Why and How Designers Should Do Project Post‑Mortems

Why Post‑mortem

Post‑mortems may sound complex, but they are simply the process of reviewing what happened, why it happened, and what can be improved—much like deciding not to eat at a restaurant again after a bad experience. Designers need to understand the value of reflecting on projects to avoid repeating mistakes and to grow their skills.

Project post‑mortems are a crucial ability for designers. By reviewing goals, challenges, and outcomes after a project ends, designers can identify shortcomings, refine their approach, and handle future demands more confidently.

How to Post‑mortem

As a newcomer, I applied a simple post‑mortem formula to a small sticker design request.

· Review Goals

First, clarify the project background, purpose, and target outcomes. For this sticker project, the goal was to thank colleagues from the car service team during the U‑share event by creating small gift stickers.

Six designers explored styles freely, aiming for personal satisfaction and group enjoyment.

· Process Analysis

During design, I gathered references, brainstormed ideas, and quickly produced two sticker concepts. I used puns and popular internet slang in a black‑and‑white line style, which the team approved to continue.

I incorporated themes like “absorbing knowledge” and “crazy output,” adding relatable phrases such as “very bald,” “working‑person,” and “pay attention to details.” After several iterations, I discarded an immature first version and refined the color palette for a unified look.

The final sticker designs were approved by the team.

· Experience Summary

From this small project I learned several points:

I excel at cute styles, so I will boldly experiment in similar future tasks.

Sticker design must consider size, usage scenarios, visual appeal, and practicality.

Because the stickers were later turned into emojis, I realized the importance of discussing extensibility with stakeholders.

Final Thoughts

Even small tasks can be post‑mortemed. By reflecting on color choices, typography, and process details, designers can continuously uncover improvement opportunities. Regular practice and learning from others’ reviews will lead to clearer insights and stronger design skills.