/ blogs / By

The Art of Giving and Receiving Design Feedback: A Guide for Clients and Designers

Illustration of a diverse client and designer sitting across a table, with one having African descent and the other of Asian descent. They are engaged in a discussion, with design drafts spread on the table. A glowing light bulb above them symbolizes understanding and collaboration. In the backdrop, a balance scale displays the words 'Giving' and 'Receiving', emphasizing the feedback equilibrium.

Feedback is the cornerstone of any successful design project. Yet, it’s often the most overlooked aspect of the client-designer relationship. As someone who’s been in the advertising and graphic design industry for years, I’ve seen how effective feedback can make or break a project. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of giving constructive feedback and how to do it right.

Why Feedback Matters

Feedback is not just a one-off comment like “I don’t like it” or “It’s too boring.” It’s a continuous dialogue that helps refine the project and align it with the client’s vision and objectives. Effective feedback saves time, reduces costs, and most importantly, results in a design that hits the mark.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Giving Feedback

Do’s

  1. Be Specific: General comments are not helpful. Instead of saying “It’s too dull,” specify what makes it so. Is it the color scheme, the typography, or the overall layout?
  2. Use Descriptive Language: Words like ‘engaging,’ ‘intuitive,’ or ‘cluttered’ paint a clearer picture of your expectations.
  3. Refer to Objectives: Always tie your feedback back to the project’s objectives. If a design element doesn’t serve the purpose, point it out.

Don’ts

  1. Avoid Personal Preferences: Remember, the design is not for you; it’s for your audience. Keep personal biases out of the feedback.
  2. Don’t Rush: Take your time to absorb the design before jumping to conclusions. First impressions may not always be the best gauge.
  3. No Silent Treatment: Lack of feedback is as detrimental as poor feedback. It leaves the designer in a limbo, unsure of the next steps.

How Designers Can Facilitate Better Feedback

As designers, we’re not just passive recipients of feedback; we can guide our clients to provide the kind of input that’s genuinely helpful.

  1. Educate: Use the initial meetings to explain the design process and the importance of feedback.
  2. Ask Questions: Instead of waiting for feedback, ask specific questions that guide the client to focus on different aspects of the design.
  3. Provide a Feedback Template: A structured format can help clients organize their thoughts better, making the feedback more actionable.

Conclusion

Feedback is a two-way street. Both clients and designers have a role to play in making the process effective. So the next time you’re about to say “I don’t like it,” pause and think about how you can make your feedback more constructive. Your project will be better for it.