You can connect to and even control another person’s iPhone to provide remote tech support.
Sometimes, a family member or friend will contact me asking for technical help with their iPhone. Often, I can solve the problem or address the question by talking them through the necessary steps. Other times, though, I’m hard-pressed to fix the issue without actually seeing or working with the phone.
A new screen sharing and remote control capability available through FaceTime can surmount that challenge. You can draw on the phone to show the other person where to go and what to do. If that doesn’t work, you’re able to assume full control of the other phone to navigate the screen, launch apps, and access settings just as if it were in your own hands
This also works with an iPad, but with some limitations. You can use an iPad to connect to and fully control an iPhone. You can also use an iPhone to connect to an iPad, but you can’t remotely control it. And you can use an iPad to connect to another iPad, but you can’t draw on the screen or remotely control it.
Anyway, here’s how this works between two iPhones.
How to take control of someone else’s iPhone
What you need: With your iPhone and the other iPhone both running iOS 18, you can start a FaceTime call and then remotely access the other phone.
1. Update the phones
First, make sure both your iPhone and the other person’s iPhone are running iOS 18 or higher. Go Settings, select General, and then tap Software Update. Allow the latest update to download and install.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
2. Place the FaceTime call
Next, you’ll need to start a FaceTime call. You can call the other person, or they can call you. When the FaceTime call comes through, the recipient should answer it and then tap Join to join the call.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
3. Share the screen
The person receiving your help then needs to share their screen. You can do this in one of two ways. The other person can tap the Share icon at the top of the screen and then select Share My Screen. Otherwise, you tap the Share icon and then select Ask to Share.
In response, another thumbnail screen opens up on your iPhone, displaying the screen of the other person’s phone. Tap that thumbnail to see their phone in a larger window. From there, you can instruct the person on how and where to access the screen, app, feature, or setting for which they need help.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
4. Draw on the screen
If you want to help the other person without taking control of their phone, you can tap and draw on the screen to point them in the right direction. Tap an icon, setting, or other item on the screen, and a small circle appears for a second. You might do this to show the other person what they need to select.
Additionally, you can draw or even write on the screen to more clearly show them what to do. After you stop drawing on the screen, the words or lines you drew disappear after a couple of seconds.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
5. Zoom in and out
By default, FaceTime displays the screen of the other phone in a zoomed-out mode with a border around it. To zoom in on the screen, tap the magnifier icon in the lower left. The only limitation here is that you can’t tap or draw when in zoomed-in mode. Tap the magnifier icon again to zoom back out.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
6. Ask to control the other phone
If the person has trouble taking the necessary actions to try to fix the problem, you may want to assume control of the phone yourself. For this, tap the icon of a finger selecting a dot in the lower right corner. The other person receives a request for remote control, which they should select Allow. The first time you do this, a notification appears on their screen asking if they know you. To allow the remote control, they should tap Continue.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
7. Use the other phone
You can now navigate and use the other person’s phone by tapping, swiping, and navigating. You’re able to zoom in on a particular screen by tapping the magnifier icon, but then you lose control of the phone. To zoom out and regain control, tap the magnifier icon again.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
8. End the screen sharing or FaceTime call
After you’ve hopefully fixed the issue, tap the remote control icon at the bottom to return control of the phone to the other person. To stop the screen sharing, the other person should tap the Share icon at the top of the screen.
If you simply want to end the FaceTime call, tap the thumbnail for your own screen. Tap it again to see the set of controls at the top, and then tap End to end the call.
OpenAI is trying really hard to make ChatGPT Search into a viable product. It’s available for free, to all users, without limits. And now, just like with Google Search, it can be used without logging into an account.
But even with all it AI features, Google Search still focuses on giving you links to pages directly, while ChatGPT Search instead uses online sources to give you an answer, backed up by links. You can click the links in your answer’s sources to open a website (and you really should check ChatGPT’s homework, as it tends to hallucinate quite a bit), but the question remains: is ChatGPT Search worth making your default search engine, and is that even possible?
What is ChatGPT Search?
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
ChatGPT Search is OpenAI’s attempt at integrating something akin to an internet search engine into its AI products. You access it through the same page as regular ChatGPT— clicking the “Search” button before pressing “Enter” will turn your question into a search instead.
OpenAI will then pipe the knowledge from its internet search, gathering the latest information, into its latest AI model. The result is still a verbose, text-heavy answer to your question, but now with links to sources cited throughout. Though, for topics like the weather, you do get visual results. Even compared to Perplexity, ChatGPT’s Search interface is light on media, contextual information, and videos.
Compared to Google Search, you don’t get boxes of sponsored posts or product lists. You also, by default, don’t get a list of links, but you can scroll down to the bottom of your answer and click the Sources button to open a short list up in a sidebar. The interface is simple: it’s still just text, but better formatted, giving you different sections with citations, and highlighting different results.
Should you make ChatGPT Search your default search engine?
A user’s default search engine is a coveted spot, and most browsers only include a couple of popular and safe options like Google Search, DuckDuckGo, Bing, and so on. So far, no browser has made space for ChatGPT Search on that list. There are, however, workarounds. In fact, OpenAI’s official method itself is a workaround. It turns out that browsers like Chrome and Firefox will let you switch the default browser, but only if it comes in form of a vetted extension from their own extensions store.
Before I get to these workarounds, I want to say that this caution does make sense. A search engine is a window to your entire online world. Many users don’t manually type in website URLs to navigate to webpages anymore. They search on Google instead, and click the first link that pops up (a dangerous practice that leads to a lot of phishing scams, but that’s besides the point).
Trust is a huge factor when you’re choosing a search engine, and I’m not sure if ChatGPT clears that bar yet. In our comparison between Google Search and ChatGPT Search, we found the ChatGPT Search interface to be much better than the bloated mess that Google Search has become. ChatGPT Search is good at explaining things to you directly and can be a great way to research a product deeply before buying something new. But for day-to-day use, where you’re searching around to get a link to a web page, ChatGPT Search just doesn’t cut it. For most users, I would recommend you stick with Google, use a couple of tips to remove the AI nuisances if you wish, or consider a privacy-friendly search engine like Kagi.
How to make ChatGPT Search your default search engine, if you must
If you’ve come this far and still want to set ChatGPT Search as your default search engine, you can do so using OpenAI’s official ChatGPT Search Chrome extension. This works in Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, and so on. Note, though, that Microsoft Edge throws up an extra popup when you try to enable it, and Chrome, too, will ask for confirmation before it lets go of the default search engine spot. Still, once installed, anything you type in the URL bar that isn’t a valid web address will instead directly go through ChatGPT Search.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Safari and Firefox, unfortunately, don’t support ChatGPT Search as a search engine, and there’s no extension for them, either. Though, there’s still a workaround for Firefox, which I’ll go over in the next section.
How to create a ChatGPT Search shortcut
Even if you’re able to make ChatGPT Search your default search engine, for most people, I think it would be best to create a shortcut for ChatGPT Search instead. It’s called Site Search, and it’s available in all Chromium browsers as well as Firefox (sorry, Safari users).
It’s a really straightforward process in Chromium browsers. Open Settings in Chrome, go to Search Engine from the sidebar, and in the Site Search section, click the Add button.
Here, enter “https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search” in the URL section, and use something like “@gpt” as a shortcut. Give it a name, like “ChatGPT Search” and click Save.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Now, go to the URL bar, type “@gpt” or whatever you named your shortcut, hit the space bar, and type out what you want to ask ChatGPT Search. When you hit enter, it will open the results in ChatGPT, just like it would if ChatGPT were your default search engine.
In Firefox, setting this kind of shortcut requires accessing the hidden settings page. Type “about:config” in the address bar, and click Accept the Risk and Continue.
In the Search bar, type “browser.urlbar.update2.engineAliasRefresh“, and click the Plus icon next to the search result. Now, make sure that the value is True.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Now, go to Firefox settings, and from the sidebar, choose Search. In the Search Shortcuts section, click the Add button.
Add “https://chatgpt.com/?q=%s&hints=search” as the Engine URL, give it a name, and an alias, which is the shortcut. Then, click Add Engine.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Now, you’ve added ChatGPT as a site search that you can trigger using a shortcut.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
The new ChatGPT site search will also now show up now in the Default Search Engine box, so if you really want to, you can make ChatGPT your default search in Firefox, too. Again, though, I wouldn’t recommend you go that far.
