In the dynamic world of digital design, staying ahead requires not just creativity but also the right resources. Whether you’re a seasoned UI/UX designer or just starting out, having access to top-notch platforms can significantly enhance your workflow and inspiration. Here’s a curated list of some of the best websites that every designer should bookmark.
1. PageFlows: Insights on Real User Flows
It is important to understand how users go through an experience with a digital product to create usable designs. PageFlows has a library of footage of user flows coming from popular apps and websites. As a designer, looking through authentic interactions helps designers critique useful patterns for onboarding processes or checkout flows.
Because flows are grouped by industry and functionality, it is easy to find flows relevant to your situation. For example, if you are designing a fintech app, you could spend time exploring flows from banking or investment platforms. Having a specific, targeted example is much easier than finding a random example online. You are also saving time by viewing specific flows.
In addition to observing flows, PageFlows allows you to analyze the flows you are watching. Every flow contains annotations which detail the thought process around each design decision. This helps designers understand the thinking behind UX decisions.
Using insights from PageFlows and incorporating them into your own unique visual language can create more user-centric designs with lower friction points and increased overall user satisfaction.
2. Dribbble: Showcase & Discover Creative Work
Dribbble is an active community of designers who come together to share their work, which can range from UI mockups to branding identity work. It is a great place for designers to discover new design trends, receive feedback, and interact with other designers.
The Dribbble search engine allows users to filter the designs shown by tools used, colors and tags, so finding specific things for inspiration is easy. If you want to find designs for a mobile app interface or a web dashboard, Dribbble has an enormous pool of designs for your inspiration.
Dribbble also has a job board, so it’s a valuable account for designers if they are looking for work.
Through collaborating in the Dribbble community, designers have the opportunity to connect with community members in a mentor/mentee relationship or to learn about design perspectives around the world.
3. Awwwards: A company that celebrates excellent web design
Awwwards is all about celebrating the skill and talent of web designers and developers working in the world of web design and development. It features award-winning websites that are recognized for their excellence in fields such as design, creativity, usability and innovation, among others. If you’re into minimalist web design, fancy typography or interactive storytelling, there’s always something new to see in terms of great digital design experiences.
Awwwards has a careful process for selecting the websites that they feature. Each website is evaluated by a panel of experts from a range of disciplines. The designs are scored on usability, content, creativity, and mobile optimization and plenty of other factors, which ensures that the site will always feature top-tier and innovative projects, and give designers a reliable and trustworthy list of quality benchmarks. Members of the Awwwards community can also score designs, giving a greater democratic aspect of recognition.
Awwwards also has a blog with a comprehensive interview section that examines the creative processes behind featured designers and agencies. The blog posts provide an invaluable resource for designers who want to learn about how successful projects were imagined and completed and not just the finished product. Awwards even has tutorials, case studies and reports on design trends and workshops, too, which allow for continuous learning.
Beyond being a digital resource, Awwwards hosts international conferences/workshops, offering in-person learning and networking opportunities. They have events in cities such as Amsterdam, New York and Barcelona, and recently announced their first online event, making it easy for anyone around the world to attend and participate with other creative people.
4. UI Goodies: Curated Design Resources
UI Goodies is a curated directory of design resources, including UI kits, icons, typography tools, and more. It’s a one-stop-shop for designers looking to streamline their workflow with high-quality assets.
The platform categorizes resources, making it easy to find what you need, whether it’s a new set of icons or a color palette generator. Regular updates ensure that designers have access to the latest tools and trends.
Incorporating resources from UI Goodies can save time and enhance the visual appeal of your projects.
By leveraging these tools, designers can focus more on creativity and less on the tedious aspects of design.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Design Journey
There is a plethora of more resources in digital design to inspire, inform, and simplify your experience. PageFlows can provide realistic insights to see how people actually engage with your work. Communities like Dribbble and Awwwards showcase terrific design. UI Goodies and more help designers with the tools necessary to create.
By integrating these resources into your daily practice, you not only enhance your skills but also stay ahead in a competitive field. Embrace these platforms to elevate your designs and create user experiences that resonate.
