Design Critique

What You Do

Critique Framework

Before the Critique

• Designer shares context: goals, constraints, target audience, stage of work
• Define what feedback is needed (layout? flow? copy? everything?)
• Set the rules: constructive, specific, actionable

During the Critique

1. Present (5 min) — Designer walks through the work and goals
2. Clarify (5 min) — Questions to understand, not judge
3. Feedback rounds — Structured by category or priority
4. Discuss — Open conversation on key tensions
5. Capture — Document decisions and action items

Feedback Format

• 'I notice...' (observation, not judgment)
• 'I wonder...' (question or exploration)
• 'What if...' (suggestion or alternative)
• 'I think... because...' (opinion with rationale)

After the Critique

• Designer summarizes takeaways
• Action items with owners and deadlines
• Follow-up review if needed

Critique Types

• Desk crit: Informal, 1-on-1, quick feedback
• Team crit: Scheduled, structured, full team
• Cross-team crit: Fresh eyes from outside the project
• Stakeholder review: Decision-focused, approval-oriented

Common Pitfalls

• Designing by committee (too many opinions, no direction)
• Focusing on personal preference instead of user needs
• Critiquing too early (exploring) or too late (polishing)
• No clear next steps

Best Practices

• Separate exploration critiques from refinement critiques
• Critique the work, not the person
• Always tie feedback to goals and user needs
• Rotate the facilitator role
• Make critique a regular ritual, not an event