What to say instead of “this is ugly”
Why it can fall flat
“this is ugly”
The person on the receiving end hears “ugly” as a verdict on them rather than on the work, and they get nothing specific to fix. Saying the look isn't working yet and naming what to change gives them something they can act on.
Say this instead
- 01
The layout isn't working for me yet. The spacing feels crowded and I can't tell where to look first. Can we simplify it?
Coworker · Chat
Peer design or slide feedback fits here, since it names the specific problem and invites a joint fix.
- 02
I don't think this design is ready. The colors clash and the text is hard to read, so I'd suggest another pass before it goes out.
Boss · Email
Your manager asking for your view is the moment for this one, as it is direct about readiness and gives concrete reasons.
- 03
Thanks for sharing the draft. In its current form the design looks cluttered and is hard to read. I'd recommend simplifying it before it's published.
Client · Email
A client sharing their own work calls for this version, which stays polite and still makes clear the look needs to change.
- 04
This isn't visually there yet. Cut it to two colors, give the text more room, and send me a new version when it's ready.
Someone you manage · Chat
Someone you manage will get the standard and clear next steps from this line.
- 05
Honest take: the slide looks cluttered and hard to read. Can you simplify it before the 3pm meeting?
Coworker · SMS
Tight deadlines suit this one, because it is blunt about the problem yet short and neutral.
- 06
The job ad layout looks busy and the key details are buried. Can we tidy it up before it goes live?
Recruiter / HR · Chat
A hiring post before publishing benefits from this line, since it ties the criticism to the ad's purpose.
- 07
The formatting in this document is hard to follow: the fonts are inconsistent and the text sits in heavy blocks. A clean template would help.
Coworker · Email
Shared documents work well with this wording, because it describes what you see and points to a practical fix.
Examples
Hi Harriet, Thanks for sending the event poster. I don't think it's ready yet: the colors compete with each other and the date is hard to spot. Could you try a simpler palette and make the date and venue the largest text on the page? Best, Steven
The poster isn't working for me yet. It feels crowded and the date gets lost. Can you try fewer colors and make the date bigger?
What to avoid
- Judging the person with lines like “you have no eye for this” turns design feedback into a personal attack.
- Vague words like “bad” or “off” leave people guessing unless you say what is actually wrong.
- Softening the message too much can leave them thinking no change is needed.
- A group channel is the wrong place for this feedback when a private message would do.
- Piling on every flaw at once overwhelms people, so pick the top two or three.