Here's how you can provide effective feedback to fellow designers.

One of the most important things in a designed output, for example a poster is the harmony in between the elements. Each element is a fraction of a whole. For taking out the flaws we might look for each of those elements that made the result unsuitable. For giving feedback or suggestions we might point out specific items which disturbs the harmony. Then we know how to clarify the issue in order to avoid vague comments.

Effective feedback for fellow designers involves specificity, objectivity, and a focus on improvement. Start positively, pinpoint areas for enhancement with actionable suggestions, and encourage open dialogue. By offering constructive criticism grounded in clear, objective observations, you foster a culture of growth and collaboration.

Feedback is a skill like any other, and it’s the only way to help your design team reach their full potential. In order to provide effective feedback on our work, we must open ourselves up to opinions that we might not necessarily agree with. For those who are providing feedback, it’s important to remember this and to remain respectful and patient when providing feedback to our colleagues. Doing this will allow the feedback process to be more effective, and ensure the recipient is more receptive to our opinions.

Providing feedback to fellow designers is all about finding that perfect balance. It's about mixing constructive criticism with encouragement and clear communication. Start by acknowledging their efforts and strengths with positive remarks. Then, gently suggest areas for improvement with specific observations and suggestions. Keep the tone respectful and supportive, highlighting collaboration and offering assistance if needed.

Yes! Harness the power of positivity. Acknowledging their strengths and successes instills a sense of confidence that boosts creativity. By focusing on what's working well, we empower our colleagues to build on their strengths. Additionally, a positive approach to feedback fosters a collaborative atmosphere where ideas are freely shared and refined. Creating a space where designers feel supported and motivated to explore new possibilities, ultimately leading to innovative solutions and collective growth is the goal.

Build on the good! Start with positive feedback that highlights strengths. This creates a supportive atmosphere and encourages designers to be receptive to your suggestions for improvement. It shows you value their work while offering ways to make it even stronger.

be positive and authentic in the design approach if you want to get 100% results in process because negative things spread speed is much higher than positive ones.

When designers put so much work into a design, they expect positive comments first. So, play on that psychology! Starting on a positive note builds the designer's confidence and motivates them to refine their designs further.

Effective feedback to fellow designers should be specific, actionable, and respectful. Start by pointing out what you liked about their work, then offer constructive criticism on areas that could be improved. Be clear and specific about what changes you suggest, providing examples or alternatives where possible. Focus on the design principles and objectives, not personal preferences. Lastly, always be respectful and encourage open dialogue to ensure mutual understanding and growth. ??????

Help the designer empathise with your needs by being specific about the opportunities and problems that you wish to solve. In turn, you empathise with their design mission. Explain the opportunities and problems from many points of view among those impacted by the design change. Articulate these design statements and explain the effects of a good design solution. E.g., “I want (X)…. and this would cause (Y).” Once the problems are clearly articulated and the performance specifications are clarified, the scope becomes manageable. In this way, a designer is more likely to successfully produce desired results. Be open to the level of partnership that this requires.

Absolutely! Stepping into the designer's shoes fosters a more productive conversation. Imagine saying, "This color scheme is a lot. Maybe something calmer?" Instead, try, "I see you aiming for a vibrant feel, but it might overwhelm users. Could we tone it down in specific areas to maintain the energy without losing clarity?" This shows you understand their vision while offering a solution that respects their initial idea. Empathy is key to effective feedback!

Yes, we can say that Empathy or its path very useful in the taking feedback on selected item. Interaction with junior designs is always good for both of us because its also learning phase.

A key ingredient in nurturing growth and fostering collaboration is effective feedback. Imagine yourself in the designer's shoes, each creation a labor of passion and dedication. Begin by acknowledging their efforts and intentions, setting a foundation of mutual respect. When delivering feedback, strike a balance between recognizing their achievements and gently offering insights for improvement. Remember, empathy is the cornerstone of constructive criticism; it's about understanding their journey and guiding them toward excellence with grace and kindness.

My key to empathy is to firstly think from how i would take what i'm about to say and also note that we are not all built the same. so toning down our tone would help

What were you thinking? Often, asking some basic questions about the thought process that went into the designers decision making is productive for all involved. Not only does it give you insight to familiarize yourself with the project, but it helps the designer work through the project's program again. It is an opportunity for them to rethink their initial assumptions and responses.

é sempre bom trazer feedback com base no que está no mercado. Um mini benchmarking pode ser a solu??o para dúvidas ou divergências de opini?es de layout em design critiques!

Questions play a crucial role in communication, benefiting both the questioner and the responder. When someone raises a question, it not only helps them grasp the context better but also prompts the responder to revisit the reasoning behind their decisions. This dynamic is especially valuable for designers as it allows them to reassess their design choices based on the questions asked. In design, perfection is elusive. By identifying and questioning potential issues in a design, we open up avenues for improvement. This process of constructive questioning serves as a powerful tool for communicating feedback to designers in a positive and productive manner.

