How can you effectively manage feedback from technology experts and influencers?

2 Choose your sources and channels

Not all tech experts and influencers are equal, and not all feedback is useful. You need to be selective and strategic about who you ask for feedback, and how you communicate with them. Do some research on the background, expertise, reputation, and style of the tech experts and influencers you want to reach out to. Find out what their interests, preferences, and motivations are, and how they prefer to give and receive feedback. Do they have a blog, a podcast, a newsletter, a social media account, or a platform where they share their opinions and insights? Do they respond to emails, messages, comments, or reviews? Do they offer consultations, mentorships, or collaborations? Choose the sources and channels that are most appropriate and effective for your purpose and situation.

3 Prepare and present your design

Once you have identified your goals, audience, sources, and channels, you need to prepare and present your design in a way that invites and encourages feedback from tech experts and influencers. Make sure your design is clear, polished, and professional, and that it showcases your skills, creativity, and value. Provide some context and background information about your design project, such as the problem statement, the target users, the research findings, the design process, the constraints, the outcomes, and the challenges. Explain what kind of feedback you are looking for, and what questions you have. Be respectful, humble, and open-minded, and acknowledge the expertise and influence of the people you are reaching out to.

4 Listen and respond to feedback

When you receive feedback from tech experts and influencers, you need to listen and respond to it in a way that shows appreciation, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Don't take feedback personally or defensively, but rather as an opportunity to improve your design and grow as a designer. Try to understand the perspective, intention, and tone of the feedback giver, and ask for clarification or examples if needed. Thank them for their time, attention, and input, and let them know how their feedback has helped you or influenced your design decisions. If you disagree with some feedback, explain your reasoning and evidence politely and constructively, and invite further discussion or collaboration.