Neon colours, also sometimes referred to as fluorescent colours, are the rock stars of the visible spectrum — bold, electric and impossible to ignore.
These extremely bright versions of primary and secondary colours seem to glow, bursting with vibrant energy. Neon hues like neon green, neon pink and neon purple aren’t just colours; they’re experiences, radiating excitement wherever they’re used.
Whether it’s neon cyan in a piece of psychedelic art or neon yellow on a high-visibility jacket, these bright colours command attention. Neon shades bring an electric vibe to everything from fashion to interior design, making them as versatile as they are dazzling.
Neon colours include a wide variety of hues, from neon red and neon magenta to neon blue and lime green. Neon yellow is a staple in safety gear due to its high visibility, while hot pink and neon purple often star in fashion and graphic design.
A typical neon colour palette features bright colours that seem to glow on their own, even without neon lights. Neon cyan and electric blue, for example, pop vividly against dark backgrounds, while neon magenta and bright purple bring a playful edge to designs. These colours are all about energy, whether they’re used as an accent colour or the star of the show.
Paints in neon colours — like highlighter yellow or neon pink — emulate the brightness of neon hues but aren’t produced by neon gas. Instead, they’re created with pigments that reflect more light, making them visible even under natural or artificial light.
Neon Colours in Interior Design
In interior design, neon colours bring a touch of fun and modernity to any space.
A splash of neon yellow or neon green on a feature wall can make a bold statement, especially in rooms with darker colours or minimalist decor. Neon shades also work well as accent colours, adding vibrant energy without overwhelming the space.
Neon lights are another way to incorporate these hues. Neon signs in neon pink or electric blue can turn a room into a retro-chic haven. Interior designers often pair neon hues with dark backgrounds to make the colours stand out even more, creating a dynamic and eye-catching atmosphere.
Neon Colours in Fashion
Neon colours are a fashion phenomenon, making appearances in everything from high-visibility clothing to streetwear. Neon green, lime green and neon yellow are staples in safety gear because their emitted light falls squarely within the visible spectrum, ensuring maximum visibility.
On the other end of the spectrum, neon pink and purple add flair and personality to casual and formal wear alike.
Pairing neon hues with darker colours, like black or navy, creates a striking contrast that’s perfect for making a statement. Neon shades are also popular in athletic wear, bringing a sense of energy and movement.
Psychedelic art-inspired neon colour palettes continue to influence festival and party outfits, where vibrant energy is a must.
Neon Colours in Branding and Marketing
In branding and marketing, neon colours are used to grab attention and convey excitement. A logo in neon cyan or neon magenta pops off the screen, while neon red or neon yellow is perfect for creating a sense of urgency or energy.
Neon colour palettes are often chosen for brands that want to stand out in a crowded market or evoke a modern, edgy vibe.
Neon hues also work well in digital design, where they’re paired with darker colours to maximize impact. Whether it’s a website banner in neon purple or a social media post in hot pink, these bright colours draw the eye and engage viewers.
How Neon Lights Work
Neon lights are iconic for their glow and vibrant hues. These lights work by filling a glass tube with neon gas, which emits light when electrified. Neon gas naturally produces a bright red-orange glow, but other gases and coatings are used to create a range of neon hues like neon blue, neon green and neon yellow.
The emitted light falls within the visible spectrum, creating the glowing effect we associate with neon signs. By shaping the tubes into letters or designs, neon accents become functional art pieces, lighting up everything from storefronts to home decour. Their unique glow has made them a staple in both retro and modern aesthetics.
Neon Lights vs. Fluorescent Lights
While neon lights and fluorescent lights are both bright and colourful, they operate differently. Neon lights rely on neon gas and other noble gases to emit light, while fluorescent lights use a phosphor coating inside the tube to produce their high-intensity glow.
This is why fluorescent colours stand out even in daylight, while neon lights are most effective in low-light or dark settings.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Now That’s Noble
Neon is the 10th element on the periodic table and the second of the noble gases. Noble gases are vital to certain industries because they do not burn in the presence of a flame or react with surrounding chemicals under normal conditions. This characteristic also means that neon can be a conduit of the high amounts of energy in neon lighting without creating a hazard.
Feature Image Credit: Shutterstock AI Generator / Shutterstock
Do you want to know what really makes a great designer? It’s more than just knowing the latest software, isn’t it?
In today’s fast-paced creative landscape, design skills are constantly evolving. Design is not only about visual appeal. In fact, it goes beyond just making things look pretty. It is about solving problems, creating experiences, and connecting with people. And it is about communicating effectively.
Think about your favourite brands. What makes their designs so appealing? Is it simply the colours they use, or is there something deeper? Maybe it’s the way their website anticipates your needs, or how their app is so intuitive that you barely have to think to use it. That’s the power of great design. The need for designers has increased as businesses have come to realize the importance of good design for success.
But here is the deal: landing a job in the design industry is not a walk in the park. It needs a certain set of capabilities to be a successful designer. It’s a competitive field and therefore you will need to know what skills to learn in order to be successful.
So, what are those must-have skills that will set you apart and make you a sought-after designer? Let’s get right to it!
Core Design Principles: The Bedrock of Great Work
You might be wondering why we are starting with core design principles. Well, understanding design principles like typography, colour theory, layout, balance, and hierarchy isn’t just about following rules. It is more than that. Instead, it’s about understanding how these elements work together to create a visually appealing and effective design. These principles are foundational. They inform every decision a designer makes.
Typography: Understanding how to choose and use fonts effectively is essential. Fonts can set the tone and convey the message of the design.
Colour Theory: Knowing how colours interact and evoke emotions is crucial. Colour can influence how people perceive a design.
Layout and Composition: Arranging elements in a way that is both visually appealing and easy to understand is key. A well-organized layout guides the eye and improves the user experience.
Balance and Hierarchy: Creating a sense of equilibrium and guiding the viewer’s eye to the most important elements is vital. These principles ensure the design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Mastering these core principles provides a solid foundation. It will allow you to create designs that are not only beautiful but also effective in achieving their intended purpose. It’s about understanding the “why” behind the “what.”
Software Proficiency: Mastering the Digital Tools
Okay, let’s be honest. While raw talent and design skills are super important, you’ll also need to know your way around the software that brings your ideas to life. Being proficient in industry-standard tools is a must. What do you need to learn?
Adobe Creative Suite: Programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are the bread and butter of many design projects. Knowing how to use these tools efficiently can greatly enhance your productivity and creativity.
Figma/Sketch: These are popular tools for UI/UX design. They allow you to create interactive prototypes and collaborate with other designers in real-time.
Prototyping Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like Adobe XD, InVision, or Marvel to create interactive prototypes and test your designs.
The key is not just knowing the software. Instead, it is understanding how to use it to solve design problems effectively. You should always be eager to learn and adapt to new tools. The design software landscape is constantly evolving!
UX/UI Design: Crafting User-Centered Experiences
User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are now fundamental aspects of the design process. Why are they so important? Because they focus on creating products that are easy to use, enjoyable, and effective. They put the user first!
Here’s why these design skills are so crucial:
User Research: Understanding user needs, behaviours, and motivations through research methods like surveys, interviews, and usability testing.
Information Architecture: Organizing and structuring content in a way that makes sense to users and helps them find what they need.
Interaction Design: Designing the way users interact with a product, ensuring that it is intuitive and efficient.
Usability Testing: Evaluating the effectiveness of a design by observing users as they interact with it and gathering feedback for improvements.
These are essential if you’re designing websites, apps, or any other digital product. It’s about creating a seamless and satisfying experience for the user.
Communication and Collaboration: Sharing Your Vision
Can you explain your design choices clearly? This is important. Design is rarely a solo endeavour. You will be working with clients, developers, and other designers. Being able to communicate your ideas effectively, listen to feedback, and collaborate with others is essential. These skills are a must.
Verbal Communication: Presenting your ideas clearly and concisely, and articulating the reasoning behind your design decisions.
Written Communication: Creating documentation, writing design briefs, and providing clear instructions to developers.
Active Listening: Paying attention to feedback from clients and team members, and incorporating it into your designs.
Collaboration: Working effectively with others to achieve a common goal, and being open to different perspectives and ideas.
