Design reviews are crucial in a website project because they lead to valuable discussions that can reveal important questions and unforeseen problems. This process can be challenging for clients. Some folks don’t know website lingo and struggle to articulate their thoughts, while others find it difficult to manage multiple decision-makers who compete for a voice in the design. It might seem like a burden but it doesn’t have to be.
The best design reviews start by setting specific review parameters and establishing ground rules for suggesting changes. Without these guidelines, it’s impossible to get everyone on the same page, creating frustration and wasting time. So if you’re about to step into a meeting with your designer or you’ve been tasked to write feedback on a design, here’s a basic code of conduct to help you get the most out of your review.
What to Expect in a Design Review
Be Ready to Collaborate
Trust Your Designer
Set Egos Aside
Agree to Disagree
Respect Each Other
How to Give Helpful Design Feedback
We’re not asking you to become a designer and assume our role. If you have a critique, explain the issue and trust that we will find a solution. You don’t need to give us directives and tell us exactly what to change. Our goal is to understand why you don’t like something because that gives us context to address the true problem at hand.
Recently, a client asked us to remove a few subheads inside an image grid on her homepage. There was no explanation of the problem or why she wanted the titles gone—just a simple request to get rid of them. We were was confused. Why do the subheads need to be removed when they provide important supporting details to the user? After talking it through, the issue wasn’t that the subheads were unnecessary; she just couldn’t see some of them very well.
Ah, now we have context behind what’s actually wrong and can take steps to address it.
Removing the titles does solve our problem, but it’s a little extreme and probably not the best solution for users. We can make the titles stand out by increasing the font size or weight, changing the typeface, or adding a darker image overlay. My client only considered one solution yet there are many. We couldn’t offer these solutions before because we didn’t understand why the titles needed to be removed in the first place.
Of course, not all feedback can be resolved so easily. I’ve had headstrong clients insist on making more drastic changes; things that create huge problems for the overall design. It’s easy to imagine what that can do to a beautiful website.
You play a vital role in shaping the final outcome of the design. It’s okay if you offer solutions, just make sure you also explain the problem so we understand why you want something changed—and don’t be surprised if we recommend something else. If you’re struggling to articulate the issue, tell us your feelings instead. Or, try sending screenshots and visuals to illustrate your point, and, even better if you can show us an example on another website.
Be Specific
Ask Questions
Celebrate Wins
Content Can Change
Avoid “Design by Committee”
Final Thoughts
The website feedback you submit to our team has the power to turn a good design into a great design, but we have to follow the rules. When organizing your feedback, be sure to give us specific problems (not just solutions), and don’t be afraid to share how the design makes you feel, whether it’s good or bad. If you have questions or need clarification on something in the design, just ask our team and let us guide you. With a little collaboration and trust, we can help you solve problems and build a website that serves both your target audience as well as your team.