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Stage 11 · Lesson 15 of 18

Giving and receiving critique

Feedback that helps.

  • Intermediate
  • 20 min
  • 3 check questions
  • Exercise: 30 min

By the end of this lesson you can

  • Give design feedback that is specific, kind and useful.
  • Receive critique without becoming defensive.
  • Run or take part in effective critique sessions.

The idea

Critique is a structured conversation about whether a design meets its goals. It is not a judgement of the designer.

Giving critique

  • Start from goals: "The goal is for first-time users to book quickly. Does this layout help?"
  • Be specific: point to exact elements.
  • Explain impact: "Because the price is below the fold, people may not see it before choosing."
  • Ask questions: "What led you to put filters in a menu?"
  • Separate preference from problem: "Personally I prefer…" versus "This may cause…"

Receiving critique

  • Share the goal and what feedback you need.
  • Listen and take notes; do not defend every point.
  • Ask clarifying questions.
  • Decide afterwards what to act on, and say why.

Session formats

Set a clear goal, a time limit and roles (presenter, facilitator, note-taker). Silent critique on sticky notes before discussion can help quieter voices.

Why it matters in real projects

Critique improves designs faster than working alone and is a daily part of design work. Teams that critique well spot problems early and learn from each other. Handling critique gracefully is also something interviewers and managers watch closely.

A realistic example

Unhelpful feedback: "I don't like it. It feels cluttered."

Helpful feedback: "The goal is quick booking. I count six buttons with equal weight on this screen, so it is hard to see the main action. Could 'Book now' be the only primary button?"

The designer replies: "Thanks, that's useful. The other buttons came from stakeholder requests; I'll test a version with one primary action."

Step by step

  1. State the goal

    Begin each critique by restating what the design is for.

  2. Set the focus

    Say what feedback is needed.

  3. Give specific feedback

    Point to elements and explain impact.

  4. Ask questions

    Understand the designer's reasoning.

  5. Capture notes

    Record feedback without debating.

  6. Decide and follow up

    Choose what to act on and share why.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake Personal opinions as facts.

    Instead Separate preference from problems.

  • Mistake Defending every point.

    Instead Listen, note and decide later.

  • Mistake Critique without goals.

    Instead Always start from the design's goals.

Check your understanding

Choose an answer, then check it. There is an explanation either way.

Question 1 of 3What should critique start from?
Show answer

The design's goals. Goals make feedback relevant.

Question 2 of 3How should you receive critique?
Show answer

Listen, ask questions and decide later. Stay open.

Question 3 of 3Which feedback is most useful?
Show answer

Six equal buttons make the main action unclear. Specific with impact.

Practice exercise

Exercise · about 30 min

Critique practice

Give and receive critique on a design.

Steps

  1. Choose a screen and state its goal.
  2. Write three pieces of specific, goal-based feedback.
  3. Share your own work and ask for focused feedback.
  4. Record what you will change and why.

Deliverable

Written feedback and an action list.

Self-assessment

Tick each item when it is true of your exercise. Be honest; this is for you.

4 items

Summary

  • Critique is about goals, not people.
  • Be specific and explain impact.
  • Receive feedback openly.
  • Structure critique sessions.

Further reading

Third-party sources, chosen for reliability. They open in a new tab.

Your notes

Marking complete updates your course and roadmap progress.

Back to Portfolio and career readiness Roadmap

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