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 use Mac or PC for Graphic Design?
There used to be a time where Mac was king in the world of graphic design. Nobody was using a PC. Things have changed a lot since then. Because of this, there is one question that remains. Should I use a Mac or PC for graphic design?
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.
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.
The Design of Everyday Things: a Review
The Design of Everyday Things is a must-read book for every UX designer. In this review, we’re going to take a look at the book, what it stands for, and whether or not the book is the classic every designer says it is.
The Salary for an Entry-level UX Designer in 2021
Your starting salary as an entry-level UX designer is important. It pays the bills and enables you to do the things you like best. UX designers are in demand. Because of this, there’s a lot to keep in mind when negotiating your new salary.
How to Write a Great UX Cover Letter
The cover letter is one of the ‘big three’ when it comes to getting a job in UX. It can make all the difference when you apply for a job as a UX designer.
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.
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.
How to Graphic Design on Mac
Mac is the perfect spot to start graphic design. There’s a rich history of graphic designers using the tools and applications that are available to any Mac user. You can do this as well. With all the information that is available today on how to graphic design on Mac, it is easier than ever.
Best Figma Tutorials of 2021
Tutorials are a great way of learning Figma. That’s no different in 2021 or for any design tool of that matter. Tutorials bring some unique benefits that other ways of learning something new doesn’t.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.