Discussing Design Book Cover

Discussing Design

Our ability to critique speaks directly to the quality of our conversations and collaboration with our teammates, whether designers, developers, or stakeholders. Our ideas and designs for the products and services we create depend on this feedback.

Critique is an underdeveloped skill among collaborative teams today. In this practical guide, authors Aaron Irizarry and Adam Connor teach you techniques, tools, and a framework for helping members of your design team give and receive critique.

By using firsthand stories and lessons from prominent figures in the design community, this book examines the good, the bad, and the ugly of feedback. You’ll come away with tips, actionable insights, activities, and a cheat sheet for practicing critique as a part of your collaborative process.

This book covers:

  • Best practices (and anti-patterns) for giving and receiving critique

  • Cultural aspects that influence your ability to critique constructively

  • When, how much, and how often to use critique in the creative process

  • Facilitation techniques for making critiques timely and more effective

  • Strategies for dealing with difficult people and challenging situations

Praise for Discussing Design

  • Definative

    “This book is the definitive bible on how to give feedback effectively and how to receive it well. It breaks the elements of critique into specific, actionable tips you can apply in your work today. It also doesn't shy away from addressing difficult situations that one can run into as a design practitioner, e.g., navigating rugged political terrain.
    - Dan

  • Positive Outcomes

    “If you find yourself struggling in a design environment you should read this book. You will be able to understand how to participate in a collaborative and balanced critique-oriented workplace and take all the positive outcomes.”
    - Maria Jose Arce

  • Creating safe environments for collaborative design...

    “This is a book I have recommended and will continue to recommend, to my colleagues and to designers I mentor. I would love to detail all the goodness wrapped up in this book, but it is too expansive to fit in a review. You will just have to read it for yourself.”
    - Amy Marquez

  • Lack productive crits? Read this

    Great read that inspired our team to formalise an official structure and rules around critiques. It's already had a positive effect on the team and our design output. Thanks
    - Bob

  • Critique is a linchpin for innovation...

    In the past year, I’ve purchased multiple copies of Discussing Design. A few copies I’ve given to others to help them better understand the art of facilitating a great design critique. Other copies I’ve referenced so many times they’ve become too worn out.
    - Shay