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Students are expected to facilitate class progress and the learning process through constructive criticism of peer work in preparation for a career as a well-rounded media industry professional.

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You are not allowed to write or say “Good job” or “I like it” or any equivalently unhelpful phrases in GroupMe. Doing so will result in a loss of 2 points ****on your semester grade per occurrence, unless I agree with you, which is almost never. After all, nearly every project can be improved.

The goal of feedback is not to make people cry but to make everyone better.

• As one who provides critique, you develop a better eye and understanding of design principles.
• As one being critiqued, you will be able to consider the possibility that someone else is right and make changes.

Often, feedback is incorrect; however, the ensuing discourse among many might help you better solve the problem.

At any rate, you are the final arbiter of your work. Take comfort in knowing that your final work is the best it can be given the restraints of current abilities, time, and money because you have vetted it.

You have no value to others if you tell them they did a great job when they did not.

Sure, taking the path of least resistance is easy and safe, but how does that help an individual grow? And if you’re not willing to offer considered feedback to others, why would they do the same for you?

How do you change from being ruinously empathetic? (Read and watch more about this under content labeled Radical Candor below.) Stop telling people what you think they want to hear. Instead, offer advice on how they can do better work, how they can better solve a problem with a design solution. In exchange, they will do the same for you.

Bluntness: Understanding Radical Candor

How to Give Constructive Feedback

The Only Thing That Matters

Students often say “I like it.” What does that even mean? Are you the only customer? The only thing that matters is whether the work effectively solves a problem for the client. If it’s not on brand and it doesn’t work, what difference does it make if someone likes it? That’s irrelevant. Don’t confuse art with commercial work.

Fear

Are you afraid someone might not like you if you’re too honest? Are you afraid of being judged if you tell the truth? How do you think someone might feel toward you if you create a false sense of security by saying “I like it“ when the work has weaknesses, such as typos, alignment issues, bad grammar, or contrast issues? Think he/she will trust you again? What about in the real world when the substandard work requires corrections and a $50,000 reprint?

How to Provide Real Criticism (Help)

• Focus on the work, not the individual. No personal attacks. Ever.
• Ask yourself how the project could be better.