These are generic answers that don’t answer the questions that you have. Getting feedback from participants can be a tough experience, and in some instances, you will have a rewarding experience, as long as you ask the right question.
As a graphic designer, Mark Alvarado knows how valuable feedback is to a designer and he would like to show you how to acquire the feedback you desire.
The importance of Feedback
Like any work done, getting feedback will let you know where you can make changes and what to improve on; it is also a great way of boosting your esteem.
Receiving positive feedback lets you know that you are doing the right thing, and if people you admire point out the right things you are doing with your design, you will feel like you’ve grown a head taller.
Responses from various people will help you create better masterpieces in website design. You will not only create work that is pleasing to you but that which will please people with different tastes.
It is crucial to draw your inspiration from different people if you are in the design business. You have to ensure that the work you create will appeal to different tastes and it will also convey the message that you as the designer want to show to your audience.
Feedback Tips
Getting feedback as a designer is difficult, but there are a few tips that Mark Alvarado knows that will help you get the right answers.
One, make the environment in which the people you are requesting the feedback from comfortable and avoid feeling the pressure of receiving positive feedback.
When people are comfortable, they will be honest with you. They will give you pointers, and even tell you what they liked or disliked about the design if it is challenging to use; you will get the answers you were seeking.
Two, inform them beforehand that you’ll be asking for their feedback. This will give them time to look at your work. This is important if you don’t want to receive superficial answers.
Three, give them a prototype of your design for them to use. When they are using your design, allow them to talk to you through each step. As they use it, you will get to see the challenges they are facing.
For instance, if they can’t tell what they are supposed to do at a certain page, or they can’t find what they are looking for, you will be able to see some of the challenges with your design.
If you schedule a short feedback session with your audience, you will receive valuable feedback that will help you tweak your designs even better.
Four, tell them what you want from them. This way, you will provide them with a guideline, and they will know what to look out for. If you provide them with specific questions, you will be able to get the answers you want; avoid open-ended or vague questions.
Five, be attentive. You will get more when you listen and watch what your participants are doing. Listen to what they are saying, and what they are not saying.
There might be times they don’t know how to articulate something, but if you are keen, you will pick it up, and address the issue.
High pitched voice, if they start to say something then backtrack, or open their mouths to speak but decide to remain silent, pick on these cues and ask them to speak their minds.
What to do with the Feedback
Once you have received the feedback you requested, make sure you go through it all and take the negative with the positive. You might notice that some of what has been pointed is already common knowledge to you, but you needed a fresh set of eyes to confirm it.
To get the best feedback, ensure you create an environment in which the participant is okay with being honest. Be clear that they can speak freely, and take the criticism with poise and ask for them to elaborate on their points.
In summary, apply what you have learned and create a design better than the first one. When you are done working on the final design, show them again and see if there has been any improvement.
