How to Collect Better Client Feedback on Your Design Projects
Collecting feedback is one of the most important parts of a successful design project—yet also one of the most intimidating. Whether you’re designing a brand identity, a website, or marketing materials, gathering meaningful insights from your client can make or break the final result. So, how do you ask for feedback that’s actually useful, without derailing the project or overwhelming your client? We’ve rounded up 8 key strategies we use at Function (our design studio) to get thoughtful, timely client feedback that improves the work—and strengthens the relationship.
Article written by
Danielle
Processes
1. Start With a Strong Strategy
Before any design is presented, make sure you have a clearly defined project goal or business strategy. Every design decision should tie back to that strategy, so the client understands how your work solves a problem—not just how it looks.
This strategic foundation gives you something to refer back to when guiding feedback and keeps the conversation rooted in purpose.
2. Explain Your Reasoning
Don’t assume your client can read your mind. Walk them through your design decisions and explain the why behind the choices you’ve made.
At Function (our design studio), we always present designs live on a video call (or send a recorded walkthrough) to explain how each design element supports the project goals. Then we pair it with a feedback form inside WillowSpace to guide their response.
3. Ask for Specific Feedback (Not Opinions)
“Let me know what you think” is an open door to vague, unhelpful answers. Instead, ask targeted questions that relate back to the strategy.
💬 Try questions like:
How might your ideal client respond to these visuals?
On a scale of 1–10, how well does this design meet the project goals?
Is there anything unclear or missing from the design?
The more specific your questions, the more valuable the answers.
🔗 You might also like: What to Include in a Design Proposal
4. Create a Clear Feedback Process
Clients often don’t know where to start. Give them structure.
Let them know:
Exactly how to review the design (e.g., top-down, by section, by page)
Where to give feedback (e.g., in a form, doc, or tool)
How to format their feedback (if providing a doc)
When you need it by (set deadlines with auto-reminders)
Use examples or templates to reduce friction. A clear process creates faster responses and fewer delays.
5. Use the Right Tools to Gather Feedback
An email thread is not a feedback system (sorry to burst your bubble). Asking a client "what they think" is not a constructive strategy.
Instead, use tools that centralize everything and make the process feel smooth. Inside WillowSpace, you can create branded feedback forms with built-in questions, add a due date, and set up automatic reminders or check-ins—so clients know exactly what’s expected.
✨ Start your free trial of WillowSpace and get our BONUS Client Management Toolkit, including a feedback form template you can use right away.
6. Limit the Options You Present
More choices = more confusion. Showing too many visual options can lead to decision paralysis—or worse, a Frankenstein design made up of bits from every option.
Whenever possible, present one polished concept at a time. This helps clients focus, reduces back-and-forth, and leads to stronger final outcomes.
7. Use Clear, Guided Questions
Vague feedback leads to vague revisions. Instead, guide your client with structured questions like:
What could make this design more impactful for your ideal customer?
How is this different from your competitors’ branding?
Do the colours evoke the right emotion for your audience?
This helps clients feel empowered to give helpful feedback—without needing to “speak designer.”
8. Stay Open-Minded (Even When It’s Tough)
Client feedback can be hard to hear—but it’s one of the best ways to grow your work and your process.
Be open to critique, ask follow-up questions, and always keep the project’s goals at the centre of the conversation. When clients feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to stick with you—and refer you.
🔗 Want to boost referrals too? Read How to Get More Client Referrals Without Feeling Pushy
WillowSpace Makes Collecting Feedback Easy (and Beautiful)
You don’t need a cobbled-together system to manage feedback. WillowSpace has simple tools built right in:
Pre-built, done-for-you form templates with strategic questions
Project portals where clients can view documents, see progress, and stay on track
Automated reminders to keep things moving along smoothly
Branded experiences that reflect your professionalism
✨ Start your free trial of WillowSpace and make feedback one of the smoothest (and most valuable) parts of your project process.
