Blog
Our blog is your go-to collection of how-to’s, tips, tricks and best practices in the world of visual, UI/UX and product design. We’ve got you covered on a number of design related topics, as you can see below.
Take your time to look around and read some of our posts. Do you want more? We’re always working on creating addition content. Check back regularly or subscribe to our newsletter if you want to stay up-to-date on anything that is happening over at the Designer’s Toolbox.
Table of Contents
Design 101
Are you just starting out? Start with the basics of design in Design 101. In this section, the Designer’s Toolbox provides you with everything you need as a beginner. This could be if you’re thinking about a career switch into UI or UX design, for example.
Design 101 includes posts ranging from the best laptop for design up until the theory behind common elements used in UI design, like the proper use of radio buttons and checkboxes.
Featured on Design 101
What is the best laptop for UI, UX and visual design?
Choosing a new laptop can be hard. There are a many brands, options and specs to consider. We’ve made a list for you to help you choose the best laptop you can get for doing design work.
Essentials in Design 101
Should I Get The i5 or i7 for Graphic Design?
The CPU is one of the most important parts of your computer. It is the brains of your machine. As a designer, you require more from your laptop’s CPU. Especially in graphic design, it is important to pick between the i5 or i7 processor.
Graphic design is my passion
In the world of memes, graphic design is my passion is a legendary meme. In fact, we have had the meme framed in the office for years. There’s no designer who doesn’t chuckle at the sight of this image.
Everything UX designers need to know about Apple Silicon Macs
Apple has announced its plans to equip Macs with their own chips called Apple Silicon. By doing so, Apple will move away from Intel-based computers. This change in computer architecture has big consequences for UX and UI designers, their laptop, and the software they use.
Best Monitor for Visual, UI, and UX Design
As a designer, we like our space. The toolbox of today’s designer is ever growing. Therefore, having just that extra bit of screen space can make a big difference in your day to day design work. However, with the increasing number of monitors it is getting harder to pick the best monitor for design.
UX
User experience, or UX in short, is a very big part of design. There’s a lot to be said on the subject and a lot to be learnt as well.
This section includes a number of UX related topics, including help on creating your UX portfolio, the history of UX, and how you can convince your stakeholders of the importance of UX.
Are you just starting out, thinking about becoming a UX designer, or just want to increase your understanding on this matter? Start with our post UX 101.
Featured on UX
UX 101. What is UX?
UX is very popular. It is getting even more popular to this day. Understandably, there’s a lot to be said and maybe even more to be asked. I can imagine that it might be a bit overwhelming at this point. Do you want to become a designer, or transition from UI to UX?
Essentials in UX
Do you want to become a UX designer, or do you want to bring your UX skills to the next level? These are some of the most essential posts on UX that you will need.
How to build a UX portfolio with no experience
Your portfolio is a showcase for the experience that you have as a UX designer. Yet, how can you create such a portfolio if you have no experience? It is a common question among junior designers. Luckily, there’s a clear answer that can help you out.
How to write a UX case study
Case studies are an important part of any UX designer’s portfolio. They will fill up the main part of your portfolio while you try to land that new job you’ve been looking for.
The complete guide to UX design jobs
Looking for a job in UX design can be difficult. Especially in the difficult times we live in today. Yet, you can do a lot to improve your chances of getting that one UX design job you have your eyes on.
The UX Designer Starter Pack
Making a career switch can be very hard. Regardless of if you want to become a UX designer or something else entirely. Where do you start, what do you need, who can help me out? These are all valid questions in this case. To help you out, we wrote about the UX starter pack. This pack of information, tools, and more will help you get started as a UX designer.
Design tools
An artist needs his tools just as you need your design tools. It is quite literally the Designer’s Toolbox. You’ll find everything ranging from product and visual design up to UI and UX design right here.
Essential Figma plugins for every designer
Plugins are very important for any designer using Figma. Making good use of plugins can greatly enhance your productivity and Figma’s ease-of-use. Here’s everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!
The Best UX Tools for Every Designer
Every designer has their own set of tools. We see new tools for UI and UX emerge almost every day. This makes it more and more difficult for you to make a choice and to keep up-to-date on every available tool.
Sketch Plugins: Everything You Need to Know
Plugins are becoming more important by the day. Especially when you’re using Sketch. The functionality of Sketch itself is quite limited. Therefore, Bohemian Coding has opened Sketch for developers to create plugins. Since then there have great plugins available been made for Sketch. Some of which we think are essential for every designer (UX, visual, or otherwise).
Should I use Sketch or Figma?
Focusing on your design skills instead of the tools you use will make you a better, more in-demand designer. Here’s why.
Design in Practice
Design is about experience. Not only for your users, but for yourself as well. In Design in Practice, designers share their experiences, opinions and case studies.
Featured on Design in Practice
Skeuomorphism was never gone. Here's why.
Looking back on design languages, what Apple’s WWDC 2020 Keynote means for the future of design languages, and how we move on from here.
Essentials in Design in Practice
Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Designing Your UX Resume
Having a great looking resume on hand is very important when you’re looking for your next UX job. It is your ticket to land the interview that will get you one step closer to that one job you’ve been dreaming of.
The Power of Animation and Storytelling in UX Design
As human beings, we’ve always been fond of storytelling. Just think of campfire stories, Santa Claus, or that thrilling book you just finished. Here’s how you can use the power of storytelling to make your designs better.