LIVE from Web 2.0 NY Expo Wed - Discussing Design - The art of critique

Discussing Design - The art of critique

Adam Connor and Aaron Irizarry

In the world of digital designs, we need to have a better communication with designs and designers.

What is critique?

- Critique is a ongoing process and flow of feedback, revision, and end product. Feedback is a small part of the Critique.

- Critique is about critical thinking. Figure out what problem that the designer was solving.

- There are two facets to critique - Giving and Receiving. Giving critique with the wrong intent is selfish. Giving critique with the right intent is selfless.

- Dialogue needs to take place where you clear some assumptions and get explanations from designers.

Tips for giving critique...

- Use a filter. Gather initial thoughts and reactions. Revisit them in the right context.

- Don't assume. Find out the reason behind thinking, constraints or other variables.

- Don't invite yourself. Get in touch and ask to chat about the design.

- Lead with questions. Show interest in their process.

- Receiving critique with the right intent takes humility and meekness. 

Tips for receiving critique...

- Rmember the purpose: improvement, not judgement.

- Listen. Do you understand what the critics are saying?

- Think before you talk back. Write it down, think about it, and revisit later.

- Refer to the goals.

- Participate just like any other critic. Helps remove the wall and involving as a team.

Critique is a LIFE skill...  not a design skill.

- Formal vs. Informal Critique.

- Critique is a skill. You only get better with practice.

- Start small (internal only)

- Think before you speak

- Choose who you critique with carefully

The Rules of Critique

- Everyone is a critic.

- Everyone is equal.

- The designer decides what to act upon.

- Avoid problem solving and design decisions. Not helpful in this contaxt. Focus on analyzing what you are looking at.

Who should you invite? Choose your attendees based on your goal. Don't use same people all the time (in large companies)

When should you have critique?  All the time!

Preparation and Kickoff

- Send out your material ahead of time

- Active listening / question for clarity

- Round Robin helps with structures

- Direct Inquiry - get everyone involved even if they are not participating. Ask them directly.

- Quaotas - adding a structure to their critique - helps them refine their thinking

- Six thinking hats - 

- Moderators - need moderation the flow of the critique

Dealing with difficult people...

- Set expectations at the beginning

- Make sure everyone understans critique

- Ask quite people for feedback directly

- Ue personas and goals to keep focused - personas are users who you are building this for and goal of the product.

- Laddering / The 5 Whys

Following Up

- Follow up with individuals and have 1-on-1 conversation with them. Get into the details.