How to give feedback that actually helps

Good feedback is specific, kind and about the work, not the person.

Daniel Osei

Two people marking a printed page with a pencil

In every cohort we spend the first week teaching people how to give feedback. It is the most useful skill we teach, and it has nothing to do with design or writing.

Describe before you judge

Start by saying what you see. “The headline is in the bottom third” is more useful than “the layout feels off” because the maker can act on it.

Offer one next step

Long lists overwhelm people. Pick the single change that would improve the piece most and explain why.