Constructive Criticism

What’s the best way to engage in critique?

During critique in any of my classes, we will use the following guidelines for both giving and receiving constructive criticism.

1. State clearly what you are presenting Ex. This is my design for a computer bag 2. List your objectives ex. I want the bag to: protect the computer, be comfortable to carry, and convert to a work table 3. Explain how your design achieves your objectives. Ex. I have designed padding into the bag to protect the computer. The shoulder strap also has padding, and the length and slight curve of the strap make it very comfortable to carry across the shoulder (demonstrate). Inside these zippered compartments (show us) are legs that fold down to allow the bag to convert to a work table.

Constructive Criticism Guidelines: When you are in the role of providing constructive criticism, you must present a criticism of the work by:

1. Let the presenter know that you listened to them by identifying something positive about the project which MEETS THEIR OBJECTIVES. Remember that you can address issues that relate to the concept, form or technical implementation of the work.

2. Always BE SPECIFIC! Be sure to include:
a. Description: verbal account of specifically what you are referring to
b. Analysis: Discussion of how things are presented
c. Interpretation: Sense of meaning, Implications, or effect of the piece

Response Guidelines: You should respond to the criticism in a way that, at the very least, acknowledges what was said. You may then choose to either agree; agree and offer a solution, or to disagree and explain why.