Remember, design is a team sport! Communication design skills bridge the gap between your vision and the final product.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Tackling Design Challenges
Great designers aren’t just stylists. They are problem-solvers. Designers need to be able to identify design challenges, analyse the situation, and develop creative solutions. They can think critically about the problem at hand.
Analytical Skills: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, and identifying the key issues.
Creative Thinking: Generating new ideas and approaches, and thinking outside the box to find innovative solutions.
Decision-Making: Evaluating different options and choosing the best course of action based on available information.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that every aspect of the design is carefully considered and executed to the highest standard.
These skills enable designers to approach each project strategically and thoughtfully.
Adaptability and Learning: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The design landscape is constantly evolving. What’s hot today might be old news tomorrow. Staying ahead of the curve requires a willingness to learn new things, adapt to new technologies, and embrace new design trends. The modern designer must adapt in order to remain on top.
Continuous Learning: Staying up-to-date with the latest design trends, technologies, and best practices through online courses, conferences, and industry publications.
Flexibility: Being able to adapt to changing project requirements, client feedback, and emerging design trends.
Experimentation: Trying new things, pushing boundaries, and being willing to take risks to discover new and innovative design solutions.
Openness to Feedback: Being receptive to criticism and using it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Staying curious and always seeking new knowledge is how you remain a valuable asset in the design industry.
Visual Communication: Conveying Ideas Visually
Visual communication design skills are the ability to effectively convey ideas and information through visual elements. It’s not enough to just make something look good. It also needs to communicate a message clearly. It is about using the correct visual elements to make the design understandable.
Imagery: Selecting and using appropriate images, illustrations, and icons to enhance the message and engage the viewer.
Typography: Using fonts effectively to convey the tone and message of the design.
Colour: Using colour strategically to evoke emotions, create contrast, and guide the viewer’s eye.
Layout: Arranging elements in a way that is visually appealing and easy to understand, and that effectively communicates the intended message.
Mastering these elements of visual communication can greatly enhance the impact and effectiveness of a design.
Branding: Developing and Maintaining Brand Identity
Branding is another crucial aspect of design. It involves creating and maintaining a consistent brand identity across all touchpoints. A good brand sets the tone for a company. It influences how consumers view the company.
Brand Strategy: Understanding the brand’s values, mission, and target audience, and developing a strategy to communicate these elements effectively.
Visual Identity: Creating a visual language that reflects the brand’s personality and values, including logo design, color palette, typography, and imagery.
Brand Guidelines: Establishing clear guidelines for how the brand should be represented across all channels, ensuring consistency and coherence.
Brand Management: Monitoring and maintaining the brand’s reputation, and ensuring that it remains relevant and engaging over time.
Designers who understand branding principles can create designs that not only look good but also effectively communicate the brand’s message and values.
So, Are You Ready to Level Up Your Design Skills?
So, there you have it! These are the design skills that will help you thrive in today’s design world. By focusing on these key areas, you can elevate your skills, set yourself apart, and create designs that truly make a difference. Now go out there and create something amazing!
Design Week editor Rob Alderson sits down with IDEO chair Tim Brown for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present and future of design.
Tim Brown is an unusually thoughtful interviewee. More than once in our conversation, he pauses and says, “Let me think what I think about that.”
A product designer by training, he joined Bill Moggridge’s ID TWO in 1987. That was one of four firms which joined to form IDEO in 1991, and Brown rose through the ranks of the new firm, eventually becoming its CEO. In 2019, he stepped away from his day-to-day role to become executive chair.
Through his book, Change by Design, and his popular TED talks, Brown established himself as one of the pioneers of design thinking
During a rare visit to London from his base on the West Coast, we sat down with him to talk AI, design leadership, and how to keep your creative spark alight.
Broadly speaking, are you nervous or excited about AI?
More than either of those two things, I’m very curious.
That’s perhaps an instinctive behaviour for me, because I realised a while ago that I really have only ever been interested in one thing throughout my whole career.
I’ve been asking one question over and over again – what’s next for design?
Is there any technology shift you’ve seen in your career that is analogous to what we’re going through with AI?
It’s hard to say. We’re right at the beginning of a journey, or a transformation, or a revolution maybe.
It’s not the first time digital tools have threatened to disrupt what we do as designers. When I came out of the RCA, we were just getting the first 3D modelling.
And that, to many people, felt like a remarkable opportunity, but it did require designers to start doing things differently. And that also felt like a threat.
And then of course there was the early 1980s, when desktop publishing happened, and people thought it was the end of graphic design. But it didn’t last very long, because we soon got pretty tired of documents with 25 different fonts on them and horrible graphics.
And in fact, it turned into a renaissance of graphics. Suddenly we had these designers using digital fonts in ways that nobody expected.
So you’re hopeful?
I’m perfectly prepared to be wrong about this, because there is something about this technology, in terms of its speed of adoption, and its ability to do unexpected things, that is potentially more threatening than anything we’ve seen before.
But there are some innate human qualities which I think might turn out to be quite important.
Think about taste. As human beings we get bored with seeing the same thing over and over again. And it’s already apparent, when you look at a lot of this AI generated material, it all looks the same.
It’s all got that super polished quality to it, and I think people get bored with that.
Graphic design is so often about getting people’s attention, and you don’t get people’s attention by showing them the same thing that they’ve seen a thousand times before.
So I have a feeling that the desire we have, and the need we have, for design to keep nudging us forward, and giving us something new to experience, will not be something that AI is awfully good at doing.
And designers are ingenious people. I think designers will find ways of using the tools that we haven’t thought about yet, and that will itself generate new outcomes.
It’ll be like the typographers that then had to develop digital typefaces, and we suddenly got this rich set of typefaces we didn’t have before, that you couldn’t do in metal.
Where are you seeing AI impact businesses?
I was talking to the chief product officer of a big outsourcing tech company the other day, and they said they now use AI for all of their first round recruiting.
Humans had to ok the choices that AI was making, but the AI reviewed the applications, and did the first round of interviews, and then humans got involved. That’s the sort of place where I feel the early impact is going to show up.
And so how will AI change what clients want from designers?
For me, design is about the connection between two things – the idea, and the expression, or implementation, of that idea. An idea on its own is no use. An implementation on its own is no use.
Most of the benefit of AI, at least in the early days, is going to be on the expression and implementation side, which, presumably, is going to increase the value of good ideas. And I think that’s probably where most creative people are going to end up putting more of their effort.
It should give us more time. I’ve always been a little bit critical of design, that we spend so much time using the tools. So much time in Photoshop or Illustrator or AutoCAD.
We spend a lot of time refining the idea, and maybe not as much time as we might actually having the idea in the first place, or developing the quality of the idea.
So if, as I believe, these tools create more time, more space, more capacity even to explore the quality of the idea, that would be an interesting outcome.
My guess would be that the large amounts of money that clients spend today on implementing ideas will go down. Maybe not totally to zero, but it will go down.
And if everybody’s got the ability to execute really well, then the only way to distinguish one company from another will be how good the ideas are.
If you’re going to compete, then you have to be more distinctive. Which could mean your brand, or your products and services, or maybe even the culture of your organisation.
The essence, the ideas themselves, are going to matter more.
Do you see a difference between business culture in the UK and the US?
It certainly used to feel that way. That was to do with the increased entrepreneurialism in the States compared to here, the access to venture funding.
But that’s improved a lot over the last couple of decades. There are a lot of VCs working here in London now.
It took a long time for Britain to get over the idea that business was a legitimate thing for people to get excited about. I remember coming out of secondary school, I had no idea business was a thing. It was ridiculous.
But there are things to learn both ways.
I’ve always loved that there’s generally an attitude in America which is a little bit more optimistic, a little bit more open-minded, a little bit more willing to try something without overthinking it.
That was harder here for a long time. There was a bit more scepticism, or cynicism, a tendency to think about all the downsides before you actually invest in something, which does make it harder to get new ideas off the ground.
But what I like about the UK, and Europe, is a willingness to take a slightly more nuanced view of things that in America end up being very polarising.
Do you think design leadership has changed a lot since you started IDEO?
I find it a little hard to know whether my view on that is due to the fact that I’m getting older, or whether it genuinely is different.
As a young designer, I remember feeling like some of those who were a few decades older than me might not be thinking about some of the things they ought to be thinking about.
So I suspect that that’s a universal truth.
But if I think about the change in assumptions that we’ve gone through during my career – about what design is about, or what it’s for, or who should be doing it – they are pretty fundamental.
