Introduction

As a product designer, having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference.

Whether I’m sketching out a quick idea, organizing my thoughts, or building a complex design system, the tools I rely on not only boost my productivity but also fuel my creativity.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various apps and platforms, but a few have stood out and become indispensable to my daily workflow.

I’m excited to share my favorite design tools, how I use them, and why they’ve become essential in helping me bring ideas to life.

Image via figma.com

Figma (and Figjam!)

Figma is a simple yet robust design tool that I rely on daily. Figma is my go-to for almost everything design-related.

I spend multiple hours each day using it for tasks ranging from low-fi to high-fi product design, creating illustration and animation assets, demoing product prototypes, and building complex design systems.

What makes Figma stand out is its collaborative features—being able to quickly mock something up and share it in real-time with others changed the design world forever.

Image via figma.com

Figjam, on the other hand, is my planning and brainstorming hub. Whether it’s mapping out user flows, planning databases, organizing design systems, or even setting company priorities, Figjam makes it easy to visualize and communicate ideas. It’s also perfect for moodboards and more creative explorations.

Image via notion.so

Notion

Notion is an all-in-one tool for organizing data—whether it’s writing, tasks, or ideas.

Notion is the backbone of my organizational system, both for work and personal life. I have databases for everything: blog posts, design tutorials, product requirement docs, even TV shows I’m watching. The ability to tag, categorize, and easily retrieve information makes it an indispensable part of my daily routine.

I use Notion to keep my work and personal life organized but distinct. Its flexibility allows me to manage everything from project planning to personal goals in one place, without any overlap.

A preview of my TV show database in Notion.

Image via framer.com

Framer

Framer is a web design tool that feels more like a design tool than a website builder.

After years of using Webflow (which I still believe is a great tool!), I transitioned to Framer for building my portfolio.

The transition was seamless because of how similar Framer feels to Figma. One of its standout features is the ability to view your website across different devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile—all at once, which makes responsive design a breeze.

Framer has become my go-to for web design because it allows me to create simple, beautiful websites without the complexities often associated with other tools.

Image via raycast.co

Raycast

Raycast is a productivity tool that acts as a supercharged version of Spotlight, allowing you to launch shortcuts across various apps.

I was late to the Raycast game, but it quickly became a favorite. Everything about it is fast, zippy, and highly functional. The ability to perform so many tasks directly from the keyboard feels like giving my computer superpowers. Plus, their app marketplace is filled with useful tools that integrate seamlessly with my workflow.

Raycast has streamlined my daily tasks, making it easier and faster to navigate through apps, search for files, and launch commands—all without leaving my keyboard.

Wrapping up

In product design, having the right tools is crucial to staying productive and creative. Figma, Notion, Framer, and Raycast have become more than just software in my toolkit—they’re the backbone of how I bring ideas to life, stay organized, and push the boundaries of what I can create.

Each of these tools plays a unique role in my workflow, from the initial brainstorming phase to the final product launch. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, I hope this glimpse into my favorite tools inspires you to explore new ways to enhance your own creative process.

The right tools can transform the way you work—helping you to not just meet deadlines, but to exceed your own expectations and create something truly exceptional.