get good feedback
We recently kicked off a new 10-week course, which has been really fun to develop, because it’s both longer than our typical workshops and spread out over a greater amount time. Combining these aspects means that we get to cover more topics related to data storytelling and go into greater depth on each. We kicked things off with a focus on feedback, due to the important role this will play throughout the course, and the critical role it plays in our skill development and efforts to communicate effectively with data in general.
There was one section in particular during class when I noticed more heads were down taking notes than other times: when I talked through ideas for soliciting feedback smartly. I thought I’d share some snippets from that part of the lecture here, in case you might find the tips useful, too.
Be thoughtful about when you ask for feedback. Early in your process, you’re less attached. At this point, rough mock ups can help those giving input focus on the general approach rather than specific design choices. Contrasting this: later in the process, you’ve already invested time (and hopefully already received directional feedback to confirm you’re on the right track) and grown attached. Because of this, focusing more on refining (rather than reinventing) likely makes sense. Show your latest and greatest to those who will offer feedback and use their input to further polish.
Be thoughtful about who you ask for feedback. Seek out your fans or supporters to practice explaining clearly, finding good words, fine tuning, and building your confidence. Feedback from critics can help you understand resistance, prepare for diversions or disruptions, and may even help you get their buy in if you ask their advice and then subsequently incorporate it. Input from someone unfamiliar with your work or topic can help you ensure you’ve set the appropriate context, help you articulate your thought process in response to questions, and use accessible language. On the other end of the spectrum, a subject matter expert might be able to help you anticipate audience needs and prepare for tough questions.
Be specific about what you want feedback on. Are you interested in input on any potential aspect of your work, or would you prefer focused feedback? We often suggest the former, when we really seek the latter, which can lead to frustration on both sides of the feedback process. Recognize that other people will almost always approach things a little differently than you do, so if you aren’t interested in feedback on some components, point people to where you are open to making changes to help ensure feedback will be useful. For example, perhaps you’re most interested in understanding whether your graph type makes sense or if there are other ways to consider showing the data. Or maybe you’re interested in understanding whether your visual answers the key question at hand or raises others. Being specific about what you want feedback on can also make the person giving you input more comfortable commenting on exactly that.
Be up front about the constraints you face. Do you face a tight deadline, or have ample time to make changes? Are there certain aspects of your work that must be the way they are due to stakeholder demands? Do you face constraints imposed by your tools? Articulate these at the onset when you ask for feedback so the person offering you input can take that context into account. Also consider what other details might be useful to share, for example: who your audience is, and how you will present to them.
Listen without interrupting. It is a natural tendency, when someone suggests we do something differently, to jump in to explain why we did things the way we did. Resist this urge, because it will shut down the conversation before it becomes helpful. After explaining what you want feedback on, the constraints you face, and additional context, be an active listener. You can ask prompting questions to get things going and make sure you understand the feedback as it’s shared, but plan to listen and take notes rather than talk.
Incorporate feedback received into your work. Otherwise, why bother? As mentioned previously, incorporating input from critics or stakeholders can also help to build their buy in, both through the relationship you develop through the feedback process, as well as when they see their ideas in your work. Feedback from others helps us see our work through fresh eyes and make it stronger.
For more on feedback as part of the data visualization and communication process, check out these additional resources:
Read Let’s Practice! Exercise 9.3: give & receive effective feedback and Exercise 9.4: cultivate a feedback culture
Practice soliciting or providing feedback in SWD community
Watch Become a Data Viz Superstar for more on giving thoughtful feedback as a means of skill development (open to premium members)
Interested in the 10-week course? We’re underway with a full roster now, but you can sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future sessions, or check out one of our upcoming public workshops in the meantime.
