Testing

I Like, I Wish, What If

This exercise uses three feedback categories to provide balanced and actionable critique. "I Like," "I Wish," and "What If" prompts generate constructive feedback.

Duration
18 mins
Group Size
4-20
Category
Testing
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will provide balanced and constructive feedback. They will also generate actionable suggestions for improvement and explore new possibilities.
Participants will capture feedback using "I Like," "I Wish," and "What If" prompts. They will also identify key areas for improvement and new ideas to explore.
Share positives ("I LIKE") first to set a constructive tone. Ensure "I WISH" statements are actionable. "What If" should open new possibilities. Some might disguise complaints as "wishes" - redirect them. This works for design critiques, prototype reviews, idea refinement, and retrospectives. It's good for teams new to critique. A remote version works well with digital sticky notes. One failure I've seen is not pushing participants to be specific enough with their feedback, so be ready to prompt for concrete examples.

  1. Setup (2 minutes): Present the work to be reviewed. Distribute sticky notes (green for "I Like," yellow for "I Wish," blue for "What If"). Explain each category and set expectations for a constructive tone.

  2. Individual Feedback (8 minutes):

I LIKE (Green): Note what's working well and strong aspects to preserve. Be specific (e.g., "I like the clear navigation").
 I WISH (Yellow): Note areas for improvement with actionable and positive framing (e.g., "I wish the text was larger").

  • WHAT IF (Blue): Suggest new possibilities, alternative approaches, and creative ideas (e.g., "What if we tried X instead?").


  1. Sharing (8 minutes): Share "I LIKE" feedback first, then "I WISH," and finally "WHAT IF." Group similar feedback items and discuss for clarification.

  2. Synthesis: Identify common themes, prioritize wishes to address, select promising "what ifs," and create action items.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.


  • Sticky notes (green, yellow, blue)

  • Markers or pens

  • Work to review (prototype, design, sketch, etc.)

  • Wall or board for posting notes

  • Printed category descriptions (optional)

  • Voting dots (optional)

  • Action planning template (optional)

  • Digital tool for remote feedback (optional)

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Exercises

See all exercises

Prototype Testing

1.3 hours

Test prototypes with real users. Learn what works and what doesn't. Focus on learning, not validation. Discover insights, don't prove assumptions.

Testing

Assumption Testing

1.5 hours

Before you spend big, check your assumptions. This exercise helps you design quick, low-cost experiments. Test what you believe about your users, the ...

Testing

Speed Critique

1 hour

This exercise offers a structured, rapid critique of solution sketches. Each sketch gets three minutes. The team systematically examines ideas, captur...

Testing