A central mechanism to advance the design process, inviting constructive feedback on concepts from teachers, clients, stakeholders, or peers.

The critique or “crit” is a crucial element of the design process in both education and practice. Students and design practitioners, alike, benefit from timely and constructive input, advancing their creative work through the reactions and comments of others. The open critique of shared work is a unique feature of design and related creative fields (e.g., architecture2), in contrast to many professions where solutions are worked on and delivered in less public forums. There are various forms and purposes of critique, but in essence they are intended to improve the design, while also improving the presentation of the design, learning how others would understand the design, and learning to critique design.

In the Critical Response Process, Liz Lerman outlines a series of steps with specified roles of the artist or designer, responders, and a facilitator.4 When the work is presented, steps are as follows:

1. Statements of Meaning Responders indicate what they found meaningful, interesting, or remarkable about the work.
2. Designer Questions The designer asks questions of the responders. Responders may provide opinions only in direct response to questions and without suggestions for change.
3. Neutral Questions Responders ask neutral questions of the designer; for example, rather than “Why did you choose red?” they would ask, “What informed your choice of colors?”
4. Permissioned Opinions Responders state, “I have an opinion about _______. Would you like to hear it?” The designer has the option of saying yes or no.

In an unusual and rare form, ritual dissent attempts to depersonalize the critique of work. A resilient spokesperson is nominated to present a design idea to a silent panel of critics. Then, with the spokesperson’s back turned to the panel, they vigorously attack the design idea (dissent) or provide better alternatives (assent). Returning to face the panel, the spokesperson then describes what they learned. In some instances, ritual dissent is conducted in multiple rounds, with the spokespersons rotating between tables of critics.

Aside from structured methods for critique, a general set of rules or guidelines to maintain a positive, constructive atmosphere is key. For example, a critique is more likely to be productive by staying focused on the work, not the person; by asking questions in a respectful manner; by thanking people for their feedback; and by mentally placing comments in “buckets” of accept, reject, or reflect.