How to handle feedback without losing your mind

Let’s be honest who likes feedback? Getting feedback suuuuucks. I’m reminded of the story of Paul Rand designing the NEXT branding for $100,000 in 1985.

“I asked him if he would come up with a few options, and he said, ‘No, I will solve your problem for you and you will pay me. You don’t have to use the solution. If you want options go talk to other people.’”

— Steve Jobs

That rocks. But we’re not Paul Rand.

On one hand, you want to respect stakeholder feedback because you know they often have valuable insights. On the other hand, their feedback can sometimes feel like a never-ending list of demands that can derail your design vision. 🌠 Well, here are some things that worked for me.

Understanding the Stakeholder Perspective

First things first: put yourself in their shoes. 👠 Stakeholders usually have a vested interest in the project’s success. They’re looking out for the company’s best interests, which maybe your little pea design brain isn’t. No offense I’m just saying. Been there done that. Understanding this can help you approach their feedback with empathy rather than frustration.

Setting Clear Expectations

Before diving into the design process, set clear expectations with your stakeholders. Explain your process, timelines, and the kind of feedback you’ll need at each stage. This helps prevent last-minute surprises 🫨 and sets the tone for constructive feedback.

Maybe try creating a feedback guide. Outline what kind of feedback is useful at different stages of the project. For example, early feedback should focus on concept and strategy, while later feedback can address finer details.

Structured Feedback Sessions

Unstructured feedback can be a nightmare. 👹 Instead, schedule structured feedback sessions where stakeholders can review the work and provide their input. This can be done through design reviews or dedicated feedback meetings.

I’d recommend using a structured format for these sessions. For example, start with a brief presentation of the design, followed by a Q&A, and then open the floor for feedback. This keeps the session focused and productive.

Active Listening

When receiving feedback, listen actively. This means not just hearing the words, but understanding the underlying concerns and motivations. Ask clarifying questions and take notes. This shows stakeholders that you value their input and are taking it seriously. Also good life tip.

Then, paraphrase their feedback to ensure you’ve understood it correctly. This also gives them a chance to refine their thoughts if necessary.

Prioritizing Feedback

Not all feedback is created equal. Some suggestions will be crucial, while others might be nice-to-haves or even counterproductive. Prioritize feedback based on how well it aligns with your project goals and user needs.

Try using FigJam to create a “feedback matrix” to categorize feedback into must-haves, should-haves, could-haves, and won’t-haves. This helps in managing and prioritizing feedback effectively.

Balancing Stakeholder and User Needs

Sometimes, stakeholder feedback can conflict with user needs. In such cases, it’s important to advocate for the user. 🧍‍♀️ Use data and user research to back up your decisions. Explain to stakeholders the impact of their suggestions on the user experience. This can help them understand your perspective better!

In these cases, be sure to share user personas, journey maps, and usability test results with stakeholders. 📑 This data-driven approach can make a strong case for why certain feedback may or may not be implemented.

Clear and Open Communication

Keep the lines of communication open. Regular updates and progress reports can help keep stakeholders informed and engaged. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected feedback late in the process.

Use tools like Slack or project management software to keep stakeholders in the loop. Regular status meetings or progress emails can also be effective. Heck I’ve even been known to invite outsiders to design crits sometimes. Make them feel special, make them feel involved in the process.

Managing Difficult Feedback

You’ll surely encounter difficult feedback that feels unhelpful or misguided on your journey to ✨mastering feedback✨ so in these situations try stay calm, remember we are thankfully not doctors, and stay professional. Acknowledge the feedback, explain your reasoning, and if necessary, suggest a compromise.

If the feedback is non-negotiable and I disagree, I always try to remember that all ideas are valid and a lot of things you can make work if you really have to. Also sometimes, a small tweak can satisfy stakeholders without a major overhaul. The disaster scenario could just all be in your head. Try it out!

But why can’t I be Paul Rand

I mean I guess you can, do whatever you want. But handling stakeholder feedback doesn’t have to be a headache. 🤕 By setting clear expectations, actively listening, prioritizing feedback, and keeping communication open, you can turn potentially stressful situations into productive collaborations. Remember, the goal is to create the best possible product, and constructive stakeholder feedback is a valuable part of that process.

What are your tips for dealing with stakeholder feedback? Share them with me, I’d love to hear ‘em. I’m @brandonhaslegs everywhere you might go on the Internet.