholders, such as the client, the contractor, or the suppliers. You should also keep track of the feedback and the revisions, and use them as references for future projects.

6 What are the challenges of peer review?

Peer review is not without challenges, and you may encounter some difficulties or limitations along the way. Some of the common challenges are finding suitable and reliable peer reviewers, managing different opinions and perspectives, dealing with conflicting or negative feedback, and meeting deadlines and budgets. To overcome these challenges, you should plan ahead, be flexible and adaptable, seek multiple sources of feedback, and maintain a positive and constructive attitude.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?