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
The best laptop for UI, UX, and graphic design in 2021
Whether you’re an experienced graphic designer, a visual designer, UI designer or just starting out as a UX designer, you need to have a computer to do your work on. In today’s working climate, having a laptop for design is the best computer of your choice.
Latest in Design 101
Selecting a laptop that fits the bill in regards to the work you do is of ultimate importance. That’s why we took so much time and effort to provide you with a guide that truly can help you out.
Now that you have had time to read our guide we would like to point out that we have more content in the Design 101 category. Check out our design 101 category to read it all.
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 about design tools ranging from product and visual design up to UI and UX design right here.
If you look at the main design tools of today, we have two main competitors. These are Sketch and Figma. Both are great design tools. They have similarities as well as a few distinct differences. To help you select between the two, we have written an in-depth guide on both tools. Check them out below.
Everything You Need to Know About Figma
Figma is a fantastic design tool used for UI design, UX design, and prototyping. The tool is similar to Sketch if you look at the features and required skillset. However, Figma is different in the fact that it is cloud-based and collaboration-focused.
Sketch: Everything UX Designers Need to Know
Sketch is a prototyping tool for UI and UX designers. It has seen a meteoric rise in popularity for quite a few years now. In graphic and web design, Sketch is the new Photoshop. Here’s all you need to know.
Sketch or Figma
After reading our in-depth posts on both tools, you might be wondering if you should use Sketch or Figma. With both being great tools, it can be hard to pick just one. We believe that the choice could be an easy one.
Why pick between these two great design tools when it is in your professional interest to be proficient in both? Read our featured post on the Sketch or Figma discussion.
Featured on Design Tools
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.
Latest in Design Tools
With that out of the way we still feel the need to say that there are many, many more design tools available. Sketch and Figma are tools for UX and UI design. As you know, there are more design fields out there.
Check out our entire design tools category to read everything there is to know on design tools.
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 Become a UX Designer
So you want to become a UX designer? That’s awesome! However, we can imagine that it might feel a bit overwhelming. There’s so much information, courses, books on UX, and more out there. It is hard to keep a clear overview of what you need and where to start on your journey of becoming a UX designer.
UX Books: 15+ of the Best Must-Reads in 2021
There’s a lot of information on UX out there. If you want to learn more about UX, become a UX designer, or just improve yourself as a designer reading a book can be of great help. With that many books available, knowing where to begin can be difficult. Our reading list of top UX books and recommendations is a great place to start.
UI Design
As you know, UI design is a crucial part of a designer’s toolbox. Color theory, grids, layout. You name it. That’s why we create tutorials and guides to help you grow as a UI or visual designer.
Essentials in UI design
How to use shadows in UI design
Shadows are used in UI design every day. Popular variations and names include box-shadow, drop shadow, and many more. But how can you use shadows effectively when designing? That’s what this post is about. Welcome to the complete guide to mastering shadows in UI design.
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
WWDC 2021 Recap for UI and UX Designers
Apple has kicked off the WWDC of 2021 with its keynote. Just like last year, the keynote was available online. There’s a lot to talk about and discuss. Here’s our WWDC 2021 recap for UI and UX designers.
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.