design-critique

name	design-critique
description	Structured framework for design feedback sessions.

Design Critique Framework

A structured approach to giving and receiving design feedback.

Before the Critique

Presenter Preparation

1. State the context

   • What problem are you solving?
   • Who is the target user?
   • What constraints exist?

2. Define the scope

   • What stage is this work?
   • What feedback do you need?
   • What's out of scope?

3. Share materials in advance

   • Design files or prototypes
   • User research findings
   • Business requirements

Facilitator Preparation

• Set time limits
• Define feedback format
• Prepare prompts

Critique Structure

1. Presentation (5-10 min)

Presenter shares:

• Problem statement
• User needs
• Design solution
• Specific questions

2. Clarifying Questions (5 min)

Reviewers ask questions to understand:

• "What happens when...?"
• "How did you decide...?"
• "What alternatives did you consider?"

3. Feedback Round (15-20 min)

Each reviewer shares observations using the format below.

4. Discussion (10 min)

• Explore key themes
• Identify next steps
• Prioritize changes

Feedback Format

The "I Like, I Wish, What If" Method

I Like... What's working well "I like how the onboarding flow reduces friction."

I Wish... Opportunities for improvement "I wish the error states were more helpful."

What If... Ideas to explore "What if we added a progress indicator?"

The Observation Method

Observation → Impact → Suggestion

"I notice the CTA is below the fold. This might reduce conversions. Consider testing it above the fold."

Types of Feedback

Actionable vs. Preferential

Actionable (Give this) "The contrast ratio on this button is 2.8:1, which fails WCAG AA. Increase the contrast to at least 4.5:1."

Preferential (Avoid this) "I don't like the blue. Try green instead."

Specific vs. Vague

Specific (Give this) "The form has 12 fields. Consider progressive disclosure to reduce cognitive load."

Vague (Avoid this) "This feels overwhelming."

Feedback by Design Stage

Early Exploration

Focus on:

• Problem framing
• Conceptual direction
• User needs alignment

Avoid:

• Visual polish details
• Pixel-level feedback
• Implementation concerns

Mid-Fidelity

Focus on:

• Information architecture
• User flows
• Interaction patterns

Avoid:

• Final copy critique
• Color/font perfection
• Edge cases

High-Fidelity

Focus on:

• Visual consistency
• Accessibility compliance
• Content quality
• Edge cases

Receiving Feedback

Do

• Listen fully before responding
• Take notes
• Ask clarifying questions
• Thank reviewers
• Follow up on actions

Don't

• Defend every decision
• Explain away feedback
• Take it personally
• Ignore patterns in feedback

Facilitation Tips

Time Management

• Set clear time boxes
• Use a timer
• Interrupt politely if needed

Encourage Participation

• Go around the room
• Call on quiet people
• Limit dominant voices

Stay On Track

• Redirect tangents
• Park off-topic items
• Summarize key points

Document Outcomes

• Capture all feedback
• Note priorities
• Assign owners to action items

Remote Critique Best Practices

• Use collaborative tools (Figma, Miro)
• Enable commenting
• Mute when not speaking
• Use video for engagement
• Record for absent team members