Discussing other peoples’ work can be an uncomfortable thing for some people. But the way we get better in design is to discuss the work and share thoughts about ways it succeeds and ways it could improve. Critique is about the work and not about the person who created it. Do not take critique personally. Instead, take it as an opportunity to improve your work. None of us create something perfect every time, so there’s always room to improve.
Helpful “Starters” for Critique and Discussion
It can be hard to know where to start when critiquing work. Here are a few “starters” that can help.
- Basic Formal Qualities: Look at how the thing looks or how well it reads. Are colors or typefaces paired in harmony? Are the words in the paper well-chosen and pleasing?
- Conceptual Content: Think about the concept the thing communicates. Is it a compelling idea? Do you “get” what the concept is? Does it “say” something deeper than just the face value?
- Communication: Think about the message. Is the point clearly made? Are there any parts that are confusing?
- Composition: Look at the parts and how they relate to each other. Are the paragraphs arranged in an order that makes sense? Are the visual components arranged so they hold together well?
- Usability: Try using the design. Were you able to use it easily? Did it enable you to complete a task easily? Was it frustrating?
- Joy: Think about if this was an enjoyable design. What parts made it pleasing? Was there anything off-putting? Why?
- Connections with Other Designs: Think about how this relates to other things. Did the paper refer to other sources effectively? Was the thing designed to it could actually work in different contexts?
These are just starters, but they can be helpful talking points when you are in a discussion with others about design.
Though it comes from an art perspective, this “How to Critique” video touches on some very good points.
Go Big
What other “starters” could you develop? Think about the design from as many angles as possible. You may come up with lots of different ways to improve your work and the work of others.
Pro Tip
Design critique is always about the work and not the person. Consider your words carefully and also receive others’ words kindly.
Critique is about how successful a designed outcome or piece of writing was in achieving its goal. Stick to this idea and your critique will always be about the work and not the person who made it.
