How to give useful feedback.

Take your time: When you are sent the project don't jump into critiquing right away, look at the project and consider what you like and don't like then wait at least 24 hours when possible before providing feedback. Sometimes we see things that we may like or dislike initially but after taking some time to consider we gain a new perspective.

Be Specific: Be specific on what you like and dislike about the work, are there certain colors you feel clash or is some of the text too small to read or too big. The more specific you are the less confusion between designer and client.

Goal orientated work: Always consider what the goals of the project are and how the work does or doesn't help meet those goals. The goals of a project are the “north star” that drives the work forward. Sometimes these goals are simply a problem that is attempting to be solved

Focus on the problem: Instead of trying to solve the problem you are seeing, describe the problem in as much detail as you can, remember that you are paying for the problem solving.

Provide Examples: Give examples whenever possible and describe what you like about the examples using the criteria outlined above.

Utilize the tool: Feedback can get lost and confused when emailed or communicated over text message so be sure to communicate your feedback right in the tool for the designer. I have been using Simple Commenter for website feedback and Adobe file feedback for design projects.