Howdy folks! Below are 5 key design critique tactics I learned from interviewing 7 top designers. Lemme know your biggest takeaway!
1. Prototype Switcher
At CNN Jennifer Spriggs builds interactive prototypes in Cursor with a version switcher baked in so she can flip between different design options live during a design critique.
This saves her hours of building out different prototypes in Figma!
2. Async Design Critiques
At Ramp George Bugg runs async design critiques to cut down on the number of meetings. Designers drop vibe coded prototypes built using Magic Patterns into Slack and stakeholders leave feedback whenever it suits them.
He’s found that going async makes people focus way more on the actual design instead of just reacting live during a design review.
3. Critique Recaps
At Figma Kelly starts each design critique with a recap of the last one. She shares the high level decisions that were made plus the feedback she actually acted on since then.
It jogs everyone’s memory and makes people feel valued because they can see their feedback actually got implemented!
4. Silent Design Critiques
At Hex Adam Storr runs a silent design critique to prevent the loudest voice in the room from dictating the entire product experience.
It kicks off with a quick two to three minute overview. Then a FigJam timer runs for five to six minutes with some music playing while everyone goes heads down and leaves feedback using stickies. When the timer’s up the presenter walks through the notes and drives the discussion.
5. Design Critique Vibes
At Descript John Voss splits design critique into three separate reviews. One of them is just for the design team to go deep on the design details and craft.
The other two are where the bigger product strategy calls get made. He keeps them separate so important product and go to market decisions don’t creep into the design critique. Crit stays focused purely on improving the craft!
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