I Tested 100 Things Every Designer Should Know: My Ultimate Guide to Design Success

When I first dove into the world of design, I quickly realized there was so much more to learn than just mastering software or understanding color theory. Design is a vast, ever-evolving field that demands creativity, technical skill, and a deep appreciation for the details that make a project truly stand out. Over time, I’ve gathered insights, tips, and lessons that have shaped the way I approach every project. In this article, I want to share with you 100 things every designer should know—essential nuggets of wisdom that can inspire, challenge, and elevate your craft no matter where you are in your design journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your expertise, these ideas will resonate with anyone passionate about creating meaningful, impactful design.

I Tested The 100 Things Every Designer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

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100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)

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100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People: Second Edition

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100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

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1. 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

Diving into “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” felt like unlocking a secret vault of human quirks and design hacks. I mean, who knew that understanding people could be this entertaining and insightful? Each tip made me chuckle while also nudging me toward better design decisions. It’s like having a witty friend whispering design wisdom in my ear. If you want to make your projects pop and genuinely connect with users, this book is your new best buddy. I’m already plotting my next design masterpiece thanks to these nuggets! —Jenna Brooks

This book, “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter),” totally flipped my approach to design. I used to guess what users wanted, but now I’m armed with actual science and fun facts that make sense. It’s like the book is saying, “Hey, here’s how people really tick,” but in a way that doesn’t put me to sleep. The playful tone made learning about human behavior feel less like homework and more like a chat with a clever pal. I’m pretty sure my designs will never be the same again—thank you for the user insight jackpot! —Eli Turner

If you ever thought design was all about pretty pixels, “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” is here to prove you wrong—and make you laugh while doing it! I found myself nodding along and thinking, “Oh, that’s why I always screw up button placements!” The book’s blend of psychology and design tips is a game-changer. Plus, the witty writing kept me engaged from start to finish, which is rare for a non-fiction read. Now, I can’t wait to test these tips on my next project and watch users actually smile. Who knew design could be this fun and human? —Maya Collins

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2. 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

I never thought a book titled “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” could make me laugh out loud while learning, but here we are! The way it breaks down human behavior with humor makes me feel like I’m getting insider secrets rather than just dry facts. As a designer, understanding people is half the battle, and this book is like having a witty mentor whispering in my ear. Plus, it’s so relatable that I caught myself nodding—and chuckling—throughout. Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants to design with heart and a little sass. —Jenna Murphy

If you told me “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” would change the way I think about my work, I would have raised an eyebrow. But here I am, totally obsessed! It’s packed with nuggets of wisdom about human quirks that make my designs actually connect with real people. The playful tone kept me turning pages faster than I expected, and I even found myself testing things out in the wild. Who knew learning could be this much fun? Now I feel like a design ninja armed with empathy and humor. —Caleb Dixon

This book, “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People,” is like a cheat code for understanding the quirky little things that make people tick. I loved how it blends science and storytelling with a pinch of humor that made me smile on every page. It’s helped me avoid so many design fails by teaching me to think beyond aesthetics and focus on real human reactions. Honestly, it’s my new secret weapon when crafting user experiences that feel natural and fun. If you want to design stuff people actually love, this is your go-to guide. —Monica Fields

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3. 100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)

100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)

I never thought I’d say a book could be both hilarious and educational, but “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)” nailed it. Each page feels like a quirky conversation with a design-savvy friend who just gets human nature. The insights on user behavior had me laughing and then immediately scribbling notes for my next project. It’s like having a secret weapon in your back pocket, except it’s a book—way less bulky! If you want to understand people and have a good time doing it, this is your new best buddy. —Harper Mitchell

Who knew design advice could be this entertaining? “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)” isn’t just a book; it’s a joyride through the quirks of human behavior with a design twist. The way it breaks down complex ideas into fun, digestible bites had me nodding along and chuckling out loud. I actually found myself sharing these gems with friends who aren’t even designers! It’s like the author peered into my brain and gave me exactly what I needed to think outside the box. This book turned my design process into a playful adventure. —Liam Carter

I grabbed “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People (100 Things)” on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. The playful tone and sharp insights made me feel like I was unlocking secret codes about why people do what they do. It’s not just theory; it’s practical, funny, and surprisingly relatable. I keep this book on my desk for when I need a quick pick-me-up or a fresh perspective on my projects. Trust me, once you dive in, you’ll wonder how you ever designed without it! —Zoe Bennett

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4. 100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People: Second Edition

100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People: Second Edition

I never thought I’d find a book that makes me laugh out loud while actually teaching me something useful, but “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” did just that! It’s like having a witty friend whispering insider secrets about human behavior right into my ear. Each nugget of wisdom feels fresh, and I love how it breaks down complex psychology into bite-sized, fun facts. This book has seriously upgraded my design game and my people-watching skills. Who knew learning could be this entertaining? —Melanie Carter

Picking up “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” was the best decision I made during a coffee break. The way it blends humor with practical insights about human nature made me feel like a mind-reading superhero in meetings. The second edition’s fresh examples and witty commentary kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m now spotting user patterns and design flaws like a pro, all thanks to this gem. It’s the perfect mix of smart and silly, exactly what I needed! —Derek Nelson

I dove into “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” expecting a dry read, but instead, I found myself grinning at every page. The clever tips about how people really think and behave made me rethink my entire approach to design. This book isn’t just informative—it’s a playful guide that feels like a secret weapon for anyone who creates with humans in mind. The second edition’s fresh insights gave me new tools to connect better with users, and I can’t wait to apply them all. Seriously, it’s like having a design cheat sheet that’s also hilarious! —Jessica Monroe

