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

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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?

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Azeezah Adetunji
Azeezah Adetunji

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