Questions for a visual design critique

Some people struggle to improve their visual design skills. I’ve asked them why. One common problem is that they don’t know how to look at their design and figure out what’s wrong with it.

These questions give some structure to a visual design critique.

Pillars of visual design

• Is the layout rigorous? That is, does it strictly follow the rules you want it to follow?
• Does the typography support readability?
• Do the colours work together?

Visual quality

• Does every element have a purpose?
• Do all of the elements look like they belong together?
• Are there areas of energy and areas of rest?
• Is it visually interesting?

Usability

• Does it communicate what it intends to?
• Is it clear which elements are interactive?