What do you do if you need feedback on your engineering design work from a colleague or superior?

Before approaching someone for feedback, ensure your design is in a presentable state. This doesn't mean it has to be perfect; after all, you're seeking feedback to improve. However, you should have addressed any obvious issues and be prepared to explain your design choices. Organize your thoughts and materials, anticipate potential questions, and be ready to discuss your design's objectives, constraints, and trade-offs. A well-prepared presentation will facilitate a more productive feedback session. It is extremely important that the assumptions, exclusions, references and the inputs are stated clearly.

Make a simple in graphical schematic / diagram ( I like by hand) to show the concept but paying attention to details (exact point of connection ofr example) it will allow to freeze the concept with other colleague before advancing on the design with software

Always important to ask and seek clarification. Imagine having to carry-out the whole task from the start, only because you didn't request a second pair of eyes to review your initial steps So many mistakes will be avoided.

I would do the following action points - Prepare all the documents drawings of calculations etc. - Select appropriate colleagues/superior who can give right feedback - Brief note on the requirement - Select or identify a right time to get reviewed and collect the feedback - Present and explain the design intend and approach adopted - Listen and collect the feedback gracefully and accept with whole heartedly - If any doubt ask with respectfully - Action and implement the feedback

The simplest solution is the best solution. Do not hold down yourself, just ask directly. After feedback, implement it! If the solution is good enough, go to production.

Choosing the correct individual to examine my work is crucial for getting useful comments. Look for people with appropriate project experience and a history of delivering constructive criticism. Identify specific aspects of your design that require insight, and seek out colleagues or superiors that excel in those areas. The goal is to better your work, so choose people who will question your ideas and provide new insights to help you progress.

Select an individual with the most relevant experience in the subject matter. For instance, if the design is very construction heavy, involve someone who has significant construction experience. I usually ask more than one individual to review as multiple perspectives are incredibly important to finalizing design.

Identify the specific areas of your design that require feedback and expertise.Look for individuals within your network or organization who excel in those areas.Consider their track record of providing constructive criticism and pushing for improvements.Seek out someone who is knowledgeable but also approachable and willing to engage in meaningful discussions.Prioritize individuals who can offer diverse perspectives and challenge your assumptions to help you grow professionally.

Choosing the right individual to review your accomplishment or work is important. It's best to refer individual who has gone through the exact experience or related to ensure your work is in the correct path, as to their concern. Mistakes are to be made, in the end you get better experience as you keep progressing. Instill the idea of accepting different perspectives as you move one.

In any case another piar of eyes are always beneficial. Sometimes you are so focused on the details that you miss things obvious for another.

Not everything has to be complicated, I would just ask how can I improve my design? Instead would like your feedback on my design. You want them to know that you are open to constructive criticism.

Always plan your process ahead. This should include design time, drafting or programming time, full self-review time, peer review time and finally some time to finalize the package or product before sending out. Once you have the timeline established, let other parties know their roles, the estimated required time and when their contributions will be required.

Indeed, timing is critical when soliciting input. Avoid waiting until the last moment or when your coworker is preoccupied with their own tasks. Request a meeting at a mutually suitable time, leaving enough time for a full assessment. Respect their schedule and convey your appreciation for their time and expertise. A well-timed inquiry indicates professionalism and increases the likelihood of receiving thoughtful and detailed response.

Plan ahead and avoid asking for feedback during busy or stressful periods for your colleague.Schedule a meeting at a time that allows for focused attention on your work.Give ample notice to allow your colleague to prepare and allocate time for the review.Acknowledge and appreciate their time and expertise during the meeting request.A well-timed request shows consideration, fosters a positive atmosphere, and promotes a more productive feedback session.

Draft all your inquiries prior to requesting for feedback, show your professionalism in presenting your ideas in detailed manner. As the saying goes, "time is precious", it is important to be respectful to your superior or colleagues as they might be occupied at times. Schedule feedback session according to their suitability, show your appreciation to whatever output is being given.

Provide context by explaining the purpose and goals of your design project upfront.Highlight challenges you encountered during the design process and how you addressed them.Clearly outline the specific areas or aspects of your design that you are seeking feedback on.Use plain language and avoid technical jargon unless your audience is familiar with it.Encourage questions and discussions to ensure mutual understanding and clarity during the feedback session.

When presenting your design, clarity is key. Explain the context of your work, the challenges you've faced, and where you specifically want feedback. Be concise but thorough in your explanations, and avoid jargon unless it's common knowledge in your field. By articulating your thoughts clearly, you make it easier for your reviewer to understand your design and provide precise, actionable feedback.

Listening here is not like listening to my work getting assessed, shouldn't be a defensive kind of discussions. It's more likely to be a brain storming with open minds and ears. Speak less, listen more and debate forward not backwards.

Focus your attention on the speaker, maintaining eye contact and avoiding distractions.Take notes to capture key points and demonstrate your engagement with the feedback.Refrain from interrupting or immediately defending your design; instead, listen without judgment.Ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully understand their perspective and suggestions.Show appreciation for their input by acknowledging their ideas and expressing openness to incorporating valuable feedback into your design.

During the feedback session, practice active listening. Pay close attention to what's being said, take notes, and resist the urge to defend your design immediately. Ask clarifying questions if necessary, and show that you value their input by considering their suggestions seriously. Active listening not only helps you absorb the feedback better but also fosters a positive relationship with your reviewer.

After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on what was discussed. Evaluate the suggestions against your design goals and constraints, and decide which ideas to implement. Not all feedback will be applicable, but it's important to keep an open mind and recognize opportunities for improvement. Then, act on the feedback that aligns with your project's objectives, iterating on your design to make it stronger and more effective.

Update the diaagram/drawing in a simple way with the ideas fro the colleague and think about it for seeing if you have missed some arguments

check your deadlines, and ask as many well chosen experts as you can in the time allowed to you by your deadline. consider the opinions of good professional experts having more experience than you and those who have less experience than you, younger generations have a lot to offer and out of the box reasonable ideas too. Also maybe this expert has less experience than you in general but has more experience than you in this specified area of design. stay humble and push on your ego, knowing that it may not be that easy because this is your design "your baby". brain storming is a very good tool to ask for opinions and to participate also.

If design reviews are not a regular part of the design process where you work, then consider moving on. Design reviews are a standard part of design in modern companies. Thus, your company should already have a standard process and related templates developed to assist with reviews. Further, reviews should be a part of any design project. So you should know exactly when reviews will be. Further, you should know who will be in the reviews. Someone who represents each of the major stakeholders (manufacturing, sales, service, etc.). This will allow you to determine who you should consult early on to better understand design requirements - if they have not been made clear in the brief - or to consult to assess preliminary ideas you have.

From my field of expertise, different perspectives do sometimes help, everyone see the things from their own point of view so if it's available seek feedback from more than one person, Also in corporates this should be a standard quality check procedure. From my humble point of view no matter how expert the person you're seeking the guidance from he will never see the complete picture as the designer, so try to seek the feedback from a colleague who worked with you or a superior who has been along the way with you.

Document Your Feedback Documenting feedback is a very important practice as it helps you to be armed with all the necessary advice and information you'll need when doing that same task in the future. - It'll also help you to be more efficient and proactive, because you'll know what to do and what not to do in future tasks. -It also helps you to improve your skill because from the feedback you'll see your weaknesses and strength. -It also helps you track your personal growth alongside your career growth.