From the studio critique of architecture and design schools, studied by Donald Schön (The Design Studio, 1985) and set out for product teams by Adam Connor and Aaron Irizarry (Discussing Design, 2015).
Runs feedback on work in progress in fixed turns, the maker stating intent and questions, then each reviewer describing, diagnosing, and suggesting, producing usable critique without ego fights.
When to reach for it
When a draft, design, or plan needs peer input and open feedback rounds keep producing polite vagueness or arguments.
How it runs
- Set the time, the roles, and the ground rules.
- Have the maker state the brief, the intent, and two or three questions.
- Let each reviewer in turn describe, diagnose, then suggest.
- Have the maker listen and clarify without defending.
- Close with the maker saying what they will take.
Where it sits in SOLVE eX
Go to the source
- The Design Studio: An Exploration of its Traditions and Potentials, RIBA Publications, 1985
- Discussing Design: Improving Communication and Collaboration through Critique, O'Reilly, 2015