How do you respectfully critique your peers in graphic design?

1 Define the goals

Before you start critiquing, make sure you understand the goals and context of the design project. What is the purpose, audience, message, and style of the design? What are the constraints, requirements, and expectations of the client or stakeholder? What are the criteria for success and evaluation? By clarifying the goals, you can align your feedback with the intended outcomes and avoid irrelevant or subjective comments.

2 Use the sandwich method

A common technique for delivering critique is the sandwich method, which consists of three parts: praise, criticism, and encouragement. Start by highlighting what you like about the design, such as the color scheme, typography, layout, or concept. Then, point out what you think could be improved, such as the contrast, alignment, hierarchy, or clarity. Be specific, objective, and constructive, and explain why and how you would suggest changes. Finally, end with a positive note, such as a compliment, a question, or a suggestion for further development.

3 Be respectful and empathetic

Remember that behind every design, there is a human being who invested time, effort, and creativity into their work. Therefore, be respectful and empathetic when critiquing your peers in graphic design. Avoid harsh, rude, or personal attacks, and instead focus on the design itself and how it can be enhanced. Acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of the design, and appreciate the effort and intention of the designer. Also, be open to listening and learning from their perspective and feedback.

4 Ask for permission and feedback

Before you critique someone else's design, ask for their permission and consent. Some designers may not be ready or willing to receive feedback, or may have specific questions or concerns that they want to address. By asking for permission, you show respect and interest in their work, and also establish a rapport and trust with them. Similarly, after you critique someone else's design, ask for their feedback on your feedback. How did they feel about your critique? Did they find it helpful, relevant, or constructive? What did they agree or disagree with? How can you improve your critique skills?

5 Critique yourself first

One of the best ways to improve your critique skills is to critique yourself first. Before you share your own design with others, evaluate it according to the same criteria and standards that you would apply to someone else's design. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your design? What are the goals and context of your project? How would you rate your design on a scale of 1 to 10? What would you change or keep in your design? By critiquing yourself first, you can develop a critical eye, a humble attitude, and a growth mindset.

6 Learn from others

Another way to improve your critique skills is to learn from others. Observe how other designers critique their peers in graphic design, and pay attention to their tone, language, and approach. How do they balance praise and criticism? How do they communicate their opinions and suggestions? How do they handle disagreements or conflicts? How do they respond to feedback on their own work? By learning from others, you can discover new perspectives, insights, and techniques for critiquing in a respectful and constructive way.

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?