Examples of questions you might ask:
Can you tell me more about what your objectives were for [specific
aspect or element of the creation]?
What other options did you consider for [aspect/element]?
Why did you choose this approach for [aspect/element]?
Were there any influencers or constraints that affected your choices?Remember though, the dual purpose of asking these questions of the creator:
- to get you more information and...
- to get them more comfortable talking about their thought process and
decisions.
To that extent, how you ask these questions can have a huge impact? Asking
every question beginning with “Why...” can feel abrasive or like an attack.
Use lighter, more inviting phrasing such as, “tell me more about...”
Use a filter. Hold on to your initial reactions, investigate them and discuss
them in the proper context as appropriate.
You’re going to have reactions. As the work is being presented to you there
will be things that make you think “huh?” or “that’s cool” or “I don’t get it” or
maybe something worse. Hold onto those reactions and remember that
reactions don’t typically make for useful feedback. Ask yourself why you’re
reacting in that way. Ask the presenters additional questions if necessary.
Once you understand your reaction and what caused it, think about whether it
makes sense to discuss. Does it relate to the objectives of the product, the
audience for it or any particular best practices that should be followed? Or is it
more about your personal preference or wishes for how you’d like to have
seen it designed?
If your feedback is related to the product’s objectives or best practices, and not
about your personal reaction or preferences, then it definitely has a place in the
conversation. Sometimes though, you may find yourself with feedback that,
while not a best practice or preference, is also not specific to a best practice or
a stated objective. Maybe it’s something new that you think should be
considered. What should you do in those situations?
In these cases it may still be useful to bring your feedback into the
conversation. These kinds of thoughts can be useful in determining additional
objectives or constraints for the project that need to be exposed. It may be
something you can discuss quickly and then continue on with the critique, or it
may prove to be something sizeable that needs a separate, dedicated discussion
so that the critique isn’t derailed.