I like to think IDEO helped some of those changes happen.
One of the things I loved when I joined was the culture where they didn’t believe that the most senior people had the best ideas.
They specifically hired lots of young people who they knew had better ideas than they did, and then gave us free rein.
Organisations often say, “Good ideas can come from anywhere,” but they sometimes struggle to live up to that. How do you build that culture?
You give the real authority to people who are a lot younger, or come from different backgrounds, to actually run the project.
So it’s about power?
Yeah. When I was running IDEO, I may have known the content of 25% of the projects that were going on. And maybe I was involved in 5% of them.
So 95% of them, somebody else was making the decisions. Even in the 5% I was involved in, I usually didn’t get to make decisions.
The people closest to the projects were the ones who made the decisions. Along with the client, of course. But certainly not somebody who only came and looked at the work once a week.
That doesn’t mean that more experienced people can’t give feedback and advice. But how can you possibly know enough to make a decision if you’re not deeply involved in a project?
“You don’t run out of ideas if you don’t run out of questions.”
I do think the problems that we’re often trying to solve today are so much more complicated.
You have to consider issues of sustainability, which we weren’t thinking about back then. There may well be complexities to deal with over who’s doing the designing on behalf of whom. Are you including the right kinds of voices?
I trained as a product designer. And product design, at least in the 1980s, was something where a small number of designers, it might be one, or it might be a small group, were designing a product.
We designed it once, and it would end up in the hands of millions of people. I might try and learn as much as I could about as many of those users as possible, but I couldn’t possibly have them all involved in the design process.
Now we’re working on problems which can be highly contextualised, where it’s much more expected to find a way for those communities to participate in the design process.
That makes a lot of sense, but it’s very hard to do. You have to integrate a lot of points of view. You have to deal with a lot of information. That’s hard.
And you have to avoid the “camel is a horse designed by committee” problem.
Exactly. It requires a lot of skill to take the voice of a lot of people and turn that into something that’s actually meaningful. It’s much harder.
So given that complexity, how does that change design leadership?
I believe that design is a team sport, not an individual sport. There are so few problems that we’re tackling today where you could expect an individual to possibly understand enough of it to be able to be the sole author.
So just like a team sport is different to an individual sport, designing with a team is different to designing as an individual.
It’s all about the team, and the amount of work that goes into getting that team to work at its best.
I think we will get there. I’d say that in the coming decades, when we look at the icons of design, they will be teams, not individuals.
To circle right back to the start, you talked about curiosity. How do you keep that spark going?
I stepped out of running IDEO a few years ago, and I have no management responsibility any more. I do what I have always done, which is to wonder about things and ask questions.
I’ve been involved in co-founding a couple of companies. I love thinking about the implications of new technology, whether it’s AI or other things.
And I have a group of people that every week, we get together for a couple of hours on Zoom. We’re just exploring new ways of thinking.
We call it our oasis. We have no purpose. We have no deadlines. We prototype things and we try things out. Basically, it’s play.
The world can seem like a pretty difficult place sometimes. Some of the problems that we face seem overwhelming.
But as designers, we hold the power in our hands to do something about it. We have these skills, these mindsets, that most people don’t have, that allow us to explore things.
And we can turn that thinking into something real that can make a positive difference, in some very simple, little way, or in a big way, because you’re reframing the world. It doesn’t matter where you are on that spectrum.
You don’t run out of ideas if you don’t run out of questions.
Alright, let’s talk about what’s really happening in the design universe. It’s not static, is it? This industry moves fast, like, warp speed fast. If you’re in the game, you know staying ahead isn’t a choice, it’s a survival skill. So, it’s now 2025, and it’s clear: designers need the right weapons. We’re talking tools that unleash killer innovation, that leave a mark. Graphic design templates? Yeah, they’re clutch, at least when they’re well-crafted (by pros for pros). They’re the secret sauce to saving time without sacrificing style.
These tools are your backup to ensure everything is consistent and they crank up productivity and set your creative juices flowing. But the real question is: which templates are about to blow up? Which ones will actually empower you, rather than just hold your hand? We’ve got ten solid contenders for you. These aren’t just templates; they’re disruptors, ready to redefine the design game. They’ll streamline your process and bring a new level of awesome to your work.
The Power of Templates
Why are templates so important? It’s a fair question. Think about it. They provide a foundation. They give designers a starting point. This allows for more focus on creativity. You no longer need to start from a blank page. That is often a daunting prospect. Templates offer ready-made layouts, styles, and structures. This saves you valuable time and effort. Moreover, these resources ensure consistency across all your projects. This is especially important for branding. They help maintain a unified and professional image. In 2025, using the right graphic design templates will not only help with productivity. They’ll give you a competitive edge. You are essentially leveraging the expertise of seasoned designers. It is a smart move for any creative pro.
Please note that with the exception of one template, which was made for use in Canva, these templates require Adobe’s professional design software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. Their latest versions can be downloaded from the Adobe Creative Cloud website—just look here.
The Elite Selection of Graphic Design Templates for 2025
These templates have been hand-picked. They represent the best in design. They are available to you. We’re showcasing high-quality digital assets. They come from top-tier resources. Each one is crafted by professionals for professionals. They will certainly level up your design game. Let’s get into the details. This is our selection of the best graphic design templates for 2025!
1. Geometric Stationery Set for Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator Stationery Template with Geometric Pattern
Do you want to elevate your brand’s visual presence? Then check out this stunning stationery set created by graphic designer and Adobe Stock contributor, Orangeberry. This collection features essential templates, including a letterhead, business card, and envelope, offering a cohesive and polished look. Furthermore, the templates utilize fully editable vector graphics, which means unparalleled flexibility. Consequently, customization is incredibly swift. For instance, you can quickly alter colours or insert your own content without any hassle. Please note, that all sample text is provided purely for display and may not be included in the final product. However, personalizing these designs with your own branding is incredibly straightforward. With a few clicks, you can effortlessly integrate your desired text, images, and graphics into the provided layouts, guaranteeing a unique final product. Moreover, this stationery package will easily impress clients and contacts.
2. Brand Guidelines Template – Your New Secret Weapon
Adobe InDesign Brand Guidelines Presentation Template by Studio PixWork with 26 Pre-design Customizable Pages
Have you ever faced the daunting blank page, paralyzed by the thought of creating comprehensive brand guidelines? It’s a common challenge, and the struggle is definitely real! But, what if I told you there’s a solution? This expertly crafted Adobe InDesign template is poised to become your new indispensable tool. Forget generic, lacklustre templates; this is a meticulously designed resource from the graphic design and branding studio, PixWork. Consequently, they’ve addressed almost every need you might encounter when developing your brand’s visual language. Indeed, the template’s format is specifically optimized for screen presentations, sized at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Therefore, sharing your brand identity guidelines online or during presentations becomes seamless. No more wrestling with awkward scaling or resolution problems. Ultimately, this template empowers you to present your brand consistently and professionally, saving you valuable time and frustration.
CRT Screen Photo Effect Mockup by Pixelbuddha Studio
If you want a distinctive edge for your creative work? Then consider Pixelbuddha Studio’s Retro CRT TV Screen Effect Photoshop Mockup. It’s a fantastic example of readily available graphic design templates that can instantly transform your designs. This mockup brilliantly recreates the iconic look of vintage cathode-ray tube (CRT) screens, complete with characteristic raster lines and vibrant colors. Therefore, it provides a perfect way to infuse a bold, retro aesthetic into your images, posters, or digital artwork. Furthermore, while this mockup is for sure one of our favourite graphic design templates for 2025, it demonstrates how effects-based designs can drastically alter the mood of your work. For instance, consider how the vintage feel could be applied to a travel poster, giving it a unique, nostalgic feel. I think it’s amazing how much those graphic design templates, both literal and abstract, can elevate your creative projects by offering unexpected stylistic options.
Creating a professional portfolio from scratch is, as many designers know, an intimidating task. Indeed, the struggle often lies not just in assembling your work, but in ensuring it’s presented with maximum appeal. A captivating portfolio is essential to grab the attention of clients, employers, or potential collaborators. However, building such a powerful tool from the ground up demands considerable time, effort, and design expertise. Consequently, this is where using a high-quality portfolio template becomes incredibly beneficial. It bridges the gap between functionality and aesthetics, saving you valuable time and resources. For instance, PixWork’s Adobe InDesign portfolio template is an ideal solution for creatives wanting a professional edge without the headache of starting from zero.
