7 Design hacks we wish you knew sooner

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Have you ever looked at a design and thought, “Wow, that’s genius!”? The truth is, great design isn’t always about creativity alone; it’s about knowing the right design hacks that can transform your work from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, the right design tips, tricks, techniques, and design tools can elevate your design game to new heights.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 design hacks that will not just save you time but also improve the quality of your design projects. 

Top design hacks to level up your design 

If you’re ready to take your design skills to the next level, the below mentioned 7 design hacks are here to help. From smart color choices to layout techniques, each web hack will help you add that extra touch to make your designs stand out.

1. Create a simple component library

One of the most effective design hacks online you can implement is creating a component library.

A component library is a collection of reusable design elements like buttons, icons, and other user interface components stored in one place. This allows you to maintain consistency and efficiency across their projects.

Why it matters

• Consistency: This design hack ensures that all your design elements maintain the same look and feel, which is crucial for branding and user experience.
• Efficiency: By having ready-made components, you can save significant time, focusing on new designs rather than recreating existing elements.

How to create one

• Choose your tools: Use design software like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch. Each of these popular design tools offers features to create and organize components easily.
• Organize by category: Create folders or sections for different types of components (e.g., buttons, forms, navigation bars).
• Documentation: Consider adding guidelines or notes for using each component effectively, detailing aspects like padding, color variations, and when to use specific elements.
• Regular updates: Ensure the library evolves with your design needs. Add new components based on user feedback, design trends, and usage patterns.

2. Mix two shapes and two fonts

Combining shapes and fonts is one of the powerful online hacks to create engaging designs.

This designer hack involves using a limited number of design elements, specifically two shapes and two fonts, to create visually appealing designs and convey your message effectively.

Why it matters

• Simplicity: Limiting the number of design elements helps avoid clutter and confusion, leading to a more straightforward message.
• Visual impact: When used thoughtfully, two shapes and two fonts can create a cohesive and impactful design, drawing more user attention.

How to implement

• Select complementary shapes: Choose two geometric shapes that complement each other, like circles and rectangles. Use these shapes as backgrounds, buttons, or design accents to create contrast.
• Choose your fonts wisely: Select one font for headlines (bold and eye-catching) and another for body text (clean and readable) to create a visual hierarchy and guide the viewer’s eye.
• Experiment: Play around with size, spacing, and color to find the perfect balance that captures your brand’s personality.

3. Use heatmaps for better layouts

Using heatmaps is another online hack that you can use to improve your designs. Heatmaps is a valuable tool that helps you understand how users interact with your website or application.

By analyzing where users click, hover, or spend the most time, you can optimize your layouts accordingly.

Why it matters

• User-driven decisions: Heatmaps provide insights into user behavior, helping you understand what attracts their attention and what doesn’t so you can make informed decisions.
• Enhanced user experience: By focusing on the most engaging elements, you can create a layout that better serves your audience.

How to use heatmaps

• Select tools: Use tools like Hotjar, Google Analytics, or Crazy Egg to generate heatmaps for your designs.
• Analyze patterns: Look for patterns in user interaction (hot spots and low spots) and adjust your layout to emphasize high-traffic areas.
• Adjust layouts: Use heatmap insights, implement changes based on your findings, and continue to monitor user engagement.

4. Follow the 60-30-10 color rule

The 60-30-10 color rule is a classic principle in design that helps create a balanced and harmonious color scheme.

This rule states that 60% of your design should be a dominant color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% an accent color.

Why it matters

• Visual balance: This design hack helps create harmony and balance in design, making it visually appealing and easier to navigate.
• Effective communication: Different colors can evoke emotions, so a well-balanced palette can help convey the right mood and message of your design.

How to apply the rule

• Choose your colors: Start by selecting a dominant color that reflects your brand, a secondary color that complements it, and an accent color that adds emphasis.
• Apply proportions: Use your dominant color for backgrounds, the secondary color for larger elements like headings or sections, and the accent color for highlights, buttons, or call-to-action elements.
• Test combinations: Use tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to experiment with different color combinations.

5. Use the color wheel for color choices

The color wheel is a circular diagram that represents colors and their relationships to one another.

It’s a fundamental tool for any designer, and knowing this online hack can significantly enhance your color selection process.

Why it matters

• Understanding relationships: The color wheel helps you understand the relationships between colors so you create more visually appealing designs.
• Creating mood: Different color combinations can convey different emotions and messages, enhancing the overall design.

How to utilize the color wheel

• Primary, secondary, and tertiary colors: Familiarize yourself with the basic color relationships and how they interact.
• Color schemes: Experiment with various color schemes, such as monochromatic, analogous, or triadic, to find the perfect palette for your project.
• Visual tools: Use online tools like Canva’s color wheel or Adobe Color to visualize and create your color combinations.

6. Leverage design plugins to save time

Design plugins are add-ons for design software that enhance functionality and streamline workflows, helping you save time and improve efficiency.

Why it matters

• Time-saving: Plugins can automate repetitive tasks and provide additional tools, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than mundane tasks.
• Enhanced capabilities: Many plugins offer features that may not be available in the base software, giving you more options and flexibility in your design process.

Popular plugins

• Figma plugins: Use Figma plugin tools like Unsplash for quick access to stock images or Content Reel for easy text and image management.
• Adobe XD plugins: Consider using Stark for accessibility checks or UI Faces for avatar generation.
• Sketch plugins: Plugins like Craft by InVision help streamline your workflow by allowing for easy syncing and prototyping.

7. Apply the rule of thirds for better design

The rule of thirds is a compositional guideline that involves dividing your design space into a 3×3 grid and placing key elements along the lines or intersections.

Why it matters

• Visual interest: This technique helps create dynamic and engaging layouts, drawing the viewer’s eye to important areas.
• Balanced composition: Using the rule of thirds can lead to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing design.

How to implement the rule

• Use grid tools: Most design software has grid options. Use them to overlay the rule of thirds on your design.
• Place key elements: Place critical information, images, or calls-to-action along the grid lines for maximum impact.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to break the rule once you’re comfortable with it. The best designs often come from experimentation.

Conclusion

Design is all about finding smart ways to make your work stand out while saving time. Practicing the design hacks mentioned above in your workflow can help you create stunning, efficient, and user-friendly designs. 

Whether you’re a UI UX designer, web designer, or involved in UX design, these web hacks can elevate your projects and save you valuable time.

Sometimes, even the smallest tricks can have a big impact. Give these online designer hacks a try and see how they can take your designs to the next level! 

Check out more such articles in our design journal, where we cover everything from the latest design news to design insights to improve your designs. 

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the most common mistakes designers make in graphic design?

Some common design mistakes that graphic designers make include neglecting white space, overusing fonts and colors, failing to consider the target audience, not staying current with web hacks, and testing designs on actual users.

2. What is the first rule of design?

The first rule of design is to understand the purpose and audience of your project. Good design effectively communicates the intended message and resonates with users.

3. What is the biggest obstacle to design thinking?

The biggest obstacle to design thinking is often a fixed mindset, which can hinder creativity and prevent designers from exploring innovative solutions. Have a growth mindset, and apply design hacks online for experimentation and adaptation.