Some say design is a blend of art and science, where perspectives on what makes a "good" or "bad" design can vary widely. But does that mean feedback on UI design should be completely unrestricted?
The answer is yes—we’re free to share our opinions—but it’s highly recommended to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to help designers grow and improve.
Some say design is a blend of art and science, where perspectives on what makes a "good" or "bad" design can vary widely. But does that mean feedback on UI design should be completely unrestricted?
The answer is yes—we’re free to share our opinions—but it’s highly recommended to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to help designers grow and improve.
Here’s how to give feedback that truly maximizes the potential of a UI design:
Here’s how to give feedback that truly maximizes the potential of a UI design:
1. Start by Appreciating Their Design
1. Start by Appreciating Their Design
Begin with positive reinforcement. Highlight the elements of the design that work well. This helps foster enthusiasm and openness for improvement.
Begin with positive reinforcement. Highlight the elements of the design that work well. This helps foster enthusiasm and openness for improvement.
Examples of Positive Feedback:
- "The navigation is well-designed and aligns with Material Design guidelines."
- "The text contrast is excellent, making readability clear and comfortable."
- "The button sizes are spot on, making them easy to press."
For example:
"Wow, the navigation is good, by the provisions of material design."
"The contrast of the text color is good, and the readability is clear."
"The button size is just right, so it's easy to press."
2. Address Areas for Improvement
2. Address Areas for Improvement
Constructively point out what could be better and explain why those elements fall short. This helps the designer understand specific areas to focus on.
Constructively point out what could be better and explain why those elements fall short. This helps the designer understand specific areas to focus on.
Examples of Constructive Criticism:
- "The inconsistent content sizes disrupt visual harmony across the design."
- "Using too many typefaces makes the layout visually overwhelming and harder to read."
For example:
"The content size is not the same, so it looks inconsistent."
"Too many typefaces are used, so reading is unpleasant."
3. Provide Actionable Suggestions
3. Provide Actionable Suggestions
Move beyond opinions and offer solutions based on established design principles. When possible, back your feedback with data, guidelines, or examples. This makes the feedback more credible and actionable.
Move beyond opinions and offer solutions based on established design principles. When possible, back your feedback with data, guidelines, or examples. This makes the feedback more credible and actionable.
Examples of Actionable Feedback:
"Consider increasing the button height to 40px–48px to align with the optimal range for human fingertips, as suggested by the MIT Touch Lab study."
"The color contrast is insufficient for readability. Use tools like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) checker to test and adjust the contrast."
For example:
"We recommend that the button size can be larger because the sweet spot for buttons is 40px-48px high (or in between) according to the average human fingertips [study from MIT Touch Lab]."
"The color is not contrasting enough. Try testing using the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG)."
Including links to resources or studies related to the feedback can also encourage designers to explore and learn further.
Including links to resources or studies related to the feedback can also encourage designers to explore and learn further.
The Value of Good Feedback
The Value of Good Feedback
Feedback isn’t just about fixing immediate design issues; it’s about nurturing growth and creating a culture of better design. Effective feedback encourages designers to refine their skills and approach future projects with a stronger understanding of design principles.
By prioritizing constructive and actionable feedback, we help shape a more collaborative and impactful design culture—one that inspires better results for everyone involved.
Feedback isn’t just about fixing immediate design issues; it’s about nurturing growth and creating a culture of better design. Effective feedback encourages designers to refine their skills and approach future projects with a stronger understanding of design principles.
By prioritizing constructive and actionable feedback, we help shape a more collaborative and impactful design culture—one that inspires better results for everyone involved.
