Here are 5 tips to help you give effective feedback so that you can get the most out of your landscape design…
If you are like most people, you probably are not involved in a landscape design on a regular basis, so it is important that we explain our process and provide guidance. This helps to ensure that the entire process runs smoothly and that you get great results.
One aspect of the design process that we are often asked about is how to give constructive feedback on the design?
Once you receive your design you will be asked to review it and provide feedback. This is a critical stage of the design because your comments will help the designer know how to proceed in order to give you the best results.
Of course, if you are completely satisfied with your design, much of this doesn’t apply. However, if you’d like to make revisions, read on for some tips and guidelines to help you give effective feedback…
1.Summarize Your Thoughts
A good way to begin is by giving a general summary of your thoughts. Is the designer on the right track or way off? What stands out the most to you? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the design? A general summary helps to give a quick synopsis of your thoughts before discussing them in more detail.
2.Be Specific
When giving feedback on a design, it is important to be as specific as possible. Vague statements can often end up leading to further revisions as the designer may have difficulty interpreting the issue. Try to focus on particular aspects of the design and clearly define what you do or do not like about it. It isn’t necessary for you to come up with solutions for problems, that is what a designer excels at. For example, maybe there is a specific plant you dislike, or maybe you would like to have more privacy from the road. Clearly explaining how a design does or does not meet your objectives gives the designer a definitive problem to solve, which therefore gives them a clear path to take.
3.Ask Questions
As the designer creates your landscape design, each decision they make is well thought out and intentional. If there is something in the design you are unsure of, ask the designer to give their reasoning behind it. With their explanation, you can make a well informed decision on how you want to proceed.
4.Provide Examples
It’s cliché, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes the best way to convey what you want is to provide examples. For instance, maybe the patio doesn’t quite capture what you had in mind. If so, try to find a photo that shows what you want it to look like. Providing photos isn’t absolutely necessary, but it certainly helps the designer to see what you are envisioning.
5.What Do You Like?
Along with any criticisms, remember to clearly state what you do like about the design. Again, this helps the designer know how to proceed. If they know what you enjoy about it, they can use that information to further customize the design to your liking. This will lead to less revisions and better results for you.
Summary
Effective feedback is a very important part of the design process. Good communication and feedback helps keep the design within your budget, produces faster turnaround times, and leads to a more enjoyable experience. By following these guidelines, the designer will be better able to serve you and give you a landscape design that you will love.