Design critiques are structured conversations that evaluate work against specific objectives. When done effectively, critiques elevate the quality of design while fostering team growth and alignment.
Core elements of productive design critiques:
- Clear objectives: Defining exactly what's being evaluated
- Appropriate timing: Early enough for meaningful changes
- Right participants: Diverse perspectives but manageable size
- Structured format: Consistent process that maintains focus
- Psychological safety: Environment where honesty is welcomed
- Documentation: Capturing insights for implementation
Critique frameworks to consider:
- I Like, I Wish, What If: Simple structure for balanced feedback
- Rose, Thorn, Bud: Strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
- Ladder of Feedback: Clarify, value, express concerns, suggest
- Six Thinking Hats: Different perspectives on the same work
- Expanded Critique Matrix: Goals, audience, context, principles
Facilitating effective critiques:
- Begin with the designer explaining intent and constraints
- Focus on the work, not the person
- Frame feedback as observations, not opinions
- Use specific examples rather than generalizations
- Prioritize issues rather than cataloging every problem
- End with clear next steps and action items
Common critique pitfalls:
- Feedback that's too vague ("I don't like it")
- Solution-jumping instead of problem identification
- Excessive focus on personal preference
- Overwhelming the designer with too many inputs
- Critiquing too late in the process for meaningful change
As designer Michael Bierut notes: "The purpose of criticism is to help move work forward in a more successful way—not to make the critic feel smarter."