What to Do When Your Web Designer Needs Some Feedback
Web designers are artists, and thus put their heart into every project. That having been said, sometimes it’s not 100% what you hoped for. If you come in guns blazing, you may not get the response you want and need. Whether this is the first revision, or you’ve already done a few, here are some tips for better communication with your web designer. After all, the best way to get exactly what you want is through good communication.
What Is the Issue?
It can be easy to say, “I want the background yellow instead of green,” or, “Can you get rid of that drop-down menu?” but what is the real concern? If you explain why you want something changed (“I think it will make the text easier to read,” or, “I want the site to be easier to use on a smartphone”) not only will the developer take it better, but they may have a suggestion for an even better adjustment than the one you proposed.
Say Exactly What You Mean.
Your web designer can’t read your mind. If you say, “I want the site to be more professional looking,” you can’t expect your definition of professional to match the designer’s definition exactly. Instead, mention specifics such as, “I think the site is too cluttered,” or, “maybe we can use darker graphics and a lighter background for more contrast.”
Don’t Micromanage
It’s one thing to say that you hate blue. Now you’ve taken away an entire color from your designer. It’s another to explain that a particular shade of blue gives the site a feminine feel when you were going for something more masculine. If you explain the reasons for something, you can give the designer more leeway. Now they know that a darker blue is okay, but that they shouldn’t change the light blue to a pink.
Commend Before Criticizing
If you lead by mentioning what you like about the site, the designer will know what they should leave in place. It also will make any constructive criticism easier to swallow.
Show Respect
The way you say something can be just as important as how you say it. When you genuinely respect people, they know it (and the same is true if you don’t). Plus, it’s really not professional to be hyper-negative. Even if you are several revisions in, there’s no place in the business world for name calling or foul language.
