Annotated version of presentation

1. (ANNOTATION)
I’m going to talk to you guys about something we all experience but few perfect.
THE DESIGN CRITIQUE.

2. so let’s start at the beginning. the definition of criticism: the practice of judging the merits and faults of something
or someone in an intelligible or articulate way.this applies to “formal” criticism of any type (art, literature, etc) but for
our purposes we’ll consider design critique.

3. GOLDEN RULE: consider the presenter separate from the object

4. OBJECTIVE: to make something better (typically the object being considered)

5. critique takes place throughout the design process (in design education)
at the desk (one on one)
on the wall (group)
as part of a review (group + jury)

6. skills of the design critique

7. people aren’t the only things that play a role in the process
there’s also the wall (context!)
and the audience

8. GOOD CRITIQUE = discussion of the work to move it along + spark ideas
BAD CRITIQUE = results in silence + hurt feelings

9. what separates the two?
a) taking the critique personally
b) understanding expectations
c) speaking the right language
d) understanding the culture (i.e. ALL OF THE ABOVE)

10. IT’S REALLY ABOUT IMPACT: bad critiques have HIGH IMPACT. they prevent the work from moving forward; they
create interpersonal obstacles between critic and presenter. it is not enough to say that the presenter can’t take it
personally. the entire CONTEXT of critique - the language, expectations, materials, setting, conduct of attendees -
all contribute to the success or failure of a critique.

12. DUH! SO WHAT?
EVERYTHING COMMUNICATES, INCLUDING THE CULTURE OF CRITIQUE.
knowledge = power
change the culture, change the outcome

13. DO YOU WANT...
your colleagues / employees / students to be happy, relaxed and creative?
or fearful, threatened, and paralyzed?

14. YOU HAVE THE POWER: think about critique as you would craft a user experience, and don’t forget to consider
how an outsider might fit into it. would they feel at ease? would they feel intimidated?
by changing the environment surrounding the critique and thoughtfully considering ALL the elements involved, an
organization can actually facilitate a good critique experience.