How can you critique a design that is still in progress?

Detecting when a design is heading in the wrong direction is a key skill for experienced designers. It saves a lot of resources and time, and it's better to realize this sooner rather than later. → Imagine a designer's situation is similar to a doctor who has made an incorrect diagnosis. Just as the wrong diagnosis leads to ineffective treatment, a designer working on the wrong solution won't solve the real problem. → It's important to step back and reassess, much like a doctor would re-examine a patient. This could involve revisiting conversations with the project's stakeholders. → The designer might need to reanalyze the brand, explore references, conduct preference tests and more.

I'd start by acknowledging positive aspects, then address areas for improvement and then ask questions about it. Consider aspects like overall composition, color choice, and alignment. Be specific about what works and what could be enhanced. Encourage the designer to explore alternative options and provide suggestions rather than dictating changes. I'd also use a balanced tone, emphasizing collaboration and growth. I'd show myself open to dialogue, allowing the designer to share their thoughts and concerns. And I think that focusing in refining the design is always better than criticizing it.

You need to understand the thought process before design, look into the mood board, and if you're not able to understand something, you should ask for it and let them know if it is going in the right direction or not.

Sprinkle positivity into your insights to foster open communication with your design team, creating a comfortable space for discussion. Keep it cool by recognizing strengths first and smoothly sliding into constructive suggestions. Navigate improvements with finesse, respecting the designer's perspective. Empower the designer with autonomy in decision-making, acknowledging their unique understanding of the project. Remind them it's a constant design journey—always evolving, always refining (until the project deadline that is).

Communication is key. Nothing breeds more frustration and aggression than harshly criticizing a design that one knows isn’t finished or doesn’t meet the objectives. Such situations often lead to thoughts like, 'No Shit Sherlock'. This frustration can be easily avoided. The first step in evaluating designs that are still in progress should be to understand which parts, in the designer's view, are complete, which (even if unfinished) parts they are satisfied with, and which parts they are not happy with. This creates a solid foundation for constructive feedback.

Try different methods of giving feedback based on the type of a designer and their nature: "Ask-Tell-Ask" approach. This method encourages a more interactive and collaborative form of feedback. → Ask First: Start by asking the designer about their thoughts on the project. For example, "What are your views on the current design? Do you see any areas for improvement?" → Tell Your Perspective: After listening to their views, share your own feedback. Be specific about what aspects you think are working well and what areas could benefit from changes. → Ask Again: Conclude by asking another question to engage the designer in finding solutions or to understand their readiness to implement the feedback.

Let me add more to this: Sauce (Specifics): Your critique should be specific. Instead of saying, "This part doesn't look right," say, "The color here seems a bit off; maybe try a warmer tone." Specifics make your feedback more helpful and actionable. Cheese (Constructive Ideas): Cheese makes a sandwich better, right? Your feedback can too. Offer constructive ideas. If you point out a problem, suggest a solution. It's like saying, "This navigation could be clearer; what if you use icons to represent each section?" Veggies (Areas to Explore): In feedback, suggest areas the designer can explore. Maybe, "Have you thought about adding animations to make this part more engaging?" It opens up possibilities for improvement.

The Sandwich method is one that I use to critique the works of my students during workshops. I first appreciate the effort and thought that goes behind the work. This makes students feel visible, listened, considered and most importantly, ready for criticism. Next comes the criticism that should be unbiased, strictly on facts with a notion in guiding them towards improvement. Use of harsh words must be discouraged, as criticism is a conversation of intellectuals. I tell students to use the Third person perspective which will help them to receive the criticism sans emotional attachment. This way, they are actually focused on solutions. Lastly, I motivate them with a few examples that elevate their self confidence.

"Why, Why, Why" is part of design thinking. But “Why did you…” can feel accusatory and evoke a defensive reaction in people. That's why I believe the sandwich method is so important. It celebrates the things we agree on first, it lowers those natural defenses and it just makes the tension a little better. Connect first, then collaborate!

I especially like the praise part of the sandwich method. When I was teaching summer camps and then later online I would have my students start with something they like (give a positive) and then some constructive critique to help make it better. This approach can be switched up, but definitely highlighting areas that are working on designs/projects, I feel makes the designer/s and artist/s more willing to hear the areas that they can improve while receiving feedback.

A valuable lesson I learnt from art school is the importance of understanding the 'Why' behind every design decision. → Why this color? → Why this font? Ask WHY every time you are creating something. This questioning approach should guide a designer's creative process. It applies equally to critique as well. Instead of simply stating that a font doesn't work, delve into the reason: 'Why is it ineffective?' For instance, 'This font isn't suitable because it lacks readability against this background.' This method encourages deeper thinking and rationale in both design and feedback.

Don't just say you don't like it, explain why and suggest alternatives. For example, you could say, "I think the color palette could be more vibrant to enhance the overall visual impact."

Being specific and objective in design critique is crucial for providing valuable feedback. It helps the designer understand exactly what aspects are working well and what areas may need improvement. Use concrete examples: Instead of using vague statements, provide specific examples to support your feedback. For instance, you can mention how the color scheme is consistent and complements the project's mood. Rather than relying on personal opinions or preferences, keep your feedback aligned with the design goals and criteria. Consider how the design aligns with the target audience, brand identity, or project objectives. This ensures that your feedback is relevant and meaningful to achieving the intended goals.

