I Like, I Wish, What If

Purpose

I Like, I Wish, What If provides a simple, psychologically safe structure for giving and receiving feedback. By separating positive observations, desired changes, and creative provocations, it prevents feedback sessions from becoming defensive debates and encourages balanced, actionable input.

At a glance

• Group size: 3–20
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Low
• Facilitation style: Round-robin or silent writing followed by share-out
• Setting: Any — works in-person and remotely

How to run

1. Present the work (3 min): The creator briefly presents their prototype, idea, or plan.
2. Silent writing (5 min): Each participant writes feedback on sticky notes using the three stems: "I like…", "I wish…", "What if…" — one thought per note.
3. Share and cluster (10 min): Participants read their notes aloud and place them on the wall in three columns. Cluster similar feedback.
4. Respond (2 min): The creator summarises what they heard and names one thing they will act on immediately.

Materials needed

• Sticky notes in three colours (one per category)
• Markers
• Wall or digital board with three columns

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Skipping "I like": People rush to criticism. Insist on genuine positives first.
• Vague wishes: "I wish it were better" is not actionable. Push for specifics: "I wish the onboarding had fewer steps."
• "What if" as disguised criticism: "What if you actually tested it?" is passive-aggressive. Coach toward genuine imagination.
• Creator arguing back: Feedback is a gift. The creator listens, does not debate.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Silent writing before share-out gives introverts equal voice.
• Provide sentence starters in multiple languages for multilingual teams.
• Use digital sticky notes for remote participants.

Variations

• I Like, I Wish, I Wonder: Replace "What if" with "I wonder" for a more reflective tone.
• Gallery walk version: Post multiple works on the wall; participants rotate and leave feedback on each.
• Anonymous version: Collect notes without names for more candid input.

When NOT to use this

• When detailed, expert critique is needed (e.g., code review, legal review) — use a domain-specific framework.
• When the work is final and nothing can change — feedback without agency creates frustration.
• When trust is extremely low — even this structure may not feel safe enough.

Source & further reading

• d.school, Stanford University — "I Like, I Wish, What If" method card
• Doorley & Witthoft — *Make Space* (Wiley, 2012)