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Run a Design Critique
Facilitate effective design critiques that improve work and build team skills.
1-2 hours per session
6 steps
Overview
A structured approach to running design critiques that drive better outcomes. Covers preparation, facilitation, giving actionable feedback, and following up on insights. Works for team crits, stakeholder reviews, and cross-functional feedback sessions.
Prerequisites
- Design work ready for feedback
- Clear goals for the critique
- Reviewers identified and invited
- Time for follow-up iteration
Steps
1
Prepare for Critique
30 minSet up the critique with clear goals, context, and the right participants.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Critique agenda
- •Design work ready to present
- •Context document (problem, constraints, goals)
- •Specific questions for reviewers
Tips:
- •Share work 24 hours ahead for async review
- •Be specific about what feedback you need
- •Include constraints and decisions already made
- •Limit to 2-3 designs per session
2
Set Context (5 min)
5 minPresent the problem, constraints, and what you're solving for.
Deliverables:
- •Problem statement shared
- •User context explained
- •Constraints acknowledged
- •Goals for this critique clarified
Tips:
- •Keep context brief - don't over-explain
- •State what stage the work is at (early, refined, final)
- •Be clear about what's fixed vs open for feedback
- •Tell reviewers what kind of feedback you need
3
Present the Work (5-10 min)
5-10 minWalk through the design, explaining key decisions and trade-offs.
Deliverables:
- •Design walkthrough completed
- •Key decisions explained
- •Trade-offs acknowledged
- •Questions posed to reviewers
Tips:
- •Show the user flow, not just screens
- •Explain your rationale for key decisions
- •Point out areas you're uncertain about
- •Don't defend - present and listen
4
Gather Feedback (20-30 min)
20-30 minFacilitate structured feedback from reviewers.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Feedback captured
- •Questions answered
- •Patterns identified
- •Action items emerging
Tips:
- •Use "I like / I wish / What if" format
- •Ask clarifying questions, don't defend
- •Look for patterns across feedback
- •Capture feedback in writing (notes or FigJam)
5
Synthesize & Prioritize
15 minSynthesize feedback into actionable next steps.
Prompts to use:
Deliverables:
- •Feedback summary
- •Prioritized action items
- •Decisions made
- •Open questions to resolve
Tips:
- •Group similar feedback
- •Separate "must address" from "consider"
- •Note conflicting feedback for follow-up
- •Thank reviewers for their input
6
Iterate & Close the Loop
1-2 daysMake changes and share updated work with reviewers.
Deliverables:
- •Updated designs
- •Summary of changes made
- •Rationale for feedback not incorporated
- •Follow-up shared with reviewers
Tips:
- •You don't have to incorporate all feedback
- •Explain why if you didn't take a suggestion
- •Share updated work to close the loop
- •Use learnings to improve next critique