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Yes, it's (probably) not about you

7 Tips How Not to Take Things Personally as a UX Professional

It’s a Friday morning. You’ve spent all week preparing designs, perfecting every detail. During a workshop, your client says, “This isn’t really what I had in mind.” Outch. This hurts.

Almost immediately, questions start flooding your mind: “Did I fail?”, “Would someone else have done this better?”, “Am I not good enough as a UX designer?” These thoughts can take a hit on your confidence, hinder growth, and even take a toll on your mental health over time.

Here’s the good news: it’s not (only) about you. The feedback is rarely personal—it’s about aligning with project goals, user needs, and business objectives.

So, how can you avoid taking things personally? Let’s break it down.

1. Take a Breath, Step Back, and Assess the Source

Feedback can feel overwhelming, but the first step is to pause and reframe. Consider who provided the feedback—are they a key decision-maker, a subject matter expert, or someone simply sharing an opinion? Understanding the source helps you contextualize the critique.

Ask Yourself:

Who provided this feedback, and what is their role in the project?
What is the core message behind the feedback?
How can I approach this feedback with curiosity rather than defensiveness?

2. Revisit the Project Context

Take a moment to reflect on the broader project context. Why was this initiative started? What problem are you solving, and for whom?

Ask Yourself:

What is the main goal of this project?
How does my work contribute to solving the identified problem?
Have I communicated how my design supports the project’s objectives?

3. Align with Business Goals

Clients’ feedback often stems from their focus on business outcomes. Ensure your design aligns with these goals.

Ask Yourself:

What are the key business objectives I’m designing for?
Does my solution address these priorities effectively?
Have I clearly demonstrated the connection between my design and these goals?

4. Consider Technical Constraints

Fancy designs are great, but can anyone realise them? Sometimes, feedback arises because of technical limitations or resource concerns. Reflect on whether your design is feasible within these boundaries.

Ask Yourself:

Did I account for the technical constraints of this project?
Could budget or resource limitations be influencing the feedback?
How can I adjust my solution to balance creativity with feasibility?

5. Revisit User Research

User-centered design is the foundation of UX. Double-check that your work addresses the needs and pain points identified in your research.

Ask Yourself:

Am I solving the right problem for the right users?
Does my design reflect the insights gathered from user research?
Have I tied my decisions back to specific user pain points?

6. Reassess Requirements

Misunderstandings or scope changes can lead to disconnects. Ensure you’re clear on the latest requirements.

Ask Yourself:

Have the project requirements shifted since my last review?
Did I interpret the requirements differently than the client?
How can I clarify any potential misunderstandings?

7. Foster Open Communication

Clients often bring their own challenges to the table. Create a space for collaboration and understanding.

Ask Yourself:

Have I asked open-ended questions to understand the client’s concerns?
Have I validated my understanding of their feedback?
How can I use collaborative tools like whiteboarding to align our visions?

So, now what? How could you build a strategy to be more resilient?

Beyond addressing immediate feedback, developing long-term strategies can help you navigate critiques more effectively:

Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Celebrate the iterative nature of UX work.
Seek Peer Support: Discuss feedback with colleagues to gain perspective.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that no design is perfect and growth comes from challenges.
Set Boundaries: Know when to disengage emotionally and focus on actionable insights.

Final Questions to Ask Yourself:

What lessons can I take from this feedback to improve future work?
How can I frame feedback as an opportunity rather than a setback?
What self-care practices can help me maintain perspective?

Some final thoughts

Not taking feedback personally is a mental exercise that takes time and practice. By reframing critiques as opportunities for collaboration and growth, you’ll not only strengthen your work but also cultivate a more resilient mindset. Remember: in UX, every piece of feedback brings you closer to creating designs that truly make an impact.

Let me know how you deal with feedback as a UX professional!