Speaking · Free lesson
UX feedback: ask about one design decision
“Any thoughts?” can invite comments on everything. A focused request helps a colleague discuss the decision you are working on.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Try “Could you review these two button labels? The goal is to make the next step clear. Does either label do that?” Name the decision and the goal, then leave room for either, neither or a different suggestion.
Name the object, the user goal and the question.
A peer critique can examine a draft against its goal. “Which do you like?” asks for preference; “Does either label explain the next step?” asks about a communication goal. If someone recommends an option, ask what makes it clearer. Their answer is feedback, not proof that users will succeed or that the design is approved.
Compare the examples
Could you review these two button labels?
The goal is to make the next step clear.
What makes that option clearer?
Feedback is normally uncountable: some feedback, not a feedback or feedbacks.
Build the meaning step by step
Focus the review
Could you focus on these two button labels?
Invite a goal-based judgment
Does either label make the next step clear?
Try it now
Focus the request
Read all answers and explanations
You need feedback on two labels, not the whole screen.
Could you focus on these two button labels?This identifies the specific decision without expanding the review.
The goal is to explain the next step. Which question uses that goal?
Does either label make the next step clear?It asks about the goal and allows a negative answer.
A colleague prefers the second label. Ask for the reason.
What makes that option clearer?This requests reasoning without inventing user evidence or approval.
Put it into practice
Open a focused critique
Ask about two button labels and whether they explain the next step. Then ask for the reason behind a preference.
- Colleague
What would you like me to review?
See a model answer
- Colleague
What would you like me to review?
- You
Could you review these two labels? Does either make the next step clear?
- Colleague
I think the second label is clearer.
- You
What makes that option clearer?
The conversation gathers feedback without calling the design tested or approved.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
What if neither option works?
Leave that possibility open. Ask what information is missing instead of forcing a choice between two weak options.
Should I ignore feedback outside this scope?
No. You can note it for another discussion while keeping this conversation focused. Scope organizes the discussion; it does not make other concerns invalid.
Take it into your day
Ask about one decision and its goal; do not confuse feedback with approval.
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