Observation
What does the current scenary of critique space look like?
Currently, a verbal discussion is the major method of communication in the critique space.
Professors are applying different tools such as sticky notes to help students better manage feedback transferred between a presenter and the audience but it is still inconsistent to support smooth feedback transfer.
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Currently, a verbal discussion is the major method of communication in the critique space.
Professors are applying different tools such as sticky notes to help students better manage feedback transferred between a presenter and the audience but it is still inconsistent to support smooth feedback transfer.
Literature Review
Explored the problem space with four main themes. Key findings from literature review helped forming interview guide questions.
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Key Findings
1. While the design field becomes more cross-functional, critique space remains traditional which fails to invite more non-designers’ voices into the space.
Key Findings
1. While the design field becomes more cross-functional, critique space remains traditional which fails to invite more non-designers’ voices into the space.
2. Feedback from guest critics is often unused because the current final review structure doesn’t give enough motivation for students to work further with the feedback received during critique.
Interview
To have smooth interview process, interview guidelines were formed for each stakeholder group. Each guideline has three main themes referring to the lit. review: academic setting, professional setting, and transition.
Here are some interview questions in the guide:![]()
Data Collection
The interview was semi-structured to open more space for participants to share their experiences. Due to the pandemic, the original plan for the face-to-face interview was changed to online (MS Teams)
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Key Findings
Here are some interview questions in the guide:
Data Collection
The interview was semi-structured to open more space for participants to share their experiences. Due to the pandemic, the original plan for the face-to-face interview was changed to online (MS Teams)
Key Findings
1. Voice of non-designers is needed
Current academic critique environment focuses too much on design expertise which hinders students to encounter non-designers. This makes recent graduates specifically struggle to work with people in non-design fields when they enter real-world.2. “Next Step” after reviews is needed
Final reviews have long been criticized for its low effectiveness. The current structure of final reviews demotivates students as there is no next step and weakens the impact of professional insights shared during the critique.3. Constructive structure is needed
Participants argue that more constructive methods are required to have a better communication in critique environment. Specifically, methods to capture feedback and improve students interaction with professionals are needed.Competitive Analysis