This template offers a carefully balanced combination of elegant design, user-friendly features, and complete customizability. Ultimately, whether you’re an artist, photographer, or another creative professional, this customizable portfolio layout provides an effective and efficient way to showcase your work with both clarity and style.
Social Media Instagram Post Templates for Product Promotions and Sales
I’m not telling you a secret when I say that in today’s digital landscape, visual content reigns supreme, especially for capturing attention on social media. Therefore, having access to compelling designs is crucial. Adobe Stock contributor Phillip has created a set of six striking graphic design templates, specifically designed for product promotions and sales across various social media platforms. These templates, crafted in Adobe Illustrator, come in the standard 1080 x 1080 pixel format, ensuring perfect compatibility with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter). Furthermore, these social media templates are distinguished by their clean and minimalist aesthetic. Consequently, they emphasize product presentation and essential details, without being cluttered. Let’s explore the standout features of these templates and see how they can elevate a brand’s visibility, providing both efficiency and professional polish to your social media presence.
426 Graphic Shapes, Letters, and Numbers in One Kit
Looking for versatile resources to enhance your design projects? Then consider the 426 Graphic Shapes, Letters, and Numbers Kit by Vanzyst. This meticulously crafted toolkit stands out by merging contemporary design elements with a diverse range of graphic shapes. Designed specifically for modern creatives, this collection taps into the power of typography and geometric forms. Consequently, it embraces a bold, trend-oriented aesthetic highly sought after by today’s designers. Moreover, this toolkit is an excellent example of readily available graphic design templates, even though it doesn’t fit the typical template format. Let’s delve into this unique kit to examine its usability, style, and potential applications across various creative fields.
This toolkit offers an impressive 426 graphic shapes, divided into two main sections: 322 geometric shapes, and 104 letters and numbers. Furthermore, each component is provided in multiple formats, ensuring maximum compatibility across various platforms and software. Thus, these graphic assets give designers a rich palette for impactful projects, from logo design and trendy posters to social media content and even apparel designs. These graphic shapes empower designers to realize their creative visions.
7. Modern Brand Guidelines for Digital Presentations
Modern, Clean, and Colorful Brand Guidelines Design Template by GraphyPix for Screen and Online Presentations
Are you in need of an efficient and visually compelling way to present your brand guidelines? Then consider GraphyPix’s template, designed in Adobe Illustrator, which showcases both clarity and flexibility. This template is an excellent example of best graphic design templates for enhancing brand communication. The layout, sized at 1920 x 1080 pixels, is optimized for digital presentations, allowing users to deliver cohesive branding instructions in a professional and eye-catching manner. Moreover, the design is specifically created for easy PDF export, therefore, enabling seamless distribution via email or online uploads.
This template features 22 pre-designed pages, all of which are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor the template perfectly to your brand’s needs. For instance, all content, including text and images, is presented as placeholders, making it incredibly user-friendly. Consequently, users can effortlessly replace these placeholders with their own branding elements, ensuring a tailored and professional outcome for any business or project. Ultimately, this brand guidelines template empowers you to present your brand’s identity clearly and effectively.
Our next recommendation is something to infuse your designs with a fresh, high-impact aesthetic. Kloroform’s Greydient 3 release is a collection that skilfully blends constructivism, brutalism, and op-art into a unique visual experience. This collection stands out as one of the best graphic design templates for those seeking bold and versatile assets. Greydient 3 functions like an extensive toolbox of outstanding graphics for designers tackling print, web, branding, social media, and other visual projects. Indeed, it’s a fantastic example of innovative graphic resources that go beyond typical templates.
The strength of Greydient 3 lies in its fusion of three powerful design movements: constructivism, brutalism, and op-art. Consequently, each graphic embodies the energy of constructivist forms, the rugged simplicity of brutalism, and the optical intrigue of op-art. The resulting graphics exude an intense and contemporary vibe that’s both captivating and highly functional. Moreover, the bold geometric shapes, paired with gradients and subtle line art, create a dynamic visual language. Therefore, this makes the set especially suitable for attention-grabbing projects such as posters, advertisements, and social media content. Ultimately, this collection of graphics empowers designers to make a bold visual statement.
Fawn Collection: 30 editorial Instagram Canva templates by Studio Alana Design
If you want to enhance your Instagram presence with engaging and professional content? Then consider this pack of 30 editorial Instagram templates, created by Studio Alana Design specifically to make your feed stand out. These templates, created in CANVA, offer unparalleled ease of use and customization. Therefore, you can effortlessly adapt each design to perfectly match your unique brand aesthetic and specific needs. Furthermore, this template pack demonstrates a great example of some of the best graphic design templates available for social media use.
The default size for each template is an Instagram feed post (1080×1080 pixels), but, if you have Canva Pro, you can easily resize them to fit other platforms and dimensions as well. This flexibility is a huge advantage for designers. The pack includes: 30 unique templates, full compatibility with CANVA, a standard 1080×1080 pixel size, dedicated email support, and also placeholder copy to help you get started. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out—I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Thank you so much for considering supporting my small business and investing in your Instagram success.
Subway Train Posters Mockup by Pixelbuddha Studio for Adobe Photoshop
Ever wondered how your beautifully crafted poster design would translate to a real-world environment? Then consider this highly realistic poster mockup from Pixelbuddha Studio, designed to provide a truly authentic preview. Specifically made for Adobe Photoshop, this mockup offers designers an incredibly easy-to-use and powerful tool. I think it’s a prime example of the best graphic design templates for showcasing your work. Let’s explore why this poster mockup is so incredibly valuable.
The scene places three posters within a subway car setting, instantly providing context and depth. Notice how the train seats and windows add authenticity, helping viewers visualize your designs in a commonplace public space. Furthermore, the attention to detail, like the inclusion of a metal handrail, enhances the scene’s realism. Such precision is invaluable for creating impactful presentations. Indeed, consider the positive response you’ll likely get from a client when they see your poster design in this relevant and engaging setting. This poster mockup not only showcases your design but also brings it to life, making it truly unforgettable.
Each of these templates offers something unique. They are designed to meet the needs of modern designers. Furthermore, they are user-friendly, they can help you save time and enhance creativity, they are fully customizable, and they are also professionally designed. These graphic design templates are more than just assets. They are tools that empower you to create amazing designs. They also help you communicate your ideas more effectively.
The Future of Design is Here
These top ten graphic design templates are a great place to start in 2025. They represent the best in design resources. Using these templates, you’ll produce consistent and outstanding work. They will also keep you ahead of the trends. So, are you ready to transform your design process? These templates offer a blend of creativity, efficiency, and innovation. They are an essential part of any modern designer’s toolkit. Embrace them and witness the difference they can make in your work. They offer the potential to make a massive impact on your projects. They can help you reach new heights.
Hungry for more? If so, feel free to check out WE AND THE COLOR’s massive Templates category, where you can find amazing vector graphics, fully customizable layouts for print and web, mockups, photo effects, patterns, presentations, and much more.
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps us run this site. Thanks for your support!
If your emails aren’t getting clicks, they might be stuck in spam. Here’s why—and the habits you can build to fix your email deliverability.
Getting your email into someone’s inbox can make all the difference—it can open doors, spark connections, and create opportunities that transform your business. But hitting send on an email doesn’t guarantee it will land in the inbox.
With more than 45 percent of all emails flagged as spam in 2023, internet service providers (ISPs) and email service providers (ESPs) use advanced filters to block unwanted messages. If your emails trigger those spam filters, they may never reach your audience. They might end up buried in spam folders instead.
Could you be triggering those spam filters without even realizing it? Small mistakes—like using an outdated email list or missing proper email authentication—can quietly hurt your email deliverability. Here are some things you may be doing that prevent your emails from reaching the inbox.
1. Your contact list is outdated
An old, outdated email list means you probably get many bounces and aren’t seeing many clicks. ESPs often interpret a high bounce rate as a sign of spam, so the higher it is, the more likely your emails are flagged as junk. To avoid that, keep your bounces under 2 percent by regularly pruning invalid emails.
2. You miss email authentication
Authenticating your emails is like getting a stamp of approval for your messages. Without it, ESPs can’t verify you’re a trustworthy sender, so your campaigns and newsletters may not make it to the inbox. Google and Yahoo now require proper authentication, so set up Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), especially if you send thousands of emails a week.
