Surveys are a great way to do market research and to understand the preference of your target market. Besides that, in web design and development we have usability testing too. The test is a way to spot not only website usability weaknesses but the effectiveness of a well designed user interface (UI).

Advertising agencies on the other hand have design surveys to help identify if the new loge they may be proposing works with the target audience. With the Internet, many designers now find their feedback from blogs, forums, social networking sites and online portfolios. But I've seen many come under the pressure of the harsh comments or sweet compliments. So how do you keep your cool and handle it well?

What is constructive criticism? Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. In collaborative work, this kind of criticism is often a valuable tool in raising and maintaining performance standards. Source: Wikipedia

How can you tell or filter out the constructive criticism from normal comments? To be honest, there isn't a way to do this. That's why the pressure is high when you ask a dozen other designers to comment on your own design. In my humble opinion, constructive criticism is as the line from Wikipedia states - criticism often...in raising and maintaining performance standards.

So if you came under the pressure, you don't have to blow your top and eventually find acne somewhere on your face because of this. Here are 10 easy ways to help you (especially in web design) handle constructive criticism at your favourite forum or even blog.

10. Analyze the criticism or review made

There will be those who are easily satisfiable while there are high expectants. Before you do anything, just take your time to read through their comments. And if you have to, read it over again.

9. Answer their questions (if any)

It's polite to answer the person who's given you a question. You should also be more worried if they didn't ask you a question because it would mean they didn't understand or you weren't clear on your request for criticism.

8. Do NOT involve your emotions

You requested for the criticism by saying, "please comment my..." or "please review this...". If a critic didn't have any nice things to say, thank them and reply you will try your best to satisfy their expectation in future. By venting your emotions towards them is a personal attack and worst of all, is unprofessional.

7. Reply offensive comments in a mature manner

If someone only said, "you suck.." or something along the lines don't be on the offensive and try to bash them in return. Instead, pause and think about it for a moment. Think about what to say which will empower you in a better position to the offensive comment left behind. Another advice is, thank the person again and end it there.

6. Do NOT be afraid to apologize

Many are afraid to apologize when they are in the wrong. It could be ego or it could be some other God given reason they are abusing. Instead of just being humble, try using an apology as your nuclear bomb as your nuclear bomb next time. After all, you know you can't satisfy everyone in the world.

5. Do NOT be an elitist (or think like you're the last person on Earth)

As I have said, you are not the only person in the world. Although you may be in a cult who executes others who do not comply with your life principles, it does not mean they do not have a fair share of criticism. Don't try turning them your way but educate them to understand your way.

4. No two individuals speak the same way

Internet communication (without voice) is an easily misinterpreted medium. Even if I left "Ha ha ha..." some would mistake it as sarcasm while others would see it as a laugh. Therefore, do not assume everyone is criticizing the same thing in the same way.

3. If it is a lost cause, do NOT pursue the problem

Generally, lost causes to me are scenarios where I have done my best to educate the person but they still refuse to be educated. Therefore, I would apologize and just say I will try to satisfy their requirements in the future. By claiming you have a solution planned, it will help you end the problem early without more emotional damage.

2. Do NOT judge a group you are asking for criticism

A very good example is when a designer said, "...I've been doing html website since u guys start learning html..." Never ever ever generalize your critics as it will follow you till the end. In addition to that, you will only self-inflict emotional damage to yourself later. Instead of making such a remark, maturely handle the situation with one of the earlier tips I said.

And the number one way to handle constructive criticism from my person view is...

1. Always be humble

No one likes a wise *ss. And most definitely, no one would want to hear how you are God or the most reknown web designer in the world. Fame is one thing but it can come in many ways. By staying humble, people will respect you more and will naturally grow to like you better.

With these 10 easy ways to handle constructive criticism, I hope you will be prepared the next time you ask for constructive criticism.

About the Author

I'm the author of Websites Made Simple; a Malaysia web design blog that exists to share my experiences and knowledge. Currently, I head a small web design and development team in a company I co-founded; Simpleet Solutions, located in Malaysia.