Cultivating Constructive Critique

This project sprouted from a prompt to create a form of way-finding for the Windgate Studio + Design Center in Fayetteville, AR that opened in Spring of 2023. In collaboration with my partner, we analyzed the similarities and differences between the Fine Arts building we were in at the time and the new building. From there, we began research regarding critique in the design classroom in order to find ways to cultivate a space that fostered growth, collaboration, connection, and most importantly, participation. With my partner, we created three wall guides based on three different formality levels of critique - informal, process, and final. They each have different prompts and questions related to the stage of progression the project being critiqued is in.The purpose of the book is to guide the user through the critique process, particularly in relation to the usage of the wall guides. The book was created using the pamphlet-binding method with a hand cut cover.

“Critique plays a magical and imperative role in the design process. Without it, we are left with only one perspective - our own. You hold the capacity to create a good design by yourself, but the ability to hear your peers’ and professors’ insights, iterate, reiterate, and grow through collaboration allows you to create work that has been morphed and reborn into something much better than just a ‘good design.’ Through critique, you hold the power to create a piece of work that has seen and heard perspectives and interpretations other than your own - something that accepted it wasn’t perfect on the first try and continued to grow. Be present, open your mind. Watch the magic happen right in front of your eyes.”