3. You get too many spam complaints
If too many people complain about your emails, ESPs won’t deliver them to the inbox anymore. To prevent this, build trust with your audience. Seventy-eight percent of consumers will report an email as spam because they perceive it as spam. Make sure your content is relevant, avoid misleading subject lines, and make it easy for folks to unsubscribe. Your spam complaint rate shouldn’t be higher than 0.3 percent.
4. You use spam-triggering words
Words like “free,” “urgent,” or “win” aren’t harmful by themselves. But using them excessively—especially when combined with other mistakes like poor list hygiene—can raise red flags with ESPs. To land your emails in the inbox, keep your language balanced and avoid sounding too promotional.
5. You send too many emails, too often
Flooding your subscribers’ inboxes can lead to unsubscribes and spam complaints. Both hurt your email deliverability. ESPs also keep an eye on sudden spikes in email volume to block potential spammers. Stay consistent in your sending schedule and prioritize content quality by emailing your list only when you have something valuable to share.
Bonus tip: To land in the inbox, warm up your IP and domain
Sudden increases in email volume can hurt any sender, but they’re especially risky for those new to email marketing. To build trust with ISPs and ESPs, consider ramping up your email volume gradually.
Warming up your IP and domain reduces the chances of triggering spam filters and helps your emails land in the inbox. Another option is to use an email warmup tool, which automates this process. Whether you’re just starting out or have been sending mass emails for years, keeping your IP and domain reputation strong is key to consistent deliverability.
Senior creatives and educators offer their tips on how to boost your career.
How can designers thrive in an increasingly demanding creative landscape? From curiosity to resilience, mastering online collaboration tools to leveraging AI – and even reacquainting yourself with pencils and paper – there are plenty of ways to get upskill, adapt, grow and attract new opportunities.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shake things up, we asked senior creatives, educators and industry leaders to weigh in on the skills that are really going to help grow your career.
The Warehouse Project logo by Studio Moross (Image credit: Studio Moross)
“While it’s always important to stay up-to-date on the latest tools, one of the most important traits for any designer – no matter the year or level of experience – is curiosity,” says David Airey, logo designer and author of books including Logo Design Love and Identity Designed. “The design world continually evolves, and while technical skills matter, curiosity helps designers adapt and bring new ideas to client projects. Staying curious makes it easier to learn, experiment, and discover different ways to create meaningful work that truly connects with the audience.”
For Kathryn Samson, senior designer, consultant and lecturer in graphic design at London College of Contemporary Arts, her concern is that although design students and emerging designers are digital natives, there’s been a downturn in experimenting with software. “I have wondered if this is related to being so used to using their phones for everything; there is a lack of curiosity,” she says.
Take some time out to help yourself get unstuck, advises Marina Willer, graphic designer, filmmaker and Pentagram partner. “It’s easy to fall into repetitive patterns as a designer, especially when you’re under pressure. For me, it’s important to find unusual ways of working that are relevant to each project and not just be seduced by what’s trendy,” she says.
“Step away from the screen and engage with new environments – whether that’s looking at mundane things, taking a walk, learning as many skills as possible, photography, drawing or writing. It needs to be what ticks for each one of us, like travelling, visiting a gallery, or spending time in nature – that will help spark fresh ideas. This shift in perspective offers the depth and originality that searching for inspiration online often lacks.”
Chemical Brothers / The Warehouse Project digital poster by Studio Moross (Image credit: Chemical Brothers / The Warehouse Project / Studio Moross)
For Connor Edwards, senior designer at Jack Renwick Studio, it’s especially important now more than ever to stay curious and find inspiration in new interesting places, particularly given the rise of AI and homogenisation in visual culture. “To be able to reject the path of least resistance, to sidestep trends, to break out of the algorithm and create big ideas that are not only unique, but will be infinitely more relevant and ownable,” he says. “Once you have this, it will become clear what method is needed to bring it to life, be it handmade, digital or AI-generated. Then, you just need to become an expert in whatever that skill is.”
02. Know how to leverage AI
Rebrand for non-profit Isodope by &Walsh (Image credit: &Walsh / Isodope)
“Designers need to go beyond basic AI use and understand how to integrate it thoughtfully into their workflow to enhance creativity,” says Jessica Walsh, founder and creative director of studio &Walsh. “The key is striking a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and maintaining a human, original perspective. I love seeing when our team uses AI in a smart way but they don’t rely on it for the end results. Creating unique mood boards, research, repetitive task automation are all skills we look for.”
Graham Sturt, creative director and head of creative at Monotype says 2025 will be a pivotal year where adaptability and mastery of emerging tools will define success in graphic design. “First and foremost, proficiency in AI-powered design tools is no longer optional,” he says. “Designers who can seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows to unlock creative possibilities and solve complex design challenges will have a distinct edge. It’s not about replacing creativity but enhancing it – understanding how to collaborate with technology to push boundaries.”
Drew de Soto, founder and creative director of design agency Navig8 and author of the Know Your Onions range of design books, agrees that while the tools available to designers have never been more powerful, knowing when and how to utilise them is key. “Understanding the principles that underpin quality design and having the ability to apply them is vital for our continued relevance,” he says. “Embrace AI but remember: put rubbish in and get rubbish out. Understanding the brief, market and objectives of the content that you’re creating is essential when using these tools. Take time to really study the output from the AI engine and assess its quality closely. Be careful not to fall into the ‘convenience trap’.”
03. Craft with material things
Power of Connection event by David Barnett (Image credit: Without Shape Without Form / David Barnett)
As technology increasingly impacts creativity, designers should look to traditional skills and handcrafted approaches to design to compliment their skillset. “I look for design talent with craft and a deep understanding of the physical world,” says Jessica. “With the digital world becoming oversaturated, there’s a growing hunger for tactile, real-world experiences. Designers who can experiment or who have training with physical mediums, materials, and hands-on processes offer a refreshing counterpoint to the noise on screens.”
Susanna Foppoli, creative director, designer and lecturer in graphic design at Shillington, agrees in the strength of experimentation and exploration by hand. “There is immense value in old-school processes such as sketching ideas by hand, creating physical mood-boards, or storyboarding concepts,” she says. “These tactile and intuitive methods engage the brain in ways that digital tools (and perhaps artificial intelligence?) cannot, fostering a more personal and unique approach to design thinking.”
“I see in many of my students a resistance to using paper and pencil,” says Kathryn, “where you can create a hundred thumbnail possibilities in a matter of minutes, preferring to go straight to the laptop or iPad. The danger in this approach – that I have seen a million times – is a five-minute delve into experimentation that results in a ‘that looks okay, let’s go with that’ answer to the brief, which then prevents any further development, and often a much less creative solution.”
04. Play with motion
Parklife logo by Studio Moross (Image credit: Studio Moross)
“A brand can not just exist in static form in today’s world,” says Jessica. “There are entire brand agencies being formed by motion-first teams and principles. Designers who can combine storytelling with motion will stand out in a crowded landscape.”
Terrance Weinzierl, creative type director at Monotype agrees skills in motion are becoming increasingly important. “Motion quickly comes to mind when I think of future design skills. Animation and short-form video skills are desirable, and I believe the demand for these formats will continue to increase in the years to come. First, be able to imagine how your static works will move and change. If you aren’t an expert and need to collaborate with a motion specialist, being able to direct and share ideas in clear storyboards is key.”
Branding for ad agency QX by &Walsh (Image credit: QX / &Walsh)
For Wale Osunla, designer at Studio Moross, playing with motion doesn’t necessarily mean in literal terms by using motion graphics, it can mean thinking in a more dynamic way. “We have been moving in a direction where motion and design feel more connected than ever. It’s thrilling,” he says.
“However, while animators and illustrators are incorporating design principles within their work, designers seem reluctant or averse to these shifts in perspective – stop that! Just let your thoughts, actions, and work resemble the cartoon characters you’ve seen on TV as a kid (or even now), squashing or exaggerating their sizes, and moving in strange ways. Trying to capture that dynamism without using motion can take your thoughts (and your work) to strange but wonderful places. Push it hard enough and you can make the most static of work feel like it’s brimming with life.”
