By the end of this lesson you can
- Run and take part in productive design critiques.
- Give feedback that is specific, kind and useful.
- Handle stakeholder feedback without losing the design's purpose.
The idea
A design critique is a structured conversation to improve work against its goals. It is not approval and not a place for personal taste.
Running a critique
- The presenter states the goal, context, constraints and what kind of feedback they want.
- Participants review quietly first, then discuss.
- Feedback refers to goals and users: "Will people notice the delivery cost before checkout?"
- The presenter listens, asks clarifying questions and notes points, without defending each one.
- End by summarising actions.
Giving feedback
- Be specific: point to the exact element.
- Link to goals: why does it matter for users or the business?
- Ask questions: "What led you to put filters on the right?"
- Separate observation from suggestion.
- Mention what works, too.
Stakeholder feedback
Stakeholders often give solutions ("Make the button bigger"). Ask what problem they are trying to solve. Respond to the underlying concern, which may need a different solution.
Why it matters in real projects
Regular critique improves work faster than working alone and spreads knowledge across the team. Knowing how to give and receive feedback well builds trust and reduces conflict. Handling stakeholder feedback skilfully protects good design decisions while respecting their concerns.
A realistic example
A stakeholder says, "The logo needs to be bigger on the home page." Instead of arguing, the designer asks, "What are you hoping a bigger logo will achieve?" The stakeholder explains that partners have said they did not realise the site belonged to the organisation.
The designer proposes clearer branding in the header and an "About us" summary near the top. Partners' feedback improves, and the home page layout stays focused on user tasks.
Step by step
Prepare context
Write goal, users, constraints and feedback wanted.
Present briefly
Spend no more than five minutes presenting.
Allow quiet review
Give people a few minutes to look first.
Guide discussion
Keep feedback linked to goals.
Listen and note
Thank people and write points down.
Summarise actions
Agree what you will change and follow up.
Common mistakes
Mistake Defending every point.
Instead Listen, clarify and decide later.
Mistake Feedback based on taste.
Instead Tie feedback to goals and users.
Mistake Accepting stakeholder solutions literally.
Instead Ask about the underlying problem.
Check your understanding
Choose an answer, then check it. There is an explanation either way.
Practice exercise
Exercise · about 45 min
Run a critique
Run a critique of one of your designs.
Steps
- Prepare a context slide.
- Run a 30-minute critique with two or three peers.
- Take notes without defending.
- Summarise actions and update the design.
Deliverable
Context slide, critique notes and the updated design.
Self-assessment
Tick each item when it is true of your exercise. Be honest; this is for you.
4 items
Summary
- Critiques improve work against goals.
- Give specific, goal-linked feedback.
- Listen, note and decide later.
- Respond to stakeholders' underlying concerns.
Further reading
Third-party sources, chosen for reliability. They open in a new tab.
- Design critiques: encourage a positive culture (opens in a new tab)Nielsen Norman Group
Your notes
Marking complete updates your course and roadmap progress.