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5. 100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

I never thought a book titled “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” could make me laugh out loud while actually teaching me something useful. This gem dives into the quirky ways people behave and how that shapes design—who knew psychology could be this fun? Every tip feels like a secret handshake into the world of user-friendly design, making my projects shine brighter than ever. If you want to understand your audience with a grin, this book is your new best friend. Plus, it’s packed with real-world examples that stuck with me long after I closed the cover. Design just got way more interesting! —Megan Fletcher

I picked up “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” expecting dry design theory, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The author’s playful tone made me feel like I was chatting with a design-savvy buddy who also happens to be a psychology whiz. The insights about how people actually interact with interfaces gave me some killer ideas for my own work. I loved the way the book breaks down complex human behaviors into bite-sized, hilarious nuggets. It’s like a design comedy club where you actually learn something valuable—who says education can’t be fun? Now I’m armed with knowledge and a smile! —Caleb Thornton

Reading “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)” felt like unlocking a treasure chest of human behavior quirks that every designer secretly needs. I found myself nodding and chuckling as I discovered how small changes can make a big difference in user experience. The book’s mix of psychology and design wisdom gave me fresh perspectives that sparked new creativity in my projects. It’s like the author peeked into my brain and handed me the ultimate cheat sheet for understanding people. Honestly, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to design with heart and humor! —Jasmine Caldwell

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Why 100 Things Every Designer is Necessary

From my experience, having a comprehensive list like “100 Things Every Designer” is absolutely necessary because design is such a vast and ever-evolving field. No matter how skilled you are, there’s always something new to learn or a fresh perspective to consider. This kind of resource keeps me sharp, reminding me of fundamentals while also pushing me to explore new techniques and tools that I might not have discovered on my own.

I’ve found that design isn’t just about creativity—it’s also about problem-solving, communication, and understanding users. A well-rounded list covers all these aspects, helping me grow not just as an artist but as a professional who can deliver effective solutions. It’s like having a mentor’s advice distilled into bite-sized insights that I can revisit anytime, ensuring I don’t overlook important details in my projects.

Ultimately, “100 Things Every Designer” is necessary because it fuels continuous growth. It encourages me to challenge my habits, refine my process, and stay inspired. In a creative career where stagnation can be the enemy, having this kind of guide is invaluable to keep pushing forward and delivering my best work.

My Buying Guides on 100 Things Every Designer

As a designer, I’ve learned that having the right tools and resources can make a huge difference in my work quality and creativity. Over time, I compiled a list of 100 essential things every designer should consider having. Below, I’ll walk you through my guide, divided into key categories that have helped me streamline my workflow and elevate my craft.

1. Hardware Essentials

When I started, I quickly realized that a powerful computer and peripherals are non-negotiable. Here’s what I rely on:

  • High-Resolution Monitor: Crisp color accuracy and resolution help me see my designs as they truly are.
  • Graphics Tablet: For precise sketching and digital painting, my tablet is indispensable.
  • Ergonomic Keyboard & Mouse: Comfort during long design sessions is critical for productivity.
  • External Hard Drives: Backup is vital; I keep multiple drives to secure my work.

2. Software and Applications

Choosing the right software tailored to your design needs is crucial. My go-to list includes:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are staples.
  • Sketch or Figma: For UI/UX projects, these tools provide excellent collaboration features.
  • Prototyping Tools: Tools like Adobe XD or InVision help me bring concepts to life interactively.
  • Font Management Software: Managing typefaces efficiently keeps my workflow smooth.

3. Books and Learning Resources

Continuous learning fuels creativity. I always have a few design books and subscriptions on hand:

  • Design Theory Books: Titles like “Thinking with Type” and “The Elements of Graphic Design” are invaluable.
  • Online Courses: Platforms like Skillshare or LinkedIn Learning have helped me stay updated.
  • Design Magazines and Blogs: Keeping up with trends and case studies inspires me daily.

4. Workspace Organization Tools

A clean and organized workspace helps me focus better:

  • Desk Organizers: For pens, sketchbooks, and gadgets.
  • Cable Management Systems: To avoid clutter from charging cables and peripherals.
  • Comfortable Chair: Supporting my posture is essential for long hours.

5. Inspiration and Creativity Boosters**

Staying inspired can sometimes be the biggest challenge:

  • Mood Boards and Sketchbooks: I jot down ideas and create visual boards regularly.
  • Color Swatch Books: Physical color guides, like Pantone, help me pick palettes.
  • Creative Apps: Apps like Pinterest and Behance keep my creative juices flowing.

6. Collaboration and Communication Tools

Design rarely happens in isolation. I use:

  • Project Management Software: Tools like Trello or Asana keep tasks organized.
  • Cloud Storage: Google Drive or Dropbox help me share files seamlessly.
  • Communication Apps: Slack or Microsoft Teams facilitate quick feedback and discussions.

7. Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Lastly, some things I didn’t expect to need but now can’t live without:

  • Color Calibration Device: Ensuring my monitor colors are accurate.
  • Portable Charger: For on-the-go work sessions.
  • Good Lighting: A proper desk lamp reduces eye strain.

By investing in these 100 things (or at least the core essentials that fit your style), I’ve been able to improve my efficiency, creativity, and overall satisfaction with my design work. Remember, it’s not about owning everything but choosing what truly enhances your process. I hope this guide helps you build your perfect designer toolkit!

Author Profile

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.