In my experience this is something that people struggle with the most when critiquing design. In essence any feedback needs to be constructive so that the designer has somewhere they can go with the critique otherwise it can end up being a hinderance to the process.

When critiquing a design, be specific and objective. Ask 'Why' behind design decisions. Instead of saying 'I don't like it,' explain why and suggest alternatives for constructive feedback

Listen more than you talk. A good design can be easily explained, so let the designer tell you the whys and hows so that you can better understand the design before you critique it. Once they've said their peace, ask questions that will help them to better explain their design; you will either reach a common understanding or you will get the opportunity to offer a solution at an appropriate moment. It's a dance, not a derby. Your job isn't to take everything apart. It's to uncover the truth.

Some questions to consider: Where are you at? What's already been done in the process? What are the options you tried? Is there anything you need help with? Why did you choose to go with this instead of that? Remember the intent of the critique.. are you focusing on aesthetics or their reasoning behind decisions on the flow and functionality? It can be anything but be sure of it and ask questions to carify before you give any opinions.

You can simply follow an orginized list of questions: → Target Audience Inquiry: "How does this design cater to target audience's specific needs or preferences?" → Conceptual Foundation: "What is the core concept or theme behind this design?" → Functionality and Usability: "How have you ensured that the design is both functional and user-friendly?" → Innovative Elements: "What are the most innovative or unique aspects of this design, and what purpose do they serve?" → Design Constraints: "Were there any specific constraints or challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?" → Feedback Incorporation: "Have you received any feedback on this design previously?" The list may go on..

Critiquing a design is indeed a two-way process that involves active questioning and attentive listening. By asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to the designer's perspective, you create a collaborative environment that fosters understanding and growth - Seek clarity: Ask questions that help you gain a deeper understanding of the design process - Encourage reflection: By asking reflective questions, you can help the designer evaluate their own work and consider alternative possibilities or solutions - Show appreciation: Listening to the designer's responses demonstrates respect for their work and expertise. - Adjust your feedback: As you listen to the designer's answers, be open to adjusting your feedback accordingly.

When critiquing a design, engage in a dialogue by asking questions and listening. Understand the designer's process, choices, and challenges. Listen more, and ask about their inspiration, testing, and decisions. It's a collaborative dance, not a one-way derby. Uncover the truth with thoughtful questions

Consider adopting a mentorship role in your follow-up interactions. This involves not just reviewing and critiquing the design but also guiding the designer through the process of improvement and refinement. → Continuous Learning: Encourage the designer to seek new knowledge, attend workshops, or participate in webinars that could enhance their skills. → Set Milestones: Help the designer set realistic and achievable milestones for their project. → Resource Sharing: Actively share resources such as articles, design tools, or inspirational case studies. → Open Communication: Maintain an open line of communication. Let the designer know they can approach you with questions or for advice.

After providing a critique, it is important to continue supporting the designer in order to build a trusting and collaborative relationship that can aid the designer in reaching their goals. Here are some ways to do so: 1. Offer to review revised designs: Provide further feedback or suggestions on the revised designs. 2. Acknowledge progress and improvements: Encourage the designer by acknowledging the progress they have made and the improvements they have implemented. 3. Share your design experiences and challenges: Offer tips and resources based on your own experiences and challenges in design. By following these steps, you can help the designer feel supported and motivated to continue their work.

Sharing your own struggles and resources is not just about being helpful; it’s about showing that design is a constant learning process. We never really arrive - we just get better at navigating and it's important to let other designers know this. People cherrypick their accomplishments online, but everyone has mistakes and changes along the way to their perfect project.

In my work and course, I typically support as a colleague and classmate. I provide feedback and touch base when I can, as well as encourage the other person to send me revisions and celebrate their progress. Should further critiques be required, we continue working together and repeating the steps of offering praise, asking about their choices, offering my opinions and feedback, then encouraging them to grow as a designer.

As much as the work is on the designer, the client has a role and should aid where they can. This is especially important early in the design process - specificity, references, and examples lay the groundwork for later. This process never stops, either, and the client should continue even into the later stages of a design. If the design starts going in a different direction from what was initially conceived, then the client needs to repeat that process of example and reference to support the designer.

Acknowledge positive aspects, address specific areas for improvement, ask questions about intentions, suggest alternatives, emphasize user experience, and maintain a respectful and supportive tone when critiquing a design in progress.

Why would you critique a design which is not done yet? Unlike engineering, there can be countless paths to the end product. So hold your horses, or go to paper and review the design.

Make sure you don't come off as a micro-manager. Just let them know that you understand the design is still in progress and you're just here to understand what's going on and to make sure we're going in the right direction. Don't be judgy and say things like "I don't like this" or "how will we do that in this" just on the first looks. Always begin with questions.

Never be married to an idea. Always be open to reworking, rethinking, or (gasp!) throwing away an idea or a piece of content that isn't working and starting fresh. Too many designers get fixated on one single design and iterate that one idea indefinitely—even if it's not the right fit. Have the courage to give up on an idea and go in a different direction.

Asking questions about the process of their thinking so far will uncover intent. From there we can uncover how aligned our perceptions of the outcome are. And then continue the exploration together.