Dec. 24, 2025
Feedback Without Fear
What if reviews felt collaborative instead of confrontational? In this episode, I walk through a practical, five-pour framework to collect and use feedback from peers, stakeholders, SMEs, QA and accessibility reviewers, and—most importantly—learners, so your projects move faster and land stronger. You’ll get short scripts, simple prompts, and a clear structure to keep conversations focused on outcomes instead of opinions.
If you want feedback to become fuel, not friction, this guide gives you the tools to make it happen. Subscribe for more practical instructional design tactics, share this episode with a teammate who reviews your work, and leave a quick review telling us which script you’ll try first.
🔗 Episode Links:
Please check out the resources mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!
Feedback Without Fear Playbook
Improving Instructional Design: Feedback and Iterative Refinement
Join PodMatch!Use the link to join PodMatch, a place for hosts and guests to connect.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
💟 Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee is another way you can support the show, either as a one-time gift or through a monthly subscription.
🗣️ Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show
🌐 Check out the show's website here: Designing with Love
📱 Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above.
👍🏼 Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!
00:00 - Welcome & Episode Roadmap
00:52 - The Five-Pour Framework
01:21 - Peers: Build a Critique Culture
02:21 - Stakeholders: Anchor to Outcomes
03:25 - SMEs: Separate Facts from Flavor
04:26 - QA & Accessibility: Make Quality Objective
05:34 - Learners: Truth-Telling Pilot Feedback
06:31 - The Three-Box Feedback Sort
07:16 - Playbook, Resources & Closing Encouragement
08:19 - Gratitude & Support Notes
WEBVTT
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:04.240
Hello, and welcome to the Designing with Love Podcast.
00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:12.240
I am your host, Jackie Pelegrin, where my goal is to bring you information, tips, and tricks as an instructional designer.
00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:17.120
Hello, instructional designers and educators.
00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:22.160
Welcome to episode 75 of the Designing with Love Podcast.
00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:37.920
Today we're diving into practical, low stress ways to receive and use feedback from your peers, stakeholders, subject matter experts, quality assurance and accessibility reviewers, and of course your learners.
00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:44.799
I'll give you simple prompts and quick scripts so reviews feel collaborative instead of confrontational.
00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:52.079
So grab your notebook, a cup of coffee, and settle in as we explore this topic together.
00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:55.119
Here's our tasting flight for today.
00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:09.840
Pour one is the peers, pore two is the stakeholders, pore three is the subject matter experts, por four is quality, assurance, and accessibility, and por five is the learners.
00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:16.959
Before we dive into stakeholders and subject matter experts, let's warm up where it's safest to practice.
00:01:16.959 --> 00:01:21.200
Right alongside our peers and instructional design teammates.
00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:27.680
Pour one, peers and instructional design teammates build a critique culture.
00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:35.359
Pour one is a friendly start, your immediate circle where quick, safe feedback builds momentum.
00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:38.159
Here are a few options to try.
00:01:38.159 --> 00:01:46.719
Share a 30-second brief before asking for notes, which can include the objective, audience, and what good looks like.
00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:49.760
Frame the ask to focus attention.
00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:54.560
You can say something like, I'm deciding between A and B, help me pick.
00:01:54.560 --> 00:02:03.680
Sort notes into three buckets, which include clarity, engagement, and feasibility, so you can spot patterns fast.
00:02:03.680 --> 00:02:11.360
For example, you might say, Could you give me one thing to keep, one thing to change, and one question you still have?
00:02:11.360 --> 00:02:17.520
If you had 10 more minutes to improve this, what's the next most valuable change you'd make?
00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:21.199
And finally, where exactly did confusion start for you?
00:02:21.199 --> 00:02:26.879
With that warm-up sip done, let's move to the folks who fund or approve the work.
00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:32.080
Poor two, stakeholders and clients, anchor to outcomes.
00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:35.360
Poor two is bold and business forward.
00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:39.520
Feedback gets smoother when we brew it with outcomes.
00:02:39.520 --> 00:02:41.840
Here are a few options to try.
00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:49.439
Begin every review with a one slide North Star, which includes the problem, audience, and success metric.
00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:58.000
Keep a simple decision log to include the following impact, effort, rationale, decision, and owner.
00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:03.919
Park visual preferences as nice to have unless they move the success metric.
00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:12.639
For example, you might say, to confirm, do you prefer option A because it better supports our fewer errors in one week metric?
00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:15.360
Or is it a visual preference?
00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:18.319
I hear the request to add more content.
00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:24.479
Since success equals faster call handling, can we trade that for guided practice that targets speed?
00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:31.280
Next up is a nuanced pour, accuracy first without overwhelming the learner.
00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:34.240
Pour three, subject matter experts.
00:03:34.240 --> 00:03:36.719
Separate facts from flavor.
00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:39.520
Pour three is precise and balanced.
00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:43.759
Subject matter experts give us the beans, we choose the grind.
00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:45.919
Here are a few options to try.
00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:52.159
Arrive with must know versus nice to know already drafted, then edit live together.
00:03:52.159 --> 00:03:57.199
Ask for sources or policy links for anything safety critical or testable.
00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:00.960
Use progressive disclosure to manage cognitive load.
00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:04.479
For example, expandable advanced steps.
00:04:04.479 --> 00:04:09.520
For example, you might say, what would be incorrect if we removed this?
00:04:09.520 --> 00:04:12.479
What error might a novice make without it?
00:04:12.479 --> 00:04:17.360
Could you share the source or policy link so we can reference it accurately?
00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:22.399
Or I've put advanced steps behind an expandable panel to reduce cognitive load.
00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:25.680
Does that stay accurate for day one learners?
00:04:25.680 --> 00:04:31.600
When content is right, we dial in craftsmanship so everyone can access it.
00:04:31.600 --> 00:04:33.439
Pour four.
00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:35.920
Quality assurance and accessibility.
00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:38.240
Make quality objective.
00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:40.879
Pour four is clean and structured.
00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:45.759
Quality assurance and accessibility keep the cup consistent and inclusive.
00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:48.000
Here are a few options to try.
00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:54.079
Treat quality assurance and accessibility as built-in checks, not end of line tasks.
00:04:54.079 --> 00:05:07.040
Build a pre-review checklist to include items such as contrast ratio, focus order, headings, purpose-driven alternative text, captions, and full keyboard only path.
00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:12.319
Keep versions and file names predictable to prevent lost comments.
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:15.759
For example, you might say, thanks for the catches.
00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:20.000
I'll fix heading structure and alternative text language by the end of the day.
00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:28.480
If anything else blocks compliance with the web content accessibility guidelines, mark it critical so I can prioritize.
00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:33.360
Or which two screens would use stress test first for accessibility?
00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:40.720
And for our final pour, we taste test the real world results straight from learners.
00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:44.399
Pour five, learners and pilot groups.
00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:51.839
Pour five is the truth-telling finish, authentic feedback from actual users.
00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:54.160
Here are a few options to try.
00:05:54.160 --> 00:06:00.480
Watch time on task, error hotspots, abandoned screens, and hesitation points.
00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:06.720
Use miniature pulses over long surveys to include one or two focus questions after a module.
00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:11.680
Close the loop publicly so people see that their input matters.
00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:14.959
For example, you might say, Where did you pause?
00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:17.519
What did you try first that didn't work?
00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:22.000
On a scale of one to five, how confident do you feel doing the task now?
00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:24.319
And what would move you up one point?
00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:30.959
You can also use a release note format such as we heard, we changed, you'll see.
00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:32.560
Five pores complete.
00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:36.639
Now let's keep the notes organized and the work moving.
00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:42.560
Here's the three box feedback sort that you can use, which is your coaster map.
00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:45.680
Three boxes to sort every comment quickly.
00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:48.079
Box one, must fix.
00:06:48.079 --> 00:06:51.519
This includes accuracy, compliance, and blockers.
00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:53.360
These are non-negotiable.
00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:56.079
Box two, improves outcomes.
00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:59.199
These are tied to objectives and success metrics.
00:06:59.199 --> 00:07:00.959
They are usually worth it.
