Design Review Process

What You Do

Review Gates

Gate 1: Concept Review

• Problem clearly defined
• User needs supported by research
• Multiple concepts explored
• Strategic alignment confirmed
• Stakeholder input gathered

Gate 2: Design Review

• Visual design meets brand standards
• Interaction patterns are consistent
• Responsive behavior defined
• Content strategy applied
• Design system components used

Gate 3: Pre-Handoff Review

• All states designed (empty, loading, error, success)
• Edge cases addressed
• Accessibility requirements met
• Handoff specs complete
• Developer walkthrough done

Gate 4: Implementation QA

• Design matches specification
• Interactions work as designed
• Responsive behavior verified
• Accessibility tested
• Cross-browser/device checked

Review Criteria

• Does it solve the user problem?
• Is it consistent with the design system?
• Is it accessible (WCAG AA)?
• Are all states and edge cases covered?
• Is it feasible to implement?

Approval Workflow

• Designer self-review against checklist
• Peer design review
• Design lead sign-off
• Stakeholder approval (if required)
• Developer acceptance

Best Practices

• Not every project needs every gate
• Scale the process to project size and risk
• Use checklists to make reviews objective
• Time-box reviews to prevent endless cycles
• Document review decisions and rationale