You like it when people like your work.
During a critique, when comments such as “I like it” or “I love it” or even “that’s awesome!” are made about what is on the wall, you feel good. Getting approval is a great way to build confidence, “I like it” puts a smile on your face as you proudly stand by what you have made.

However, there is a catch: as a way to become better at what you do, “I like it” is worthless feedback. There is nothing from a bunch of “I like its” that helps you make better work (or, for that matter, from a bunch of “I hate its” either).

The critique

is one of the most valuable components of a formal design education. It can also be a difficult concept for new students.

is a collaborative activity that takes time to learn — both in terms of how to give feedback, and how to accept feedback.

While there are no hard-and-fast rules to the critique process, this information can help.

Why critique?

The purpose and value of a critique is to improve the work — critique serves the work, not the person who made the work. A critique of your work is not a critique of your humanity, and making bad work does not make you a bad person.

A critique should have goals. You should know why the instructor is holding a crit, and what the point of the crit is.

As a participant, you should know why you are getting or giving a critique.
Some crits are for exploring concepts, some are for finessing details, some are celebrations at the end of a project.

Critique Is Empowering

A helpful crit is honest and useful.

You should walk away from a crit feeling empowered and excited to make the work better.

It is up to both the givers and the receivers of the critique to make this happen.

A critique is not a competition — nobody “wins” the crit.

Everyone is there to learn and grow. Often you can learn as much from giving a crit as you can from getting one. This is why you should always pay close attention to critiques of work from other students, as there is much to be learned from discussing work beyond your own.

remember

No one should walk away feeling defeated by the experience.
You should not get “torn apart” in a crit, crits should not be “brutal.”
If you walk away feeling like your crit was not useful or like you were beaten up, talk to your professor.