When designing, I try to provide options and typically one is a “throw away” simple option that took no effort. Like I change a color or a minor element. Just to provide the illusion of choice.

If I don’t provide multiple options on the initial drafts people lose their damn minds. They try to redesign something that shouldn’t have their input. This let’s them talk about which one they like better and not fixate on one design and tear into it.

Also I get the low effort feedback. Everyone has some opinion on visuals, because it’s easy to say “what if…”. Big part of the job is coming prepared knowing what people will start picking at with answers ready to why you did what you did. Or just bullshitting on the spot.