Core Feedback Principles
Effective design feedback follows these five core principles. Master these, and you'll be able to give feedback that actually helps designers improve their work.
The design feedback cycle: Create → Share → Receive Feedback → Iterate → Improve
Be Specific, Not Vague
Instead of 'I don't like this,' explain exactly what doesn't work and why
Good Example
"The primary CTA button gets lost because it's the same color as the background. Consider using a contrasting color to make it stand out."
Bad Example
"I don't like the button. It doesn't look right."
Impact: Helps the designer understand the exact issue and how to fix it
Focus on the Work, Not the Person
Critique the design decisions, not the designer's abilities
Good Example
"This layout might be confusing for users who are used to seeing navigation at the top."
Bad Example
"You clearly don't understand user expectations."
Impact: Creates a safe environment for honest feedback and learning
Provide Context and Reasoning
Explain why something doesn't work and what the impact might be
Good Example
"The small text size might cause accessibility issues for users with visual impairments, potentially excluding 15% of our user base."
Bad Example
"The text is too small."
Impact: Helps designers understand the broader implications of their decisions
Suggest Solutions, Not Just Problems
Offer constructive alternatives when pointing out issues
Good Example
"The form is quite long. Consider breaking it into steps or using a progress indicator to reduce cognitive load."
Bad Example
"This form is too long and overwhelming."
Impact: Moves the conversation forward and provides actionable direction
Ask Questions to Understand Intent
Before critiquing, understand what the designer was trying to achieve
Good Example
"I see you've used a lot of white space here. What was your thinking behind this approach?"
Bad Example
"There's too much white space."
Impact: Shows respect for the designer's process and often reveals valid reasoning
How to Give Feedback
These practical tips will help you give feedback that designers actually want to receive and act on.
Example of a well-structured design review with clear annotations and actionable feedback
Start with What's Working
Begin feedback sessions by highlighting what the designer did well
Example: I really like how you've organized the information hierarchy here. The visual flow guides the user's eye naturally.
Use the 'I Notice, I Wonder' Framework
Structure your feedback to be observational rather than judgmental
Example: I notice the search bar is quite prominent. I wonder if users might expect it to be in the header area instead.
Be Timely and Relevant
Give feedback when it's most useful and relevant to the current phase
Example: During wireframe review, focus on structure and flow rather than visual details.
Consider the Designer's Experience Level
Adjust your feedback approach based on the designer's skill level
Example: For junior designers, provide more detailed explanations. For senior designers, focus on strategic considerations.
How to Receive Feedback
Learning to receive feedback well is just as important as learning to give it. These strategies will help you get the most value from feedback sessions.
Listen Actively
Pay full attention and avoid getting defensive
Example: Take notes, ask clarifying questions, and repeat back what you heard to ensure understanding.
Ask for Clarification
If feedback is unclear, ask for specific examples or suggestions
Example: When someone says 'this doesn't feel right,' ask 'What specifically feels off to you?'
Separate Feedback from Self-Worth
Remember that feedback is about the work, not your value as a designer
Example: View feedback as data to improve your design, not as a personal attack.
Follow Up on Feedback
Show that you've considered the feedback by explaining your decisions
Example: In your next iteration, explain how you addressed the feedback or why you chose a different approach.
Proven Feedback Frameworks
These structured frameworks will help you give more effective feedback consistently.
Comparison of popular feedback frameworks and when to use each one
SBI Framework
Situation, Behavior, Impact - a structured approach to giving feedback
Example: In the checkout flow (Situation), the form validation errors appear at the bottom (Behavior), which causes users to scroll back up to fix issues (Impact).
COIN Framework
Context, Observation, Impact, Next steps - another structured feedback method
Example: In the mobile view (Context), I noticed the navigation menu is hidden behind a hamburger icon (Observation), which might reduce discoverability (Impact). Consider testing with a tab bar navigation (Next steps).
Start, Stop, Continue
A simple framework for team retrospectives and ongoing feedback
Example: Start: Including user research insights in design reviews. Stop: Making design decisions without user data. Continue: Our weekly design critique sessions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these common feedback mistakes to improve your critique skills.
Being too vague
Giving feedback that doesn't provide actionable direction
Solution: Be specific about what you see and what you think should change
Focusing only on problems
Only pointing out what's wrong without acknowledging what's working
Solution: Always start with positive feedback before addressing areas for improvement
Making it personal
Attacking the designer instead of critiquing the work
Solution: Focus on design decisions and their impact, not the person who made them
Not providing context
Giving feedback without explaining why something is an issue
Solution: Always explain the reasoning behind your feedback and its potential impact
Being defensive when receiving feedback
Getting upset or making excuses when receiving critique
Solution: Listen actively, ask questions, and view feedback as an opportunity to improve
Building Feedback Culture
Creating a healthy feedback culture requires intentional effort from the entire team.
Establish Regular Critique Sessions
Set up dedicated time for design feedback and review
Implementation: Schedule weekly 1-hour design critique sessions with the entire design team
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing and receiving feedback
Implementation: Establish ground rules like 'no personal attacks' and 'focus on the work'
Lead by Example
Model good feedback behavior as a team lead or senior designer
Implementation: Always use structured frameworks and be specific in your feedback
Celebrate Learning
Make it clear that feedback is about growth, not criticism
Implementation: Acknowledge when designers implement feedback well and share learnings with the team
Ready to Improve Your Feedback Skills?
Great feedback is a skill that can be learned and improved. Start implementing these techniques in your next design review or critique session.
Practice Giving
Use the frameworks to structure your feedback
Build Culture
Create safe spaces for honest feedback
Keep Learning
Continuously improve your feedback skills
Design Feedback Questions
Quick answers to help you get started
Better Feedback
Get expert strategies for giving and receiving design feedback, building design culture, and improving team collaboration.