Mastering Feedback for LxDs
It's happened to all of us as LxDs: you pour time and energy into designing a learning experience. You think it's brilliant, but when you finally share it with colleagues or stakeholders, their feedback isn't quite the glowing endorsement you expected.
But what if that feedback is actually a key to making your solution even better? It's all about the way it's delivered and how you receive it. Let's look at two simple but powerful feedback techniques to improve your designs.
1/ "Yes, and…" 🫡 – The Power of Building Up
When someone starts with "Yes, and...", it shows they appreciate the idea at its core and want to expand on it. This is especially helpful in early brainstorming when you want to generate lots of possibilities.
Instead of shutting down an idea, this technique encourages further exploration.
Example
Initial Idea: "What about a virtual reality simulation for safety training?"
"Yes, and..." Response: "Yes, and we could make it a choose-your-own-adventure style experience to really put learners in the driver's seat."
2/ "No, but…" 🙅🏻 – The Art of Constructive Redirection
When you need to change course, "No, but..." allows someone to respectfully point out issues while offering an alternative path.
It's not a flat-out rejection; it's showing why something might not work and gently guiding the idea in a new direction.
Example:
Initial Idea: "Let's use a 3-hour eLearning module to cover all the new product features."
"No, but..." Response: "No, but a 3-hour module might cause overload. What about a series of shorter videos and a fun reference guide?"
Why LxDs Need Both: Balance is Key ⚖️
It's easy to fall in love with our creations. Here's the thing: both "Yes, and…" and "No, but…" have their place in making them stronger.
Too much "Yes, and..." can lead to solutions that try to do too much or become unrealistic.
Too much "No, but..." can be discouraging and might stall creativity.
A great LxD knows when to encourage open brainstorming using "Yes, and...", and when to switch to "No, but..." for refining and pinpointing potential problems.
Practical Tips 💁🏻♀️
If you're giving feedback:
Start by acknowledging what you like about an idea, even if you need to redirect it afterward.
Be specific! Instead of "I don't like this", explain why and offer a solution if possible.
If you're receiving feedback:
Don't take it personally. Remember, they're critiquing your design, not you.
Ask questions to understand their reasoning better.
Focus on extracting helpful improvements.
In a Nutshell 🌰
Constructive feedback is your ally, not your enemy.
"Yes, and..." helps brainstorm and expand on ideas, especially early on.
"No, but…" lets you change course constructively and find better solutions.
LxDs need both types of feedback to strike a balance. Seek out specific, constructive feedback – it'll only improve your designs!