5 quick tips to improve your next design review

3 Minute Read

As the old adage goes, “Feedback is a gift.” And yes, it certainly is!

​We cannot emphasize enough the strategic and tactical importance of feedback in the design process. From better understanding the business context to technical capabilities, feedback strengthens design. That said, knowing how to properly set up and facilitate a design review is a skill within itself.

​Here are five quick tips to make your next design review helpful in delivering great work.

New Space, New Dynamic
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People can get acclimated to spaces in the office. If you are meeting with an executive in their office, they are accustomed to “read-outs” or quick decision-making meetings, Physically and mentally, there is little chance they will be able to shift their mindset for a needed design review.

The same goes for your core team. Far too often, we see designers set up design critiques in the same spot as recurring team meetings - unfortunately, the team can be conditioned for certain types of more tactical or implementation-focused dialogue.
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To break this cycle, if possible, find a space that your reviewers don’t normally meet at. This will immediately shift their thinking - whether they know it or not! 

Break the Ice
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Yes, we know icebreakers can feel a bit forced, but that’s the point, but you want dialogue in a design review. Getting all attendees to speak within the first 2 minutes of the meeting loosens up everyone and also gets people to feel more comfortable on a human level. If you are able to get the audience to share, it sets the tone for a more human conversation.

For quick ideas on what icebreakers to choose, we often pick an upcoming holiday and riff off a question. For example, if Thanksgiving is coming up, the icebreaker could be, “What is your favorite part of thanksgiving dinner?”
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You’d be surprised how people share - they’ll even go into detail on their grandma’s secret recipe. It’s warm and sets the tone for a conversational review. 

Punch Up the PowerPoint!
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PowerPoint...It's so common in the workplace that most of us have become conditioned to tune out and follow along to a voiceover as someone drones on through the presentation. And, most always, the opening slide is usually a generic version of a company template.

So, to shake things up, have a fresh, eye-catching opening slide! Having a unique, well designed slide when the review kicks off will give the audience immediate pause. They’ll know, this isn’t some generic presentation, it's a moment for them to explore their creativity - tap into that excitement. 

Show Your Process
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We cannot underscore this point enough: The artifacts you have built - flows, maps, personas, wireframes - should be well-polished. ​Having professional quality and crisp documentation is important in setting the tone for executives and the overall seriousness of your approach. Additionally, showing these materials will build your credibility with the reviewers - you can share your thought process, all to help pass along your knowledge and how it informed your work. 
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Simply, your deliverables need to be as polished as the final designs themselves.

Bring a Buddy

There are two core functions asked of a designer during a design review. First, is to be a facilitator of the conversation. This means ensuring that the agenda is on track for the allotted time, giving ample time for conversation. The other, of course, is to represent your design. Being the designer and facilitator can be a tricky balance.

In an ideal situation, these functions can be served by two different roles. So, whenever you can, bring a buddy! 

Ask your buddy to be the note keeper, time keeper and to help guide the conversation when it might get off track. That way, you can be focused on sharing, discussing and learning about how to improve your designs!

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About The Makery

The Makery's mission is make opportunity for others in the world. To support this mission, we re-invest a percentage of our profits, resources and time into providing free design programs and curriculum for Minnesota's high school students. 
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