How to give feedback on a design
A two-minute read before your first review. Good feedback is the quickest way to a design you’ll love, and you don’t need any design words to give it.
Are you a designer? Send this guide to your clients.
-
Start with your first impression
Before the details, take a moment with the whole design. How does it feel, and would your customers get it at a glance? That first reaction is often the most helpful thing your designer can hear.
It might sound like “At first glance it feels calm and premium, which is just right. The colors feel a little cold for us, though.”
-
Show where you mean
A comment pinned to the spot, or a screenshot with an arrow, saves any guessing about “the second line” or “that bit at the top”. If there are a few versions, it helps to say which one.
It might sound like “On the homepage, the line under the logo is hard to read on my phone.”
-
Share what’s not quite working, and why
You don’t need to know the fix; finding it is your designer’s job. Saying what feels off, and why, gives them room to find something better than a quick tweak.
It might sound like “The lettering feels a little playful for our customers, who are mostly lawyers.”
-
Gather everyone’s thoughts
If others are weighing in, one combined reply is easier to act on, especially when views differ. It also helps to say who has the final say.
It might sound like “We all loved option B. Sam would like the blue a little darker, and that’s our one change.”
-
Keep an eye on timing
Replying within the time you agreed keeps the project on schedule. If you need a few more days, a quick note lets your designer plan around it.
It might sound like “We’re showing it to the team on Thursday, so you’ll hear from us by Friday.”
-
Approve when you’re happy
A clear yes lets your designer move on to the next step with confidence. If it’s nearly there, saying what’s left keeps the last round quick.
It might sound like “This is it. We approve, and thank you!”
A few things that are always okay
- Not loving it. Early designs are there to find out what works. Saying so early saves everyone time.
- Not knowing why yet. “Something feels off” is a fine place to start. Your designer can help you find the words.
- Asking why. Most design choices have a reason, and hearing it can change how a design feels.
- Trusting your gut. You know your customers best, and that’s exactly the view your designer needs.
Questions about giving feedback
How do I give feedback to a graphic designer?
Start with your first impression of the whole design, then point to the exact spots you mean. Say what isn’t working and why, rather than how to fix it. Gather everyone’s thoughts into one reply, and say a clear yes when you’re happy.
What if I don’t like the design at all?
Say so, kindly and early, and share what feels wrong and why: “it feels too serious for our customers” gives your designer a direction. A clear no on a first concept is useful, and changing course now is far easier than later.
How many rounds of changes do I get?
Your agreement with your designer says. Many projects include two or three rounds, and extra rounds are often billed separately. If you’re not sure, it’s fine to ask before your first reply.
Is it better to give feedback in writing or on a call?
Both work. Writing gives your designer something to come back to, and a call helps when you’re thinking about a change of direction. After a call, a short written summary keeps everyone on the same page.
How quickly should I reply?
Within the time you agreed, often two or three working days. If you need longer, a quick note lets your designer plan around it.
For designers
Send this guide to your clients
Share it before the first review. Two minutes of reading can save you both a round of changes.
Feedback on the spot, in Basefile
Your client opens one private link, with no account or password. They pin comments right on the design and approve with one click, and Basefile notes who approved, when, and which version.
Get started freeThese six points are also in the client welcome packet, written in your own voice.