A presentation at Element UX Talks in in Poznań, Poland by Łukasz Przywarty
Better Design Feedback – Łukasz Przywarty UX Talks 2018, September 30
I once thought that feedback was easy-peasy
International Bad
We praise ourselves with Dribbble hearts, Medium claps, and other forms of virtual back-patting. Yet we forget to critique each other’s work. F. Teixeira, C. Braga, UX Collective
FAIL #1 We don’t ask for feedback
We are afraid of getting negative feedback We are afraid that someone will hurt our feelings We are afraid that somebody will come up with a better idea We assume that only our vision is right We assume that our peers don't have any feedback for us because they don’t say anything 🤐
What can you do? Before you ask for feedback, challenge your idea, look for facts to prove yourself wrong. Ask for feedback! @LukaszPrzywarty
Do you have any feedback for me? What's one thing I can improve/improve in ___? What do you think about ___? I’d like to talk about ___? I’ve tried ___ and ___. What’s better in your opinion? @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Precise what feedback you need. Present alternatives. Schedule feedback to make it routine, so it becomes normal. @LukaszPrzywarty
Fixed vs. growth mindset
FAIL #2 We ask for feedback but expect praise
“ If Pluto would be a Dribbble shot it’d be “Nice colors”. Tobias van Schneider, Semplice
What can you do? Cultivate a growth mindset. Don’t fish for compliments. @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #3 We’re defensive when we hear negative feedback
That’s wrong It is a great design, you just don’t get it I just thought that ___ It’s not my fault that ___ No, just no. ✋ @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Imagine how you would feel and respond if you hear negative feedback. Buy yourself time. Discuss the idea further to think more and calm down. Be curious. @LukaszPrzywarty
That’s wrong! Tell me more, let's figure out why we see things differently @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Look for the 1 per cent grain of truth. And... defend your feedback if you think you should (but first, listen to the feedback). @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #4 We always think we know better
FAIL #4 We always think we know better • Blind spots • Self-serving bias • Confirmation bias @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Don’t trust yourself too much. Assume that you can be wrong. Don't be attached to a particular solutions. Appreciate the contributions from others. @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #5 We want to resolve all comments
What can you do? Trust your gut. Engage in the conversation, it’s not always about resolving comments. Take into account all pros and cons. Decide. Don’t try to please the haters. @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #6 We judge ideas in seconds
What can you do? Take your time. Think before you express your opinion. Ask questions to fully understand the idea or design. Don't assume anything. Clarify. @LukaszPrzywarty
Real comment This is pants. Disqualified. What’s the reason that made you decide to do ___? Have you considered ___? I wonder what it would look like if you try ___? Source: The art of giving feedback @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Don't kill the ideas immediately. Suggest instead of order. Build upon what already exists. @LukaszPrzywarty
People feel that you cross everything before “but” I agree with you, but ___ Yes, that’s a good point and to make it work even better ___ Yes, what if ___ @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Understand that some problems have multiple causes. Remember that difficult questions usually have complex answers. Ask yourself if your feedback is going to improve the designer before you give it (I see you Usability PL members!) @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #7 We provide vague feedback
I don’t like it. It just doesn’t look right This feels off Make it bold, make it fresh! Take it to the next level 🚀 @LukaszPrzywarty
What can you do? Be prepared or don't give any feedback at all. Write down your feedback and send it to a designer before meeting in person. Try to be specific. @LukaszPrzywarty
It looks weird to me. It looks weird, because it reminds me of ___ I think that the composition (or copy or font) ___ Source: The art of giving feedback @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #8 We are constant critics
What can you do? Be both positive and negative. Don't try the “feedback sandwich”. Emphasize what has been done to this point. Don’t complain, make things. @LukaszPrzywarty
It triggers fixed mindset You're a great designer! I think you’d do a great job with ___ Your presentation helped our client better understand the problem. 👏 @LukaszPrzywarty
FAIL #9 We are too nice, sometimes
What can you do? Be honest but don't be an asshole. Say what you really think, be direct but kind. Remember about empathy! @LukaszPrzywarty
2 INSPIRATIONS
Project progress PIXAR Dailies Time for feedback! Start Source: Goods, Bads, and Dailies: Lessons for Conducting Great Critiques 25% 50% 75% Done @LukaszPrzywarty
TRELLO 30/60/90 framework 30% Concept 60% Revision Source: Avoid The Seagull Effect: The 30/60/90 Framework For Feedback 90% Details @LukaszPrzywarty
TRELLO Huddles 5 min 10 min 5–10 min 30 min Huddle intro Presentation of work Note taking and sorting Discussion 50 –55 min @LukaszPrzywarty
TRELLO Huddles Positives Negatives Have you considered…? Questions Source: Huddle Up: The New Way To Create A Safe Critique Space For Your Team @LukaszPrzywarty
SHOPIFY Fresh eyes Hm… Photo credit: UX Shopify
SHOPIFY Fresh eyes Source: Fresh Eyes & Design Talks • Biweekly meetings at the start or at the end of a day • Always in calendar • 30 minutes at a time • 2–5 person groups @LukaszPrzywarty
3 FOLLOW UP
Life without feedback would be great? Wrong! @LukaszPrzywarty
Feedback is a conversation @LukaszPrzywarty
The purpose of feedback is to make products better @LukaszPrzywarty
Positive feedback helps people repeat what they do well, negative helps improve @LukaszPrzywarty
“ Better to get your nose bloodied in a critique of your peers, than to be slaughtered in a client’s conference room. Mike Monteiro, Mule Design @LukaszPrzywarty
Books • • • • Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) Thanks for the Feedback The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a HighTech World • You’re My Favorite Client @LukaszPrzywarty
Articles • • • • • • • • • #18 The one about Dunning Kruger effect 6 Tips for Hearing Tough Feedback 6 Ways to Give Better Feedback 7 Tough Lessons I’ve Learned on Giving and Receiving Feedback at our Startup 8 ways to give better feedback to creatives Avoid The Seagull Effect: The 30/60/90 Framework For Feedback Design Criticism and the Creative Process Don’t Get Defensive: Communication Tips for the Vigilant Don't Take It Personally: How to Make Critique Work for You • Essays • Everything You Need to Know About Giving Negative Feedback • Finding the positive in negative feedback • Fresh Eyes & Design Talks • Give design feedback that builds better designers • Goods, Bads, and Dailies: Lessons for Conducting Great Critiques • How to ask for design feedback • How to Get the Feedback You Need • How to Give and Receive Feedback About Creative Work @LukaszPrzywarty
Articles • How to Give Feedback People Can Actually Use • Huddle Up: The New Way To Create A Safe ‘Critique’ Space For Your Team • Leaders, stop being so nice all the time • People who think their opinions are superior to others are most prone to overestimating their relevant knowledge and ignoring chances to learn more • Politeness Is a Lie • Research: Negative Feedback Rarely Helps People Improve • The Art And Science Of Giving And Receiving Criticism At Work • The art of giving feedback • The Cognitive Biases Tricking Your Brain @LukaszPrzywarty
THANK YOU! @LukaszPrzywarty on Twitter lukasz@przywarty.com
Let's discuss the most common feedback fails and how can we do better.
The following resources were mentioned during the presentation or are useful additional information.
Lear how Pixar handles feedback sessions.
Feedback at Trello.
Feedback at Trello.
Feedback meetings at Shopify.
for free. You
can too.