Design Critique

Facilitation is a core aspect of a critique. Traditionally, facilitation is a mechanism used to manage chaotic processes. This management creates the structure and framework needed for productive conversations. There are two main facilitation approaches to UX critiques:

Round robin
Participants share their perspectives one by one, making their way around the table. This method provides two clear advantages. First, everyone contributes. Second, the process feels democratic: you can start at a random place at the table, and anybody has a chance at going first (if not the first time, then the next time).

Quotas
 The facilitator gathers a specific, predetermined number of positive and negative comments from each participant. For example, each participant could share two aspects of the design that seems to accurately meet users’ needs, and one aspect that could be improved. This approach specifically should be used only as a way to initiate conversation. Once there is a natural exchange, the critique could carry on based on where the conversation goes (assuming it falls within the set scope).

Facilitators’ responsibilities will vary, but likely will include time boxing, keeping conversation on track, and negotiating any tension. Creating, then distributing the scope and agenda for the design critique. In order for a critique to be productive, there must be a plan heading into it. Defining this plan is the facilitator’s responsibility. There are key components to line up prior to conducting a critique.

First, make everyone aware of the critique’s scope and goals. Setting the common understanding of what the conversation should and should not cover is an important part of making the most of the team’s time. Establish rules and expectations beforehand, to make sure that participants know what a critique is and how it is run. In addition, share the work that will be critiqued — you want to avoid big surprises at the time of the critique, while also giving participants the time to really think about the work before offering feedback.

Presenting work, whether in a critique setting or not, makes the presenter feel vulnerable, especially if the critique is not established in your organization. Remember to not take feedback personally; instead, keep your mindset on improving your product. This attitude will make it easier to work though points of tension and will enable you to gain maximum value from the critique. When you’re presenting your work in a design critique, follow these best practices:

Repeat objectives
Prior to starting the critique, reiterate the goals of the work. Quickly summarize personas, current pain points, user tasks, or previous work. As mentioned above, it is also good idea to send out your work beforehand to avoid the initial reactive feedback based on someone’s gut reaction.

Tell a story
Start the critique by telling your work’s story. Though this might feel silly, not only is it good practice for storytelling to customers, but it loops your audience into the problems you encountered and into your inspirations and decision points. Follow it up with specific requests for feedback: what works, what doesn’t, where you need input and suggestions. Present your work quickly and efficiently. We like to over explain as a means of defending every decision we have made, because we are often emotionally tied to our designs. Try to be concise and to the point. After presenting, the team can always circle back to something that needs more discussion — but avoid eating up unnecessary time in the initial presentation. This approach to presenting will also have the added benefit of allowing your participants to see your work as your users may, without much explanation. During the subsequent discussions, questions and accompanying explanations will arise naturally.

Make your designs readily available. If your designs were not sent out prior to the meeting, make your designs available after the critique, in case extended discussion is needed. Schedule individual follow-up meetings if you need to discuss anyone’s feedback in more detail.