The Art of Effective Critique

Design critique is where good work becomes great. It's not about ego or personal preference—it's about aligning design decisions with user needs and project goals through constructive dialogue.

Creating a Culture of Trust

Effective critique requires psychological safety. I establish ground rules: focus on the work, not the person. Ask questions before making judgments. Assume positive intent. When teams feel safe, they share honestly and iterate fearlessly.

Asking the Right Questions

Great feedback starts with understanding intent. What problem is this solving? Who is the user? What constraints exist? These questions shift conversations from subjective opinions to objective evaluation against clear criteria.

Receiving Feedback with Purpose

Not all feedback deserves equal weight. I listen actively, probe for underlying concerns, and evaluate suggestions against research and goals. Some feedback reveals blind spots. Some reflects misunderstanding. Knowing the difference is crucial.

Turning Critique into Action

The best critique sessions end with clear next steps. I document decisions, rationale, and action items so the team stays aligned and momentum continues. Critique isn't just talk—it's the catalyst for meaningful improvement.

Great designers view critique as collaboration, not criticism. When done well, it sharpens thinking, strengthens work, and builds teams that trust each other enough to create something exceptional.