This is great article on how to avoid and plan for the pitfalls in the working through a design review process. Lessons learned. it seems, from painful experience by the author. I have experienced my fair share of "phantom stakeholders" and miscommunication of expectations.

Oscar also pointed out his favorite tip:

I tell my clients that “I don’t like that” won’t cut it and that they need to be extremely specific and detailed in the feedback they give me. Make them work for it, make them really have to think about what they’re telling you.

Here are all the key tips from the article. (I agree with them all):

• Know your stakeholders
• Make considered design decisions
• Only show the good stuff
• Set expectations
• Be prepared for the phantom stakeholder
• Ask for specific feedback
• Defend yourself but don't be defensive
• Make them choose
• Listen up!
• Try an iterative process
• Go with what works for you

- Thx OM