Learn how to evaluate an existing design and make it better through structured feedback.
Learn — read and understand
Evaluation: judging a design fairly
To improve a design, you first evaluate it — assess what works well and what does not. Good designers use a structured rubric: Does it solve the problem? Is it safe? Is it easy to use? Does it look appropriate? Evaluation is not about being negative — it is about being constructive.
Comparing version 1 to version 2
Improvement means version 2 is better than version 1 in at least one measurable way. "Better" must be specific: stronger, lighter, cheaper, easier to use, safer. Vague improvements like "nicer" do not count — designers must explain exactly HOW and WHY it is better.
Failure is useful data
When a design fails a test, that is not bad news — it is valuable information. The failure tells you exactly what to fix. The most successful products in history went through many failed prototypes first. Designers who fear failure rarely create great products.
The improvement cycle
Build → Test → Identify weakness → Redesign → Rebuild → Test again. Each cycle should produce a measurably better version. Designers document every version so they can track progress and understand what changes made the difference.
Explore — tap to see evaluation in action
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Evaluation rubric
A rubric is a scoring tool. Rate the design: Does it work? (1-4). Is it safe? (1-4). Is it easy to use? (1-4). Total = your evaluation score!
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Before vs after
Always compare your improved version to the original. What specific thing is better? By how much?
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Find the weak point
Every design has a weakest part. Find it by testing. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link!
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Document your versions
Keep a design journal. Sketch Version 1, write what failed, sketch Version 2 with the fix labeled.
Activity — match each design problem to the right improvement strategy
Drag or tap a label, then drop/tap on a zone
Make it thicker
Round the edges
Add a grip surface
Lighten the material
Part breaks easily
Sharp corners hurt
Object slips
Too heavy to use
Quiz — challenge yourself!
1Which is a MEASURABLE improvement?
2Why is prototype failure described as 'useful data'?
3What is a design rubric?
4Why should designers document every version of their design?