You're facing feedback from design-illiterate executives. How can you guide them effectively?
When working with executives unfamiliar with design, it's essential to bridge the gap between creative vision and business goals. Here's how to guide them effectively:
What strategies have you found effective for guiding non-designers through feedback? Share your thoughts.
You're facing feedback from design-illiterate executives. How can you guide them effectively?
When working with executives unfamiliar with design, it's essential to bridge the gap between creative vision and business goals. Here's how to guide them effectively:
What strategies have you found effective for guiding non-designers through feedback? Share your thoughts.
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To guide design-illiterate executives, translate design concepts into simple, relatable terms, using visuals to illustrate ideas. Focus on how each design choice supports business goals, showing tangible impacts like customer engagement or brand perception. Encourage questions and be open to explaining the rationale behind decisions, reinforcing trust in your expertise. Offer clear comparisons—such as “before and after” examples—to help them see the value of your design approach.
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Be a true employee and do the following: 1. Use your non-diplomacy to request for a design-literate executive. 2. Proceed to explain your design in peace. 3. The HR might call you, but that's okay. Use your diplomacy now.
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When receiving feedback from design-illiterate executives, I focus on simplifying complex concepts and using relatable language. I provide visual examples to illustrate design choices and explain how these align with business goals. Highlighting the benefits of certain design elements helps bridge the knowledge gap. Maintaining open communication and patience ensures they feel heard while guiding them toward informed decisions that support the project’s vision.
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I focus on bridging the gap between my creative vision and their business goals. I keep my explanations simple and avoid technical jargon, breaking down design choices in a way that connects directly to what they care about. Showing visual examples, like before-and-after images, really helps bring the concepts to life.
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When working with executives who may not be familiar with design, I focus on simplifying my feedback and aligning it with their perspective. I avoid technical jargon and instead connect design choices to their business goals, explaining how each element supports brand objectives or enhances user engagement. I use visuals, such as mockups or side-by-side comparisons, to illustrate my points, making it easier for them to understand the impact of design decisions. By relating feedback to the outcomes they value, I guide them effectively through the process, helping to build their understanding and confidence in the design direction we are taking.
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