Nike Playlist graphics by Studio Moross (Image credit: Studio Moross / Nike)
Balancing a core specialism with a range of other skills and embracing the learning experience could help you stand out, says David Barnett, scenographer, designer and course leader for the BA in graphic design communication at Chelsea College of Arts. “Being a generalist in design is such a useful trait and following waves of enthusiasm to learn new things, of course means you are more likely to enjoy the process of continually learning,” he says. “In education we all hope to see these ‘T-shaped’ graduates develop, who have a deep specialism and some broader knowledge so they can be useful and adaptable in professional practice and have some understanding of the languages and processes of other design practices that give them more of an overview and make them better communicators.”
He suggests going down some fun research rabbit holes but remembering to aim for general self development rather than becoming the perfect Swiss Army knife. “So much of design is having a ‘can-do’ attitude and a willingness to try, experiment, fail and learn,” he says. “Having expert and generalist skills helps and encourages you to take a more transdisciplinary approach to graphic design – understanding how to creatively link all your knowledge and various skills … If you have time and aptitude to create a couple of deep specialisms you’ll become a unicorn – who are most sought after.”
06. Embrace co-creation
Knowledge of collaborative design tools is a desired skill (Image credit: David Barnett)
Proficiency in collaborative design tools such as Figma, Miro and Figjam is an increasingly desirable core skill – after Adobe – says David Barnett. With this comes a new wave of co-creation and sharing online in real-time, particularly since the pandemic. “Now, you can brainstorm, build workshops, create design strategies, work with stakeholders, gamify work tasks and herd cats, all while inviting anyone to participate or observe,” he says.
“Designers are natural organisers, so the use of collaborative platforms is becoming an essential tool for speedy working and transparent partnerships that feel engaging and shorten the design cycle,” he adds. He recommends studying the platforms’ various templates, reading Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions by Bella Martin and Bruce Hanington, and checking out free resources about collaborative methods on learning platforms such as Ideo U.
“Developing skills in co-creation and facilitation isn’t just part of being a strategist anymore,” David says, “it’s becoming a core skill to learn and practice for graphic designers, branders, exhibition makers, activists – the list goes on.”
Collaboration in Miro (Image credit: David Barnett)
Part of successful collaboration comes from effective communication, which should prioritise the right combination of speed, accuracy, logic and emotion, says Terrance. “Hybrid work environments and numerous communication tools can make it more erratic. Your co-workers from different generations might have different preferences, and it’s advantageous to have different approaches rehearsed. A Boomer might value a quick voice call, while a Gen Z just needs a text. Being observational, empathetic and organised will keep your messages landing well and delighting your collaborators.”
07. Engage with a range of disciplines
The Monotype Type Trends graphic (Image credit: Monotype / Graham Sturt)
“Nurture a broad interest in the humanities and the arts,” says Lindon Leader, founder of strategic design consultancy Leader Creative (and the creator of the legendary FedEx logo). “Many young design students, especially those fresh from high school, often do not appreciate that seemingly irrelevant fields like philosophy, music, literature and history will serve to hone a personal aesthetic that can handsomely inform their work down the line,” he says. “Absent this aesthetic, and wizardry in Photoshop, Illustrator, UX design, and other tools may make one a skilled technician, but not necessarily an artist. For example, the recollection of strata from geology class and the mental image of storm clouds in a Wagner symphony may together produce a remarkable landscape photograph that otherwise might have been most ordinary.”
After all, humans are multidimensional creatures. Susanna also believes that inspiration can often come from unexpected places, as the old adage goes. “Designers should actively seek inspiration from a broad range of disciplines. By drawing from fields such as architecture, art, fashion, photography, craft, psychology, technology and even science and beyond, designers can bring fresh, unexpected ideas to their work,” she says. “This cross-pollination helps designers approach challenges from unique angles, breaking free from conventional approaches and visual trends.”
08. Master critical thinking
Graphics by Monotype (Image credit: Monotype / Terrance Weinzierl)
As an employer, Lindon says that he looks for people who have cultivated soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication and collaboration, as well as for well-rounded individuals who are perceptive and passionate. “To this end, I recommend aspiring graphic designers [focus on] critical thinking, which is essential to success in ever-competitive workplaces. Today, many graphic designers have both talent and solid command of software. What will distinguish the very best of them is the ability to convey cogent design-thinking fluently and coherently to employers, colleagues, and clients. If, when asked why you are recommending a particular design you reply, ‘I don’t know; I just really like it’, you may not rise very far in the commercial art world.”
Susanna agrees it’s about going beyond the aesthetics and understanding the ‘why’ behind design solutions. “Designers must combine creativity with critical thinking and know how to approach projects strategically, addressing functionality, meaning and purpose. Engaging with the client on a human and personal level, analysing the brief with depth and perspective, challenging assumptions and conventions, and bringing in references from beyond the design world – that’s the core of what it means to be a designer. In 2025, always and ever.”
After all, designers do so much more than simply creating visuals, Connor says, “Understanding brand strategy and being able to convincingly articulate your thinking in a written and verbal way is a crucial skill. Mastering it will help sell-in the braver, more distinctive ideas that we are always calling for,” he says. “All of our ideas start off as a written strategy with a key positioning line that represents the heart of the brand. We then base all our visual decisions on this strategy, and use it as a way to evaluate if what we are creating is relevant.”
Sketchbook page from David Barnett (Image credit: David Barnett)
Part of critical thinking – and thinking beyond how something looks – involves storytelling through design, which Graham says is currently equally important to embracing tech. “In a saturated digital landscape, the ability to craft compelling, brand-centric narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences is invaluable,” he says. “Designers must think beyond aesthetics, focusing on how every element – typography, colour, motion – contributes to the story a brand wants to tell.”
09. Tap into type
Golden Scent billboard by Susanna Foppoli (Image credit: Susanna Foppoli)
“Typography dominates our designed world. It is all about balancing aesthetics and utility, just like clothing. Yes, you want it to look a certain way, but you need it to work a certain way. Being tuned into the visual quality of type will allow you to choose typefaces that express the emotion and ideas you want your message to carry,” Terrance says. “Knowing the nuts and bolts of typography will allow you to master the performance of type on the page and screen. Form, size, weight, spacing, measure, and leading are just some of the knobs in your control. If the typography is good, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon in any direction.” (See our what is typography explainer and top typography tutorials to get you started)
Susanna says skills in type is an important part of nurturing the fundamentals of design as a creative: “While designers must keep up with the rapid pace of technological and cultural shifts and embrace the mindset of perpetual learners, foundational skills like typography and core design principles, such as hierarchy and composition, remain timeless and essential for crafting compelling work.”
10. Follow your intuition
Hurry Up We’re Dreaming logo (Image credit: Anna Gerber / Hurry Up We’re Dreaming logo)
“Innovation comes from a deep heart-led wisdom and I would invite designers to listen to that feeling more closely. And trust it,” says Anna Gerber, writer, creative consultant and founder of Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, an editorial and events platform where tech meets mysticism.
Following intuition can help designers to tune in to the real use cases of a project, leading to ideas that better resonate with clients or users. Letting go of conscious reasoning can lead to surprising and exciting outcomes.
“It’s easy to pick up software skills, learn how to code, and figure out how to make social media friendly designs,” she says. “Work that makes people sit up in their seats, work that gives people goosebumps because it’s like nothing they’ve ever seen or felt before doesn’t come from the head, it comes from the heart.”
11. Be generous with time
Metaphysical Pilates app by David Airey (Image credit: David Airey)
Anna also recommends a well-planned out design process without deadlines that are too tight or rushed execution, which can mean missing opportunities for exploration and innovation.
“There’s a tendency at the moment to draw clear boundaries around expectations and ways of working, which are important to respect,” she says. “But, there’s also something to be said for allowing ideas to percolate, giving ideas space to breathe and change and working with clients to evolve on work through creative exchange and collaboration. Don’t let your boundaries close you off to new, unexpected creative directions.”
12. Maintain resilience
David Barnett posters (Image credit: David Barnett)
Reflecting critically on decisions that may feel like mistakes can lead to empowerment. And accepting defeats along with successes can help make you a better designer, says Marina.
“The design industry is challenging, and setbacks are inevitable – whether it’s losing out on a job or seeing your ideas rejected by clients. The ability to move forward, adapt and keep perspective in tough moments not only makes you stronger, but also helps you grow creatively.”
