Not too long ago, back in 2018, I was working at a local tech company with a large Marketing and Design team. We were juggling eleven different platforms, each with its own brand and marketing needs. It was busy and exciting, but there was something off about the way we worked.
We had the occasional project meeting, but when it came to feedback, it was mostly 1:1 and behind closed doors. We weren’t really sharing ideas with each other, and everything felt... siloed. I didn’t think much of it at the time since every product was different, but looking back, it left me feeling pretty isolated. I wasn’t learning from my peers as much as I could have, and most of my development was done on my own.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve come to realize how essential alignment and feedback are. Learning how to give and receive constructive feedback without taking it too personally has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed over the years. What really helped me was getting involved in Design ceremonies – though, of course, these days they happen online, courtesy of Zoom!
If you're not familiar, Design ceremonies are a set of rituals that design teams use to communicate, collaborate, and give feedback throughout the design process. They vary from company to company, but at their core, they ensure that design work stays aligned with project goals and that everyone is in the loop. Plus, they create the perfect space to learn from your fellow designers.
The three most common types I've encountered are Design Critiques, Stand-ups, and Show & Tells. Each one serves a different purpose but they all aim to foster collaboration and keep the team connected.
A critique, or "crit" as we often call it, is a structured session where designers present their work to their peers and stakeholders for feedback. These sessions are invaluable because they help us catch potential issues early on and gather ideas for improvement.
What I love most about critiques is the open environment they create for questions, feedback, and even bonding. There’s something special about seeing your teammates' perspectives on your work—and learning from their approaches, too. In my current team, we have three critiques a week within our design group and one larger session with the broader Product team to ensure our designs align with key stakeholders.
Stand-ups are much more straightforward. These are usually daily or weekly meetings where team members give brief updates on their progress. No deep dives into designs here—it’s more of a “Where are we?” and “Are we on track?” kind of thing.
Stand-ups are great for keeping everyone informed about potential roadblocks or progress, but they’re less about feedback and more about accountability. Still, they’re crucial in making sure the team is aligned and deadlines are met.
Then there’s the Show & Tell. This is when we get to showcase our design work to the broader team or stakeholders, usually at the end of a sprint or project. These presentations are a bit more polished since it’s our opportunity to share what we’ve been working on, gather final feedback, and celebrate the effort.
It’s a great way to make sure everyone—designers and non-designers alike—knows what’s happening across the team. Plus, it’s always fun to show off the hard work we’ve put into a project. (Wink wink!)
I can’t stress enough how important these ceremonies are for designers of all levels. Working in silos can lead to making decisions without the full picture. When you collaborate, you not only get feedback on what you’re doing, but you also get to see things from a completely different angle—things you might never have noticed on your own.
In these sessions, I often find myself inspired by my teammates’ ideas or the problems they’re trying to solve. Having a diverse team with different backgrounds and perspectives makes all the difference. Together, we’re able to spot dead ends and brainstorm new ideas, creating stronger, more well-rounded solutions.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that these ceremonies help us understand how our teammates give and receive feedback. It’s not just about the work—it’s about building stronger working relationships. There’s a real sense of camaraderie that comes from sharing ideas and learning from one another, and that connection ultimately contributes to the success of the entire team.
Looking back, I’m grateful for how far I’ve come since those early days of working solo. Now, in a collaborative environment, I’m not just learning more—I’m growing alongside my teammates. And that’s what makes all the difference.
