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6 TIPS on delivering design feedback effectively

Ideally, you and your graphic designer will collaborate harmoniously on the perfect solution for your needs the first time around. In the real world, however, the design process is naturally iterative as you and your designer work to mesh the two perspectives together, which some may find difficult. And that’s…okay.

The goal of the design process is to unify your vision with the designer’s creative expertise to achieve the most effective result. This is where providing useful feedback can make the difference between a flop and long-lasting marketing that enhances your brand while attracting new customers.

design feedback

Aside from the quality of the finished solution, there are very real budget and timeline implications to the feedback and revision process. A simple brochure can easily balloon into a laborious project if the feedback is broken out over several weeks. A two-month packaging project can turn into a five-month ordeal if feedback doesn’t have the market and goals in mind — leaving neither the designer nor the client satisfied with the results.

Providing useful feedback to your designer and keeping your project on track?

Design feedback

Here are six helpful tips:

Focus on your Audience.

The main goal of any design project is to reach your target audience. Try to put yourself in the end user’s shoes when evaluating the design. For instance, if you don’t like the colour yellow, but your designer gives you valid reasons why it might appeal to your customer, don’t rule it out based solely on personal aversion.

Be specific.

Your designer is there to help you solve a challenge and to do the best job, he or she needs to know exactly what you believe is not achieving the design goal. Frame your feedback by specifying what design element (i.e. font, colour, image, etc.) is not working and why. Also keep in mind that asking you clarifying questions is the designer’s way to determine the most efficient path to improving the piece, not to challenge your feedback.

Design Feedback

Be constructive.

Your designer just spent hours working on a solution he or she believed was perfect for your project objectives, so take a moment to appreciate the effort and look for the positives in the design before taking out the red pen.

Take your time.

Have you ever said the wrong thing in the heat of the moment? Feedback is the same way. If you’re unsure about how to explain your critique, take it home and sleep on it. It’s amazing what 24 hours can do from your perspective.

Ask questions.

Assume your designer has the best of intentions and the approved design strategy in mind. Ask why they chose a specific solution if you don’t think it fits the strategy — their answer may surprise you and change your mind.

Compile your feedback.

Make sure to compile feedback from all the stakeholders involved with the project into one document. Reconciling overlapping or contradicting ideas before giving it to your designer. This will save your designer countless hours and your budget undue stress.

The design process can be uncomfortable. But a little patience and thoughtful collaboration go a long way when it comes to helping your designer deliver the best solution for your business. Of course, a foundation of trust and mutual respect is the key to a productive creative partnership, which is why it’s important to find the right designer or firm in the first place.

If you are looking for a reliable design team that is not afraid of sharing their thoughts then feel free to contact us email us.


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