00:07:00.959 --> 00:07:07.600
And finally, box three, preference part, visual and style tweaks reserved for later sprints.
00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:15.680
Here you can say, I'll acknowledge every comment, but only box one and box two must ship in this release.
00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:17.920
Here's your call to action.
00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:24.480
Make sure to download the Feedback Without Fear playbook, which is a one-page sheet available in the show notes.
00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:30.079
It includes today's prompts, the three-box sort, and a tiny decision log template.
00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:32.000
Then tell me how it goes.
00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:38.160
Leave a quick voice message or fill out the listener connection survey on the podcast website.
00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:41.600
Your notes help me shape future episodes for you.
00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:53.600
You're also welcome to check out a great article by Joseph Ivanic at the eLearning Industry about how we can use feedback and iterative development to improve our instructional design projects.
00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:56.639
I have linked the article in the show notes.
00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:00.480
Here's one last sip of encouragement before we close.
00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:07.519
Great feedback isn't about perfection, it's about clarity, curiosity, and commitment to the goal.
00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:16.560
When you anchor to outcomes, ask precise questions, and sort what you receive, feedback becomes fuel, not friction.
00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:22.000
As I conclude this episode, here's an inspiring quote by Ken Blanchard.
00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:24.879
Feedback is the breakfast of champions.
00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:30.959
Thank you for taking some time to listen to this podcast episode today.
00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:33.200
Your support means the world to me.
00:08:33.200 --> 00:08:42.000
If you'd like to help keep the podcast going, you can share it with a friend or colleague, leave a heartfelt review, or offer a monetary contribution.
00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:47.600
Every act of support, big or small, makes a difference, and I'm truly thankful for you.
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:04.240
00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:12.240
00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:17.120
00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:22.160
00:00:22.160 --> 00:00:37.920
00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:44.799
00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:52.079
00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:55.119
00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:09.840
00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:16.959
00:01:16.959 --> 00:01:21.200
00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:27.680
00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:35.359
00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:38.159
00:01:38.159 --> 00:01:46.719
00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:49.760
00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:54.560
00:01:54.560 --> 00:02:03.680
00:02:03.680 --> 00:02:11.360
00:02:11.360 --> 00:02:17.520
00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:21.199
00:02:21.199 --> 00:02:26.879
00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:32.080
00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:35.360
00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:39.520
00:02:39.520 --> 00:02:41.840
00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:49.439
00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:58.000
00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:03.919
00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:12.639
00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:15.360
00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:18.319
00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:24.479
00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:31.280
00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:34.240
00:03:34.240 --> 00:03:36.719
00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:39.520
00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:43.759
00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:45.919
00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:52.159
00:03:52.159 --> 00:03:57.199
00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:00.960
00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:04.479
00:04:04.479 --> 00:04:09.520
00:04:09.520 --> 00:04:12.479
00:04:12.479 --> 00:04:17.360
00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:22.399
00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:25.680
00:04:25.680 --> 00:04:31.600
00:04:31.600 --> 00:04:33.439
00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:35.920
00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:38.240
00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:40.879
00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:45.759
00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:48.000
00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:54.079
00:04:54.079 --> 00:05:07.040
00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:12.319
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:15.759
00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:20.000
00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:28.480
00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:33.360
00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:40.720
00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:44.399
00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:51.839
00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:54.160
00:05:54.160 --> 00:06:00.480
00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:06.720
00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:11.680
00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:14.959
00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:17.519
00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:22.000
00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:24.319
00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:30.959
00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:32.560
00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:36.639
00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:42.560
00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:45.680
00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:48.079
00:06:48.079 --> 00:06:51.519
00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:53.360
00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:56.079
00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:59.199
00:06:59.199 --> 00:07:00.959
00:07:00.959 --> 00:07:07.600
00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:15.680
00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:17.920
00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:24.480
00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:30.079
00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:32.000
00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:38.160
00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:41.600
00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:53.600
00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:56.639
00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:00.480
00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:07.519
00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:16.560
00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:22.000
00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:24.879
00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:30.959
00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:33.200
00:08:33.200 --> 00:08:42.000
00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:47.600