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Promoting development sustainable with constructive feedback - the right way to give criticism

Promoting development sustainable with constructive feedback - the right way to give criticism

Constructive criticism is a factor that many people have to work on constantly. Especially in connection with design, a high level of frustration and waste of time is quickly reached, in which I have also often found myself. However, in the early years of my training as a media designer, it was always important for me to get feedback on my work and learn from it. This contributed to a large extent to a constant improvement of my work and for this I am very grateful.

In this post, I want to show how you can easily acquire the art of constructive feedback. It doesn't matter what situation you as a reader are in. Regardless of whether you are a customer or a service provider: objective and helpful feedback is an important factor that must be learned for every position!

Specific statements

A detailed explanation of the points of criticism that arise for you is fundamental in the joint communication. Pay attention to detailed, factual and helpful suggestions for improvement and also inquire about the wishes of your partner.

Be careful with solution specifications

Solution specifications from the customer should be avoided as much as possible at the beginning. Instead, it is better to analyze which problem needs to be solved. It is the designer's job to develop solution approaches and clarify open points. Only in this way can he or she continue to develop and explore good ideas. The client is then often thrilled by unexpected and creative proposed solutions.

Examples for the win!

The easiest way to explain your ideas pictorially and without many words is to work with your favorite examples! You should always have inspirations that you particularly like in your repertoire. This applies to both customers and designers. Your partner can't know what's going on in your head. You can change that quickly with the help of your recommendations and thought processes can be followed much better.

For example, I like to get my inspiration from Dribbble, Behance or Themeforest.

Tip: Take a closer look at the designs and websites of your competitors. What is good and what is badly solved?

Balanced feedback

Your suggestions for improvement will be received in a more relaxed way by having at least as much praise for the design. In this way, the designer is more motivated to continue working on the project and will be able to provide you with better ideas in the future. Motivation boosts the imagination!

What we learn

Take time for feedback! It is so important for the development of the work and ultimately for a perfect result. If you want to achieve cool ideas and fancy designs in the long run, you have to be open in your development. A child cannot grow up from one day to the next. Have the confidence to express your ideas constructively.

 

Anna Obermair
Mediendesign | in2code GmbH
anna.obermair@in2code.de

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