Feedback Grid
Looking for background information on Human-Centered Design? Go here for an introduction
The Feedback Grid is used for activities related to testing in the Human-Centred Design process
“An individual sport that can be played by several contributors in parallel”
Time required: Minimum of 10 minutes
What is the Feedback Grid?
A Feedback Grid is a simple four-question grid to gather feedback from stakeholders in a quick and constructive way.
Print the Feedback Grid
How do I use the Feedback Grid?
Provide copies of the Feedback Grid or ask each contributor to draw a two-by-two grid that fills the page, and label the quadrants:
Upper left—“What I like about this idea”
Upper right—“What I would improve”
Lower left—“What questions I still have”
Lower right—“What new ideas this gives me”
Give everyone time to jot down their notes in the appropriate quadrants.
Optional: If you ask folks to use sticky notes instead of writing directly on the Feedback Grid, you can cluster the feedback later to spot themes that suggest criteria for evaluating this and other ideas.
If you’re working with someone one-on-one, you can also ask them the questions out loud and note down their responses. This lets you ask questions to better understand their feedback, and works better for people who prefer speaking to writing.
When do I use the Feedback Grid?
This tool can be adapted to be used in any situation with two or more people when you are looking to solicit constructive feedback. It helps people to organize and express their thoughts.
Trauma-Informed Considerations
As a service provider, you are a capable partner in empowering people and affirming their autonomy and dignity
Clearly explain why you are asking for feedback and how the feedback will be used
Do not interject, re-define, or paraphrase a person’s feedback as this can negate a person’s experience. Simply actively listen and take word-for-word notes
Children who have experienced trauma often have poor verbal skills, difficulty with memory, and may have trouble focusing. Take a person-centered approach when considering if you will ask the questions verbally, have children write their feedback, or use sticky notes, etc.
Additional Tips and Tricks
It takes very little preparation to incorporate a Feedback Grid. You can provide the Grid, have people draw their own or use sticky notes, depending on what you are trying to achieve
When asking questions using the Feedback Grid, be careful not to become defensive as people suggest improvements to your idea
Depending on the dynamic, the person giving feedback might not feel comfortable being completely honest with you. In this situation, it works best if you have a third party conduct this conversation
Why not give the Feedback Grid a try?