When I need to test whether an entire design, an individual element, or a user path fits the tsa, I try to get in the tsa's shoes. As a rule, a designer doesn't associate himself with too simple a group of people, and so the “stupid questions of a stupid person” I ask don't hurt his feelings in any way

One of the best methods and principles of learning is asking questions, because in the process you can help the designer to bring him to the right thoughts, there should be no place for criticism. The best thing is if you can use questions to help a person come to the answer himself. Such knowledge, in my experience, has the strongest long-term connection.

When I offer alternatives, I see it as giving my colleague a new perspective to explore - something they may not have considered which could enrich their design process. Each suggestion can spark fresh ideas and inspire different paths. But it's important to remember that inspiration is very personal for designers. If they don't use my ideas, I don’t take it personally. The main thing is to contribute to the creative process, not to control it.

Certainly! Providing alternatives in feedback can greatly enhance effectiveness by offering different paths for improvement. Here are some examples of how you can provide options in your input to fellow designers, 1) Color Palette 2) Layout 3) Typography 4) Imagery 5) Navigation 6) Call-to-Action 7) Branding element 8) Responsive towards mobile

When I propose my own option, I rely on the collaborative ideas already put forth by the team or colleagues, aiming to enhance and present a solution that is grounded in constructive dialogue. This approach not only shows respect for the work already done but also promotes a cooperative atmosphere where all contributions are valued and integrated into the final design.

Instead of simply pointing out flaws, provide suggestions or alternatives that could improve the design. For example, if you feel that the font choice is not suitable, you could suggest a few alternative fonts and explain why you think they would work better in the context of the design.

Don't just point out flaws, be a solution scout! Instead of a flat "empty space," offer options: "Open space has potential! Seating areas or a walking path could create a more inviting atmosphere!" This translates across design (for the web designer: "Cluttered layout? Grid system for readability?"). Respect the work, offer options!

Feedback is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time event. Make sure to follow up after your initial critique. This shows that you are invested in the designer's progress and are available for further discussion. It also provides an opportunity to see how your feedback was implemented and to offer additional insights if necessary. A simple "How did the revisions go? Did you encounter any challenges?" can keep the dialogue open and constructive.

Following up on feedback isn't just a box to tick; it's a great chance for me to witness real growth and progress. It's like nurturing a seed I've planted, watching it sprout and flourish with each check-in. When I reach out, I'm not just offering support; I'm gathering insights into another designer's journey, understanding their challenges, and celebrating their victories alongside them. It's a continuous dialogue, where I adapt my guidance to their evolving needs, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement to succeed. With each follow-up, I reaffirm my commitment to someone else's growth and also our shared journey to becoming excellent at our craft.

"Feedback's a journey, not a destination". Don't let feedback be a one-time event! After your initial critique, follow up. For landscape architects, this might sound like, "How are the planting revisions going? Encounter any drainage concerns?" This shows you're invested and opens the door for further discussion in other design fields too. For a web designer, you could ask, "Did the grid system improve navigation? Any user feedback you want to share?" Following up keeps the dialogue professional and fosters collaboration. It allows you to see how your suggestions landed and offer more insights if needed, ensuring all design projects, from landscapes to websites, thrive!

It's usually hard for me to switch off from the process completely and I somehow remember all the pressing tasks at hand, and just mentioning a challenging design moment can energize a person. For example, if you have a call on a call and spend 2-3 minutes mentioning the importance of your colleague's work, and not just “all the work” but a specific task - it makes the person remember that his work is important, it is remembered and they are eagerly waiting for him to solve it.

Following up on a feedback shows two things; — a teachable attitude, always wanting to learn. And — a mindful designer; that is, concerned with if the design satisfies and solve the visual problem better

Offer feedback the way you would want others to give you feedback. If feedback is not specific, constructive and actionable, then it is not effective. Never shy away from being honest. Trying to be nice and avoiding the truth hinders the progress of the person receiving feedback. Effective feedback not only helps your fellow designer grow but also sharpens your own design skills and attention to detail

For any feedback to be effective, it needs to be extremely specific, with pointers on 'what to do', rather than a focus on 'what the person did wrong'. Design is subjective, so one needs to be careful of the WHY behind ones feedback. It can't be that you want the person to do what you think is right. The feedback must come from a place of how it works for the project/ client/ community at large.

Take a perspective that often designers are only translating how they see the world, and so in depth feedback on their work often drives down to a deeper root. So when giving feedback, don’t focus too much on the integrity of the designer and their experience, focus more on the small aspects that affect changes in a big way. For example it might be adapting serif or type anatomy without changing the font. This way a designer usually will feel more empowered to make changes that clients and stakeholders see the benefit in too.

Tell me the story. When providing feedback to fellow designers, I focus on the narrative behind their work. I encourage exploring how their design tells a story or conveys a message, and then I offer feedback that might enhance that story or clarify the message. This approach helps steer the conversation towards the conceptual impact of the design, rather than just its aesthetic or functional elements. It's about enriching the narrative that the design intends to communicate, offering alternative 'plot twists' that could make the story even more compelling. This method respects the personal and artistic expression inherent in every design.

To keep the designer's spirits high, focus on the artwork itself. Start with what you love, then be specific about areas for improvement. Explain how your suggestions can make the design stronger, and use "I" statements to avoid blame. Ask questions to understand their vision, and end by offering support. This approach turns feedback into a collaborative effort to create an even better design!