How do you handle conflicting design feedback?

True! Before you react, ask a question to see where the misunderstanding is. Maybe their priorities are revenue, while yours are innovation. That changes the texture of what they say. Feedback isn't a one-size-fits-all t-shirt. It's tailored to the project, the moment, and the people involved. Take a moment to understand that, and you're way ahead.

I agree, but also don't be afraid to ask. Especially when starting out. Everyone had to start at some point with that transition between school and work being a tough one to get used to. So I implore you to ask where this feedback is coming from. If they're in the industry, maybe they've had their own experience that influences the feedback.

I agree, the suggestion to understand the context and intention behind feedback implies that not all feedback is equal. People may provide feedback for various reasons. Understanding their rational may help in interpreting the feedback more accurately and helps in tailoring responses and making informed decisions.

My learnings: Conflicting feedback on our design means our design has not conveyed the message that it suppose to be. Take it as a note that "this particular thing is not understandable by users/ stakeholders." Try to get into the root cause of "why they gave this feedback?" Drawn the insights from it, and if you think it's worthy of your time, then work on improving that design while keeping the Goal in your mind. Feedback is a collection of different opinions. It's up to you how you can utilize it to make your design better. It's always better to acknowledge and appreciate different feedback and opinions.

In everything you do, you will receive feedback, and yes, you must know that not everyone agrees, and it doesn't have to be. Some lessons I learned throughout my career helped me manage conflictual feedback. I don't rush to respond. I'm asking myself, what is the most important thing? To have, right? To have success? My client to be satisfied? And the hardest and the last one is not to take feedback personally.

This!! There are times I've gotten feedback that has made me gone round the bend mad. However, the person giving the feedback is there for a reason. Take what you can, appreciate it, and if you need, get clarification.

ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS. Always. I've never understood people who refuse to ask questions. It doesn't make you any less qualified for the job. Pick the brain of every person you get feedback from. However, if you don't actually listen to what they are saying, you will miss out on the information you didn't ask for. What you don't ask, you won't learn.

Create a dedicated work sheet where to keep all the feedback collected in one place. Keeping an organized file will simplify evaluation and focus on the relevant issues.

This step is really important! In order to move forward with conflicting feedback, it's crucial to take notes of the conversation and share them back with the team. This way, you can refer back to it during the next session and proceed from conflicting designs by making a decision, noting it down, and sharing it with the team.

DESIGNING IS AS SUBJECTIVE AS IT CAN GET :D Be open to feedback, because the person might come from a different point of view or reason. In navigating conflicting design feedback, I've been fortunate to have companions who provide a blend of support, candour and frank assessments throughout my journey. This diversity of perspectives has helped me appreciate the inherent subjectivity in design. I've come to recognize the value of comprehending the other person's viewpoint and underlying motivations. This introspective approach has revealed that divergent opinions usually have valid foundations. It's clear to me that embracing these differences and fostering mutual growth are essential elements of personal and professional progress.