Setting Up a Critique Session in Figma

Key Concepts

• Preparing the Design File
• Inviting Collaborators
• Setting Up Permissions
• Organizing the Critique Agenda
• Using Real-Time Collaboration
• Collecting and Managing Feedback

Preparing the Design File

Before setting up a critique session, ensure your design file is well-organized and up-to-date. This includes having all necessary components, variants, and frames ready for review. Make sure the file is saved and accessible to all participants. This preparation ensures a smooth and efficient critique session.

Inviting Collaborators

To invite collaborators to your critique session, use the "Share" button in the top-right corner of the Figma interface. Generate a link and choose the appropriate permissions (view, comment, or edit) for each participant. Send the link to your team members via email or messaging tools. This step ensures everyone can access the design file during the session.

Setting Up Permissions

Setting up permissions in Figma allows you to control who can view, comment, or edit the design file. For a critique session, it's often best to grant view and comment permissions to stakeholders and edit permissions to the design team. This setup ensures that only authorized users can make changes, maintaining the integrity of the design process.

Organizing the Critique Agenda

Organize the critique agenda by identifying key areas of focus, such as specific components, frames, or design principles. Create a list of topics to be discussed and allocate time for each. Share this agenda with participants beforehand to ensure everyone is prepared. This organization helps keep the session on track and ensures all critical aspects are covered.

Using Real-Time Collaboration

Real-time collaboration in Figma allows all participants to work on the design file simultaneously. During the critique session, enable this feature to facilitate live discussions and immediate feedback. Participants can see each other's cursors and changes in real-time, enhancing the interactive nature of the session.

Collecting and Managing Feedback

During the critique session, use Figma's commenting tools to collect feedback. Participants can leave comments on specific elements, tag team members, and start discussions. After the session, review and organize these comments, resolving those that have been addressed and keeping unresolved feedback for further action. This process ensures that all feedback is documented and actionable.

Examples and Analogies

Think of preparing the design file as setting up a presentation. Just as you would prepare slides and visuals, you prepare your design file for review. Inviting collaborators is like sending out invitations to a meeting, ensuring everyone knows when and where to join.

Setting up permissions can be compared to setting up a secure conference room. You control who has access and what they can do, ensuring the meeting stays focused and productive.

Organizing the critique agenda is like planning a road trip. You map out the route, identify stops, and allocate time for each destination, ensuring you cover all important points.

Using real-time collaboration is akin to a live workshop. Everyone can work together in real-time, seeing and responding to each other's actions immediately.

Collecting and managing feedback is like taking meeting notes. You document all discussions and decisions, ensuring nothing is overlooked and everything is actionable.