Antonia Wilson is a freelance writer and editor. Previous roles have included travel reporter for the Guardian, and staff writer for Creative Review magazine, alongside writing for The Observer, National Geographic Traveller, Essentialist and Eco-Age, among others. She has also been a freelance editor for Vogue and Google, and works with a variety of global and emerging brands on sustainability messaging and other copywriting and editing projects — from Ugg and Ferragamo to Microsoft and Tate Galleries.
Less personalization in your email marketing strategy? You heard that right.
The Gist
Optimizing campaign frequency.Adjust email frequency based on engagement. Send fewer emails to less-engaged subscribers while increasing opportunities for highly-engaged ones.
Increasing revenue with automation.Automate key lifecycle moments. High-performing campaigns like cart abandonment and welcome emails drive the majority of email marketing revenue.
Personalization pitfalls. Less can be more. Overpersonalization diminishes brand voice, so dial back on variations to maintain a unified experience.
Succeeding at email marketing requires constant iteration and evolution with an eye on gradual improvements. This iteration happens in an environment of continual change, with some of those changes requiring adaptation and some merely presenting distractions.
Experienced email marketers know that a good email marketing program has an active mailable list size that’s growing and contributes positively to their business’s success metrics, with good open and click rates just being table stakes. A good program also has a spam complaint rate of under 0.1% (which is what Google and Yahoo expect) and an inbox placement rate of 95% or better.
Those characteristics are hallmarks of a good email marketing strategy. But what about the hallmarks of the best ones? Here are four key characteristics.
Since I entered the email marketing industry nearly 20 years ago, email frequencies have steadily increased, and they’ve paused only briefly in the wake of the introduction of Mail Privacy Protection. The relentless drumbeat of a “more email equals more money” strategy has led us to this point, where many brands are seeing declining engagement rates and increasingly frustrated subscribers, which threatens program health.
Because of that, elite programs are reassessing which subscribers receive which campaigns. They’re sending fewer campaigns to their less engaged subscribers and more campaigns to their more engaged subscribers.
This not only improves their deliverability and program health by increasing engagement rates and reducing opt-outs, but it also increases revenue because it gives their more engaged subscribers additional opportunities to engage.
Welcomes, cart abandonment and other automated campaigns are the most productive emails teams can send. Their return on investment far exceeds run-of-the-mill broadcast promotional campaigns.
It’s that outsized productivity that allows roughly 15% of brands to generate the majority of their email marketing revenue from their automated campaigns, which typically represent less than 5% of their overall email volume. Through the steady launch, maintenance and optimization of automations over years, they’ve been able to automatically address key moments and points of friction in their customers’ lifecycles.
If you want to achieve this and you’re unsure if you’re addressing all the moments that matter for your customers, take a look at this checklist of automated campaign ideas.
Reducing Personalization for Stronger Brand Voice
That’s not a typo. I do mean reducing, not increasing. That’s because the best programs have already overdone personalization, and, yes, that is a danger. They’ve realized that in their email marketing strategy, they’d squeezed out brand messaging, diminished their brand voice and undermined their ability to create common brand experiences. So, they’ve started to dial back on personalization a bit.
Last year, the brands that bragged about sending out more than 100,000 variations of email campaigns will most likely be the ones to realize they overdid it to the detriment of their brand and throttle back this year.
Maintaining or Increasing Email Marketing Budget
A bizarre thing is happening. During 2024, many brands deprioritized high-ROI marketing channels and shifted budget to lower-ROI advertising channels, according to Gartner’s 2024 CMO Spend Survey.
“In these tough times, CMOs are prioritizing investments that have demonstrable impact,” said Ewan McIntyre, VP analyst and chief of research for Gartner for Marketers. “However, there’s a mismatch between the channels CMOs are investing in and their perceived impact.”
Given instability among social networks and increasing privacy protections, there have never been more reasons to invest in building larger first-party audiences and gaining more first-party data. The best email marketing strategy recognizes this imperative and continues to invest in strong subscriber relationships and retention programs.
Looked at this collectively, the first two hallmarks focus on delivering more campaigns to your most engaged subscribers and best customers, while minimizing fatigue for less engaged ones. The last two hallmarks, on the other hand, are centered around preserving your brand.
Where is your organization on its journey toward achieving each of these goals?
Core Questions Around Email Marketing Strategy
Editor’s note: Here are two important questions to ask about email marketing strategy.
What are the best ways to increase email marketing revenue without sending more emails?
The key is to target more engaged subscribers with tailored campaigns. Brands should segment their lists to send fewer emails to less engaged subscribers while sending more frequent and relevant emails to their best customers. By doing so, they can improve engagement rates, reduce opt-outs and increase revenue. A strong email marketing strategy focused on segmentation and smart targeting is crucial for maximizing ROI.
How can automation impact email marketing revenue?
Brands that focus on automated campaigns like cart abandonment, welcome emails and re-engagement emails often see higher returns on investment. These types of emails can drive a lot of revenue, even though they may account for less than 5% of total email volume. Implementing an effective email marketing strategy with automated workflows allows brands to address key moments in the customer lifecycle, and it reduces manual effort while increasing revenue generation.
Chad S. White is the author of four editions of Email Marketing Rules and Head of Research for Oracle Digital Experience Agency, a global full-service digital marketing agency inside of Oracle. Connect with Chad S. White:
Don’t underestimate the power of having a physical letter or flier in your hand, says Nicola Davis of Indicia Worldwide. Direct mail is especially effective in the face of digital fatigue – and can even reach gen Z.
A long time ago in a marketing department far, far away (well, Boots head office in Nottingham, actually) I was thrust into a world of direct mail creativity and insights. The very real impact of something as personal (and hopefully beautiful!) as mail landing in your home sparked my lifelong passion for great customer experience and the power of data to drive personalized and relevant campaigns.
So much has changed since then. The arrival of email and later social media, as shiny low-cost alternatives to beautiful direct-mail packs, forever altered the landscape for clients and customers. And today, advanced digital activations and AI impact everything, everywhere, in ways that were, until recently, unimaginable.
However, while these incredible innovations have many obvious positives for brands, the post-Covid world has also seen a resurgence in the desire for human interaction – the real touch and feel of connection. It’s this shift that has led to my prediction for 2025: direct mail pack is back.
Beautifully designed and thought-provoking direct mail can arguably create a much stronger impact than digital campaigns – even more so when it uses an innovative format to grab attention and is properly targeted.
Digital fatigue
Consumers are bombarded by digital advertising on social platforms and directly into their inboxes, which can often feel intrusive or repetitive. It’s hard to build a long-term relationship this way – many savvy shoppers sign up for an e-newsletter to claim a discount and then unsubscribe. People are increasingly concerned, and even cynical, about what happens to their data too.
Direct mail, however, can really stand out in this era of screen fatigue with physical formats that put the brand in the hand in ways that feel intimate, valuable, and trustworthy. It’s far more than just postcode targeting – it’s based on data analytics that drive engagement that is real to me, my location, my needs, and my past relationship with the brand.
We now have much more sophisticated data analytics and customer segmentation than during the heyday of direct mail. Brands can target their send-outs much more effectively to create highly personalized campaigns that resonate with specific demographics or interests, leveraging data to understand what loyalty looks like and to reward people for it. All without relying on the digital tracking that online ads use.
Sure, direct mail is more expensive to produce than sending thousands of emails. But isn’t it worth investing in relevant, engaging materials that have a greater impact on your most loyal customers?
Far more than just a door drop or flier, direct mail can be a powerful strategic tool – an opportunity to increase both volume sales and frequency as well as tempt customers into categories they might not normally buy in.
Omnichannel integration
We know customer journeys are not linear and people cross different channels when they are moving through their path to purchase. So we can target specific moments when sending a direct mail would drive the most engagement and build longer-term loyalty.
Many brands are now adopting an omnichannel approach, using direct mail in tandem with other digital and physical channels. A customer might receive a personalized direct mail piece that encourages them to visit a website, redeem a discount code, or scan a QR code to learn more.
This integration creates a cohesive and seamless experience, moving customers between physical and digital interactions, bridging offline and online channels, and making them more interactive. One Warc study found that 70% of consumers were driven to an online activity by direct mail.
So, while direct mail may never return to the glory days of my youth in Nottingham, I predict the time is right for it to make a comeback as a powerful complement to digital campaigns. For brands wanting to cut through the online noise and build stronger connections in 2025, the pack is back.
