Client: “Can you make it pop”

Freelancer: “FML”

Sometimes stakeholders aren’t sure what they think, they’re not sure what feedback to give you.

So they ask their friend’s opinion.

And their cousin’s opinion.

And their neighbour’s cat’ opinion.

“Unofficial stakeholders” as Paul Boag coins these beings.

This is when you get crappy feedback like, “can you make it pop” or “that’s not it, but I’ll know it when I see it”.

But if you send your work over, and ask “what do you think”, you are part of the problem, my friend.

It’s like eating the whole box of Milk Tray, feels right in the moment but your future self won’t thank you.

Guide their feedback by recording a video which gives context. Include:

  • The problems were initially identified
  • How they have been addressed
  • Why this approach should work