How to Get Better Feedback from Clients
Hey there, designer friends!
We’ve all been there: spending hours fine-tuning a design, only to hear feedback like, “I don’t love it, but I’m not sure why,” or “Can we make it pop?” (Cue the internal screaming!) 🙈
But here’s the thing: most clients don’t know how to give useful feedback. And honestly, they might not even realize that vague feedback is making things harder for you. Remember, this could be their first time in the design process, so they’re learning as they go, just like we did. That's where we come in. It’s our job to guide them through the feedback process, making the experience smoother for everyone involved.
How to Help Clients Give Better Feedback
💡 Set Expectations Early
Before you present your work to your client, set the tone for the kind of feedback you need. Instead of the typical “Do you like it?” try:
✔ Does this align with your brand’s message?
✔ Are there any elements you love or want to refine?
✔ Does this match the tone we discussed?
Think of it like a gentle nudge in the right direction. By asking more specific questions, you can help your client express exactly what they want, which makes the whole process much easier.
🎯 Ask for Specifics
If your client says, “It doesn’t feel right,” don’t let that slide. Ask questions like:
Is it the colors, typography, or layout that feels off?
Can you show me an example of something you like?
By encouraging them to give more specific feedback, you’re giving them the language they need to communicate their vision. It leads to fewer revisions and more aligned results.
Reframe Vague Feedback
Sometimes the feedback can be frustratingly vague, like:
❌ “I don’t like this.” → ✅ “I’d love to see something more modern—maybe cleaner fonts and a lighter color palette?”
❌ “Can you make it stand out?” → ✅ “I want this to grab attention. Could we play with contrast or use a bolder typeface?”
By reframing these comments, you help your clients articulate what they’re truly after, leading to a stronger final design.
Encourage Visual References
Here’s a big one: Clients often struggle to describe what they want, but they know it when they see it. That’s why moodboards are such a game-changer! Before you even start the design process, create two moodboards or creative directions. This will give your client a clear sense of style and design direction, making it way easier for them to express their thoughts and preferences.
Bonus Tip: To make the process even smoother, I’ve put together a Client Feedback Guide that’ll help both you and your clients communicate more effectively during the design process. This simple resource clarifies what kind of feedback is most helpful and how they can express it more clearly.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gWlpzQ8C1WYJcvEflvvv7SjwLAjWbnIzNz-OiYljPqk/edit?usp=sharingWhy This Matters
Here’s why encouraging better feedback matters:
✅ Fewer revisions (Hello, more time for new projects!)
✅ Clearer communication (No more back-and-forth confusion)
✅ Stronger final designs (Expectations are aligned, so the design is on point)
At the end of the day, we’re not just designers—we’re problem-solvers. Helping your clients provide clearer, more constructive feedback is one of the best ways to create better results while making your process more efficient.