Feedbacks & changes! Two things we all designers relate with. We often feel worried about the feedback we are gonna receive after submitting any design to the client. If we are lucky, we might get some constructive feedback, which is actually implementable. But in most cases, we get feedback that quite throws us off the track. Is there any solution to this? Well, I have some tips for you based on which you can navigate the feedback process to enhance your design work.
Know What You’re Asking For
Don’t just share your design work & say, “Hey, can you please share your feedback on this work?” No! This will give your client a multi directed thought & lead to feedback that even clashes with each other. Instead ask this way, “Hey, here’s the work you asked for. Can you please share your thoughts based on looks, visibility & color choices?” This will keep your client’s feedback closed ended & you’ll be able to guide him in a specific way.
Frame Your Request Positively
The way you are asking for feedback can influence the type and quality of response you are gonna get. Frame your requests positively & encourage honest criticism. For example, instead of asking “Do you like this?”, which will lead to just a yes/no response, try “How could this be improved?” to encourage more detailed and objective feedback.
Be Specific and Open-Minded
When requesting feedback, be specific about where you’re at in the design process and what aspects you’re most concerned about. This helps the reviewer focus their attention where it’s most needed. Approach the feedback session with an open mind; resist the urge to defend your work, and listen actively to the insights being offered.
Analyze and Prioritize Feedback
Once you’ve gathered feedback, take the time to analyze and prioritize it. Not all comments will be equally useful or relevant, and it’s up to you to sift through them to decide which suggestions to implement. Consider the feedback’s impact on your design goals and the project’s broader context. Sometimes, a piece of feedback might spark an idea that requires a bit of iteration to fully realize its potential.
Implement Changes Strategically
After prioritizing the feedback, implement changes strategically. Start with modifications that have the most significant impact on the design’s effectiveness and user experience. It’s important to document these changes and the rationale behind them, as this can be useful for future projects and for understanding your own design evolution.
Finally, reflect on the feedback process itself. What worked well? What could be improved? Each feedback cycle is an opportunity to refine not just your design, but how you solicit and incorporate feedback. Over time, you’ll develop a more intuitive sense for which critiques to act on and how to ask the right questions to elicit helpful feedback.