Giving Constructive Feedback in Figma

Key Concepts

• Specificity
• Positivity
• Actionability
• Contextual Understanding
• Empathy
• Balance

Specificity

Specificity in feedback means providing detailed and precise comments rather than vague or general statements. For example, instead of saying "I don't like the button," you could say "The button color contrasts poorly with the background, making it hard to read." This helps the designer understand exactly what needs to be changed.

Think of specificity as giving directions with landmarks rather than just saying "go straight." The landmarks provide clear guidance on where to go.

Positivity

Positivity in feedback involves framing comments in a way that highlights what is working well along with areas for improvement. For example, you might say "The layout is clean and easy to navigate, but the font size could be increased for better readability." This approach encourages the designer while still addressing necessary changes.

Positivity can be compared to a coach who praises a player's strengths before discussing areas for improvement. It maintains morale and motivation.

Actionability

Actionability in feedback means providing suggestions that the designer can easily implement. For instance, instead of saying "The design is too busy," you could say "Consider reducing the number of icons to five to simplify the interface." This gives the designer a clear path forward.

Think of actionability as providing a recipe rather than just saying "cook something delicious." The recipe gives specific steps to follow.

Contextual Understanding

Contextual Understanding involves considering the broader context of the design, such as the target audience, brand guidelines, and project goals. For example, if the design is for a children's app, you might suggest brighter colors and simpler graphics. This ensures that feedback aligns with the overall vision and objectives.

Contextual understanding is like understanding the setting of a story before critiquing the characters' actions. It provides a foundation for meaningful feedback.

Empathy

Empathy in feedback means considering the designer's perspective and feelings. For example, you might say "I understand this was a challenging design to create, and you did a great job with the constraints. Here are a few suggestions to enhance it further." This approach shows respect and consideration for the designer's efforts.

Empathy can be likened to walking in someone else's shoes before offering advice. It fosters a supportive and collaborative environment.

Balance

Balance in feedback involves providing a mix of positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. For example, you might say "The color scheme is vibrant and engaging, but the text alignment could be adjusted for better visual harmony." This balanced approach ensures that feedback is both encouraging and actionable.

Balance is like a scale that weighs both the strengths and areas for improvement. It ensures that feedback is fair and comprehensive.