Illustrators know this as the “hairy arm”: adding an undesirable minor detail to give the art director something with whose removal they can put their stamp on the project, without wrecking the rest of it or making too much work for the artist.
When designing, I try to provide options and typically one is a “throw away” simple option that took no effort. Like I change a color or a minor element. Just to provide the illusion of choice.
If I don’t provide multiple options on the initial drafts people lose their damn minds. They try to redesign something that shouldn’t have their input. This let’s them talk about which one they like better and not fixate on one design and tear into it.
Also I get the low effort feedback. Everyone has some opinion on visuals, because it’s easy to say “what if…”. Big part of the job is coming prepared knowing what people will start picking at with answers ready to why you did what you did. Or just bullshitting on the spot.
I use this a lot in presentations, and have taught this to colleagues I have mentored.
However I kind of understand the urge, when I’m on the other side and have to give feedback, saying “everything looks great” seems kind of lazy, or a cop-out. I have to fight the need to find something to nit-pick.
Your tip is also known as The Queen’s Duck.
Illustrators know this as the “hairy arm”: adding an undesirable minor detail to give the art director something with whose removal they can put their stamp on the project, without wrecking the rest of it or making too much work for the artist.
When designing, I try to provide options and typically one is a “throw away” simple option that took no effort. Like I change a color or a minor element. Just to provide the illusion of choice.
If I don’t provide multiple options on the initial drafts people lose their damn minds. They try to redesign something that shouldn’t have their input. This let’s them talk about which one they like better and not fixate on one design and tear into it.
Also I get the low effort feedback. Everyone has some opinion on visuals, because it’s easy to say “what if…”. Big part of the job is coming prepared knowing what people will start picking at with answers ready to why you did what you did. Or just bullshitting on the spot.
ah, so like pretty much every job ever. got it.
I use this a lot in presentations, and have taught this to colleagues I have mentored.
However I kind of understand the urge, when I’m on the other side and have to give feedback, saying “everything looks great” seems kind of lazy, or a cop-out. I have to fight the need to find something to nit-pick.