Better Design Feedback

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

1. Fails

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