Get On Fusion

The Best Stories You'd See Today

What’s in My Bag? Product Designer Starter Pack.

Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on facebook
Share on whatsapp
what's in a designer's bag

Every designer has a toolkit, not just the Figma files and fancy fonts, but the stuff that gets us through the day. As they say “a bag carries more than belongings; it holds stories of our journey.” So today, I will be telling you the things I always carry in my bag. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the design trenches, here’s a peek at the essentials that keep me creating and productive.

  1. Laptop (aka My Lifeline)

Figma doesn’t run on imaginations now, does it? I always carry my laptop, with a few stickers on the lid so people know I’m “creative” and a charger because battery anxiety is real. This helps me with designing fire interfaces, attending meetings, editing sheets, writing emails and articles.

  1. Sketchbook and pen

Sometimes ideas hit when I’m offline or zoning out in a meeting (oops). I always want to be ready. I get to quickly sketch wireframes or a UI inspo before the idea disappears. Messy notes and feedback also go in here, no judgement. As a product designer, a sketchbook and a pen/pencil should be your best friend. I carry mine everywhere, I don’t take chances of trying to remember a design idea that came to me earlier.

designer wireframe, sketchbook and pen, sketch book in my bag
  1. Headphones

Working from a cafe? Espresso machine noise. Working from home? Lousy neighbors and the unrelenting noise from generators. You guessed right, my headphones are noise-cancelling and they do a pretty good job at it. Peace, amazing playlists and no need to worry about noise during meetings, because my teammates won’t hear any background noise at all!

  1. Blue Light Glasses

On average, I spend 70% of my day in front of a screen, so having blue light glasses is crucial for my eyes. Blue light glasses are the perfect way to reduce eye strain. Not only do they protect your eyes from glare, but they also help you focus on the screen, making it easier to get work done.

They are made of high-quality optical glass that is tempered for strength and durability. The lenses are also anti-scratch and anti-reflective, so I can wear them safely even when working outside in direct sunlight. Get the right pair and it would even elevate your look!

  1. Mouse

To be honest, I was fine with my laptop touchpad until my supervisor recommended an external mouse. I got mine and only then did I understand the hype. It’s easy to use, reduces the stress and fatigue of your fingers. Great thanks to its ergonomic design, which makes it fit perfectly in your hand. This little tool makes micro-adjustments and pixel-perfect alignment a breeze.

  1. Snacks (For survival)

Designing on an empty stomach? Criminal. There’s always a chocolate bar, plantain chips or biscuit in my bag. Because low blood sugar leads to bad UI decisions. So, you never want to be hangry while working. It’s just a preparation for those days when I am unable to eat breakfast before leaving home or when my stomach just growls when it’s time for lunch.

ALSO READ: 5 things I wish I knew before starting my design internship

Sure, tools like Figma and Whimsical help me design. But these are the things that help me survive as a product design intern. Whether you’re a fellow intern, a soon-to-be one, or just nosy, I hope this gives you a peek into the beautifully chaotic world of design life.

Now your turn, what’s in your bag?

Join the Tech Connect community on Fusion, to connect with creatives, designers, writers, and builders like you. You deserve the support of a reliable community of like-minded individuals.

Join Here!

Azeezah Adetunji
Azeezah Adetunji

Related Posts

1,871 Responses

  3. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

    Reply

  10. I’m impressed, I have to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is something that not sufficient people are speaking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled across this in my seek for something referring to this.

    Reply

  11. The Pink Salt Trick is a minimalist but effective morning routine: Just drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of Himalayan pink salt as soon as you wake up.

    Reply

  13. Very efficiently written article. It will be valuable to anybody who employess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – looking forward to more posts.

    Reply

  20. I genuinely enjoy looking at on this site, it has good blog posts. “The longing to produce great inspirations didn’t produce anything but more longing.” by Sophie Kerr.

    Reply

  23. SleepLean is not your typical fat burner. it works with your body’s natural sleep cycle to help: Boost overnight metabolism, Balance hormones like cortisol (the belly fat hormone), Curb late-night cravings, Promote deep, restorative sleep

    Reply

  35. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually recognise what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally discuss with my web site =). We could have a hyperlink alternate agreement between us!

    Reply

  47. Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account appear to get one thing done.

    Reply

  48. There are certainly loads of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a great level to deliver up. I offer the thoughts above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you deliver up where a very powerful factor will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around issues like that, but I’m positive that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Each girls and boys really feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

    Reply

  50. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back sometime soon. I want to encourage one to continue your great job, have a nice holiday weekend!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in the loop.

Get notified about upcoming Fusion events near you and trending topics from top-rated communities

Lennox mall, Admiralty way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. | +2348165491678 | support@fusion.ng

 
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter