6 Things to Remember When Providing Useful Input to Your Designer

Effective communication between you and designers is essential for the success of any design project. Providing constructive and useful feedback to your designer not only ensures that your vision is accurately translated into the final deliverables but also fosters a collaborative and productive working relationship.

In this guide, we explore strategies for giving your designer useful feedback, covering everything from clarity and specificity to tone and professionalism.

1. Be Clear and Specific:

Clarity and specificity are key when providing feedback to your designer.

Clearly define your likes, dislikes, and expectations, and provide specific examples or references to illustrate your points. Avoid vague or ambiguous feedback that leaves room for misinterpretation, as this can lead to misunderstandings and delays in the design process. Instead, be as detailed and descriptive as possible, outlining exactly what you do and don’t like about the design and providing actionable suggestions for improvement.

• • Instead of saying: “I don’t like the design.”
  • Try saying: “I’m not a fan of the color scheme, particularly the shade of blue used in the background. Could we explore warmer tones instead?”

2. Focus on Objectives and Goals:

When providing feedback, always keep the project objectives and goals in mind. Remind yourself of the purpose of the design and how it aligns with your overall objectives. Evaluate the design based on whether it effectively communicates your message, resonates with your target audience, and achieves the desired outcomes. If certain elements of the design draw away from these goals, provide feedback that suggests alternative approaches or solutions to address them.

• • Instead of saying: “I don’t like this layout.”
  • Try saying: “While the layout is visually appealing, I’m concerned that it may not effectively highlight our key messaging and calls to action. Could we explore different layout options that prioritize clarity and user engagement?”

3. Offer Constructive Criticism:

Constructive criticism is essential for guiding the design process and driving improvements. When providing feedback, focus on constructive criticism that identifies specific areas for improvement and suggests actionable solutions. Avoid overly negative or disparaging remarks that may demotivate or dishearten the designer. Instead, frame your feedback in a positive and collaborative manner, highlighting what works well and offering suggestions for refinement or enhancement.

• • Instead of saying: “This design is terrible.”
  • Try saying: “I appreciate the effort that went into this design, but I believe there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in terms of typography and hierarchy. Could we explore different fonts and layout options to enhance readability and visual impact?”

4. Balance Preferences with Expertise:

While it’s important to express your preferences and personal tastes, it’s also essential to trust in your designer’s expertise and judgment. Recognize that your designer brings valuable skills, experience, and creative insight to the table and be open to their suggestions and recommendations. Maintain a balance between asserting your preferences and allowing room for the designer to explore innovative solutions and push creative boundaries.

• • Instead of saying: “I want it to look exactly like this.”
  • Try saying: “I’m drawn to the minimalist aesthetic of this example, but I’m open to your creative interpretation and expertise. How can we incorporate elements of this style while ensuring it aligns with our brand identity and objectives?”

5. Provide Actionable Feedback:

When providing feedback, focus on actionable suggestions that your designer can implement to address your concerns or preferences. Instead of simply pointing out what you don’t like, offer specific recommendations or requests for changes that will help guide the designer’s revisions. This could include requests for adjustments to layout, color, typography, imagery, or functionality, accompanied by explanations or rationale for why these changes are necessary or desired.

• • Instead of saying: “I don’t like the font.”
  • Try saying: “I think the font used for the body text is difficult to read at smaller sizes. Could we try a different font with better legibility, such as [specific font name]?”

6. Be Respectful and Professional:

Effective feedback is delivered with respect and professionalism, even in moments of disagreement or frustration. Avoid using harsh or degrading language, and refrain from making personal attacks or criticisms. Instead, maintain a positive and collaborative tone, focusing on the design and its merits rather than the individual designer. Remember that feedback is an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration, not a one-sided critique.

• • Instead of saying: “You clearly don’t understand what I want.”
  • Try saying: “I appreciate your efforts on this design, but I feel like we may have misunderstood each other. Could we discuss my vision and objectives in more detail to ensure we’re on the same page?”

Conclusion:

Providing useful feedback to your designer is a skill that requires clarity, specificity, objectivity, and professionalism. By focusing on clear communication, constructive criticism, alignment with project goals, trust in the designer’s expertise, actionable suggestions, and respectful dialogue, you can effectively guide the design process and achieve results that exceed your expectations.

Remember that feedback is a collaborative process that relies on open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to achieving the desired outcomes. With the right approach, you can foster a productive and positive working relationship with your designer and create designs that truly resonate with your audience and achieve your objectives.