What do you do if you receive feedback in UED that you strongly disagree with?

Take a moment to reflect on the feedback and consider the perspective of the individual providing it. While you may strongly disagree initially, demonstrating openness to feedback fosters a collaborative environment and encourages constructive dialogue. Engage in a thoughtful conversation to gain further insights into the rationale behind the feedback and explore potential areas of compromise. Remember that differing viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in UED projects. By acknowledging feedback with professionalism and an open mind, you demonstrate maturity and a commitment to continuous growth in your field.

Nobody likes hearing criticism; it's human nature. However, when someone gives you feedback, try to think of it as a gift. Take a deep breath and put your ego aside. Even if you think the feedback is off-base, you might still learn something valuable from the situation.

If I receive feedback in User Experience Design (UED) that I strongly disagree with, I approach the situation with professionalism and an open mind. Firstly, I take a step back to objectively evaluate the feedback, considering the perspective of the individual providing it and the reasons behind their viewpoint. I strive to understand their concerns or criticisms and identify any valid points or areas for improvement that I may have overlooked. Next, I seek clarification by asking questions and engaging in constructive dialogue to gain a deeper understanding of their perspective and rationale.

First, it's important to acknowledge the feedback you've received, regardless of your initial reaction. Acknowledging doesn't mean agreeing; it means you're listening. This can be as simple as saying, “Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate the time you took to review my work.” Such an acknowledgment serves multiple purposes: it shows respect for the colleague or client providing the feedback, keeps the conversation positive, and sets a constructive tone for further discussion. Remember, feedback is a gift aimed at improving the final product, even if it initially feels off the mark.

Just the other day, I was pitching a writing idea to a friend. I thought it was brilliant, but their initial reaction was...meh. Instead of getting flustered, I took a breath and asked them what felt off. As we talked, it turned out they had a fantastic point that actually improved the whole concept. It reminded me that even if feedback feels critical at first, it's often a chance to make something truly great. So, the next time someone shares their thoughts, I'm going to remember my friend and thank them for helping me grow! This way, we can both win.

Rather than immediately dismissing the feedback, take the time to ask questions and seek clarification. Engage in a respectful dialogue to understand the rationale behind the feedback and the specific concerns raised. This not only demonstrates your commitment to understanding differing viewpoints but also allows you to gain deeper insights into the perspectives of others involved in the project. By asking questions and seeking clarification, you create an opportunity for constructive discussion and potential alignment of viewpoints, ultimately contributing to the success of the UED project.

This is really something more practical because you need first to know how to use your interpersonal skills. When receiving bad feedback that are outside the context and really not from the research as well, you should always stay calm and note the feedback. Be ready to record them if needed. Then, start by asking more precision on what they really need or really mean. When the time to defend yourself comes, depending on the situation, you should always use your data from your research in order to show them your process. But in all cases, you need to accept that the person in front of you is trying to help you and the business. Use your critical thinking to unlock the hidden message even from a very mean feedback.

Once you’ve acknowledged the feedback, seek to understand it fully. Ask clarifying questions to ensure you grasp the concerns or suggestions being made. This phase is about listening and probing deeper with an open mind. Questions could include, “Can you help me understand what led you to this perspective?” or “Could you provide an example of what you mean?” This step is crucial because it sometimes reveals that the disagreement stems from a misunderstanding or lack of information on either side. Furthermore, it shows the feedback giver that you value their opinion enough to dive deeper.

Imagine this: you're giving your dog a bath, super proud of your technique. But then, your partner walks in and points out you're using dish soap! Confused (and maybe a little worried about Fido's fur), you ask questions. Turns out, they just grabbed the wrong bottle! Phew! Feedback can be like that confusing bottle sometimes. By asking "what exactly seems off?" you can clear up misunderstandings and ensure everyone's on the same page. You might even discover a better shampoo for both your pup and your dish pile!

To gain a deeper understanding, it's beneficial to ask questions. Encourage the person to elaborate on their points and provide more context for their feedback.

In every stage of your research, you should always show your readiness on evaluating the feedback you get from your users and your team. This is where having the willing to understand the others is really important. Empathy will help you evaluate the feedback for a better way. For that, you need to be aware of your own biases that are influencing every decision you make. Try to understand the business needs but be ready to accept that you should evaluate feedback from different perspective. That's why you need to recruit participants from different backgrounds and abilities. When bringing those feedback to the team. Be ready to do the same. Welcome every kind of thinking in order to do a great evaluation of the feedback you received.

After fully understanding the feedback, take some time to evaluate it independently. This involves stepping back from your immediate emotional response and considering the feedback from various angles. How does it align with the project goals? Could it potentially enhance the user experience? Reflect on the feedback’s implications on the design's usability, accessibility, and desirability. This evaluation should be both introspective, questioning your own biases and attachments to the design, and objective, considering the design principles and user data.

After receiving feedback, take some time to evaluate it objectively. Consider whether there are any valid points or patterns worth addressing.

You will always find some not encouraging feedback and some encouraging feedback. By encouraging, I mean that it depends on the context and on the way they delivered the feedback. Some feedback are like something that is really not helping but you always should welcome them and try to note them. Group them as some feedback that you need to think about but may be later. For the other feedback that are really respecting the context and human side of the project, be ready to group them as well and try to create a timeline of execution. All in all, in all the feedback you receive, be ready to create an empathy map and find the most needed to be done now and those that can be implemented for the next version of the product.

Imagine designing the ultimate frisbee for your energetic pup. You brainstorm glow-in-the-dark for nighttime games! But your dog park buddy suggests a softer material because their retriever always ends up with a sore snout. This is your decision point. You love the glow idea (relevant!), but maybe a softer material is key (valid!). So you compromise (middle ground!): a glow-in-the-dark frisbee with a softer rim for happy fetching fun! Feedback in UED can be like that - finding the sweet spot for a pawsome design!

Formulate a thoughtful response to the feedback. If you find merit in the feedback after evaluation, acknowledge this and outline how you plan to incorporate it into your design. If you still disagree, provide a reasoned explanation for your perspective. Your response should be rooted in design principles, user research, or specific project goals. It’s helpful to frame your disagreement in terms of seeking the best outcome for the project, rather than as a personal defense of your design choices.

1. Collaboration Over Confrontation: View feedback sessions as collaborative efforts rather than confrontations. The goal is to merge different viewpoints for the project's benefit. 2. Leverage Data: When possible, use user data, A/B testing results, or usability studies to support your stance. Data-driven arguments are powerful in swaying opinions or reaching a compromise. 3. Seek Third Opinions: Sometimes, bringing in a neutral third party, like another designer or stakeholder, can provide a fresh perspective and help mediate disagreements. 4. Compromise: Be open to compromise. Sometimes, integrating part of the feedback or finding a middle ground can resolve the disagreement while improving the design.