Jan 8, 2025
Death by 1,000 revisions
Revisions are part of the process. With clear goals and collaboration, we refine designs efficiently to exceed expectations.
We’ve all been there. The design is polished, the presentation went smoothly, and then the email arrives: “Great work, but we have just a few changes…” A few turns into a dozen. A dozen turns into a hundred. Before you know it, you’re drowning in revisions, and the project has morphed into something unrecognizable. Welcome to the world of death by 1,000 revisions.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s explore how to stop the endless cycle of tweaks and deliver great results without losing your mind—or your margins.
Why Feedback Spirals Out of Control
Feedback loops get out of hand when expectations aren’t set upfront. Clients may not understand the impact of endless changes on timelines, costs, or the design itself. And let’s be honest, designers are sometimes too accommodating, saying “Sure, no problem!” instead of drawing clear boundaries.
Common reasons for revision overload:
Vague project scopes that leave too much room for interpretation.
Lack of clear goals or decision-making frameworks.
Clients involving too many stakeholders at the last minute.
Key takeaway: If you don’t define the rules early, revisions will multiply faster than tabs in a browser during research mode.
Setting the Stage for Fewer Revisions
Prevention is the best cure. Set clear expectations with the client from the start, so they understand the revision process is structured, not infinite.
Define Revision Rounds: Establish a set number of feedback cycles in your contract, like two major rounds and one final tweak.
Clarify Feedback Deadlines: Let them know when you need feedback to keep the project on schedule.
Outline Deliverable Goals: Make sure the client understands what each phase delivers (e.g., wireframes for structure, not polished visuals).
Pro Tip: Use phrases like “Let’s focus feedback on X for this round” to keep clients from jumping ahead or revisiting old decisions.
Managing Feedback Like a Pro
Even with clear guidelines, clients will sometimes push for “just one more tweak.” Here’s how to keep things on track:
Bundle Feedback: Request that all stakeholders review and consolidate their input into a single document or email. This minimizes conflicting changes.
Ask for Actionable Input: Guide them with questions like, “Does this meet your goals?” or “Is there anything unclear here?”
Prioritize Changes: If the list of requests is too long, suggest tackling the most critical ones first and deferring minor adjustments.
Example:
A client once sent me a bullet list of 40 tiny changes, from adjusting padding to swapping icons. I categorized them into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves,” knocked out the essentials, and asked if they still wanted the rest. Spoiler: They didn’t.
When to Say No (Nicely)
Sometimes, you need to push back. If a client requests something that’s off-scope, compromises the design, or will drag out the project unnecessarily, it’s okay to say no. The trick is doing it diplomatically.
How to say no politely:
“I’d recommend sticking with the original plan to maintain consistency.”
“Adding this feature might delay the launch. Would you like to revisit it in phase two?”
“That’s outside our current scope, but I can provide a quote to include it.”
Case Study:
A client once asked me to rework a finalized design because they had “a new idea.” I explained how this would affect the schedule and budget, and suggested testing the idea in a future iteration. They agreed, and we launched on time.
Dealing With the Dreaded Feedback Bomb
Ever get feedback that’s late, overwhelming, and full of contradictions? It’s the dreaded feedback bomb, and it can derail even the best projects. Here’s how to defuse it:
Take a Breath: Don’t react immediately. Process the feedback and identify the key issues.
Address Conflicts Head-On: If stakeholders disagree, ask them to resolve it internally before you make changes.
Push for Clarity: When feedback is vague, ask specific follow-ups like, “What outcome are you hoping to achieve with this change?”
Pro Tip: Use a tool like Figma or Miro to centralize feedback, so everyone can see what’s been addressed and what’s still pending.
Protecting Your Time and Margins
Endless revisions aren’t just frustrating—they’re a threat to your profitability. Here’s how to protect your time and ensure you’re paid for extra work:
Include Revision Limits in Contracts: Make it clear how many rounds are included, and charge for additional ones.
Track Time: Use a tool like Toggl to monitor how much time revisions are eating up.
Charge for Scope Creep: If a client wants major changes after approvals, be upfront about additional costs.
Pro Tip: Frame extra charges as a benefit: “This ensures we have the resources to make these changes without compromising quality.”
Final Thoughts
Revisions are a natural part of the design process, but they don’t have to spiral out of control. By setting clear boundaries, managing feedback proactively, and knowing when to push back, you can stop the feedback overload and deliver quality results on time.
Remember, design is a collaboration, not a free-for-all. Protect your work, your time, and your sanity, and you’ll not only survive the revision cycle—you’ll thrive in it.
What’s the longest revision cycle you’ve ever endured? Share your war stories—I promise, we’ll commiserate together.