Universal Approval Checklist
🔗 Reference These Foundations When Checking
Apply checklist to platform designs:
NON-NEGOTIABLE: Every Design MUST Pass This Checklist
This is not a suggestion. This is the universal quality gate that applies to ALL platform designs (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, ads, organic posts, flyers, book covers).
Minimum Pass Rate: 9/10 items checked = APPROVED | 8/10 or below = REJECTED (revise and resubmit)
The Universal 10-Point Design Approval Checklist
Verify: Does this design use the EXACT locked dimensions for the target platform? (e.g., LinkedIn = 1200x1200px, Facebook Ad = 1200x628px, WhatsApp Broadcast = 1080x1920px)
REJECT if custom sizes used without platform justification.
Verify: Is the correct eye pattern applied? (Z-pattern for quick decisions/ads, F-pattern for reading/trust-building, Vertical scan for mobile-first/WhatsApp)
REJECT if pattern doesn't match user intent (e.g., using F-pattern on conversion ads).
Verify: Are headline, body, and CTA text sizes within platform-specific ranges? (See Typography System for exact numbers)
REJECT if headline is below platform minimum (e.g., below 56px on Facebook ads).
Test: Can someone identify the primary message in under 3 seconds? Is there clear size/color/weight contrast between headline and body text?
REJECT if multiple elements compete for attention or no clear entry point exists.
Verify: Is there a maximum of 3-4 visual elements? No clutter, no decorative distractions, no unnecessary graphics?
REJECT if design has 5+ competing elements or decorative blobs/gradients without purpose.
Test: Is text readable against background? Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio for body text, 3:1 for large text (use WebAIM contrast checker)
REJECT if text blends into background or requires squinting to read.
Verify: Are there margins/padding around text blocks? Minimum 10% border space on all sides, minimum 5% between text zones?
REJECT if text touches edges or elements are crammed without breathing room.
Test: Can you find the next step in under 2 seconds? Is the CTA button/text high-contrast and clearly labeled?
REJECT if CTA is hidden, vague ("Learn More"), or blends into design.
Verify: Does this design align with brand colors, fonts, tone, and visual identity? Is the brand handle/logo present?
REJECT if brand elements are missing or design looks generic/off-brand.
Test: View design at 360px width. Is text still readable? Does layout hold up on small screens?
REJECT if text becomes illegible on mobile or layout breaks (80%+ of views are mobile).
Pass/Fail Criteria & Next Steps
APPROVED: 9-10 Items Checked
Design meets universal quality standards and is ready for client review or publication.
Next Steps:
- Export in platform-required formats
- Add to design library/asset repository
- Submit for final client approval (if applicable)
- Schedule publication or ad launch
REJECTED: 0-8 Items Checked
Design does not meet minimum quality standards. MUST be revised before submission.
Required Actions:
- Identify which checklist items failed
- Refer to platform-specific design systems for fixes
- Revise design addressing all failures
- Re-run this checklist until 9/10 pass rate achieved
- Do NOT submit to client or publish until approved
Platform-Specific Checklist Add-Ons
After passing the universal 10-point checklist, verify these additional platform-specific requirements:
LinkedIn Additional Checks:
- - Professional tone maintained (no slang/emojis)
- - Data/stats included where applicable
- - LinkedIn handle visible in bottom 10%
Facebook Ads Additional Checks:
- - Text occupies less than 20% of image area
- - No prohibited content (political, health claims)
- - CTA button text matches landing page offer
Instagram Additional Checks:
- - Visual-first (image dominates, text is minimal)
- - Aspirational/lifestyle imagery used
- - Brand handle in bottom-right corner
WhatsApp Additional Checks:
- - Vertical 9:16 ratio for broadcast images
- - Mobile preview at 360px width tested
- - CTA is tap-friendly (large touch target)
Top 5 Reasons Designs Get Rejected
1. Wrong Canvas Dimensions
Using custom sizes instead of platform-locked dimensions. FIX: Use exact platform specs.
2. Font Sizes Too Small
Headline below platform minimum (e.g., 32px on Facebook ads). FIX: Check Typography System.
3. Poor Color Contrast
Text blends into background, fails accessibility test. FIX: Use contrast checker tool.
4. No Clear CTA
Vague or missing call-to-action. FIX: Make CTA unmissable with clear action verb.
5. Mobile Layout Breaks
Design looks good on desktop but illegible on 360px mobile screen. FIX: Always test mobile view.