Apple liquid glass cover image (1)

Liquid Glass: A Bold iOS 26 Redesign by Apple

by Product Design

Liquid Glass Design: What It Is and Why It Matters

Liquid Glass is Apple’s newly introduced visual design language for iOS 26, featuring soft transparency, light reflection, and layered depth that adapts in real-time. It behaves like dynamic frosted glass, adjusting to the background, lighting, and user movement. You’ll see it in places like Control Center, lock screen, app switcher, widgets, and navigation bars. This update isn’t just a visual refresh. Apple is pushing Liquid Glass as a core interaction material, much like how flat design dominated post-iOS 7.

The effect responds to light and context, making the UI feel alive, but also presents new challenges in terms of clarity and performance. For some users, it’s visually refreshing. For others, it’s distracting.

Apple Design System: A Major Update After a Decade

This is Apple’s first major design shift in more than a decade. Since iOS 7 dropped skeuomorphism for flat design in 2013, the interface has mostly stayed the same, subtle tweaks, but no big leaps. With iOS 26, Apple is finally shaking things up with Liquid Glass.

Liquid Glass is part of a system-wide design push across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This isn’t just about iPhones. It’s about making every Apple screen feel like part of one connected visual ecosystem that follows the Apple design system.

Apple Design Evolution: From Aqua to Liquid Glass

  • 2001 (Aqua): Introduced glassy buttons and shiny interfaces on macOS.
  • 2007 (iPhone debut): Rounded icons, skeuomorphic textures, heavy shadows.
  • 2013 (iOS 7): Flat design and blurred translucency.
  • 2025 (iOS 26): Liquid Glass—more physical, more responsive, more layered.

Over the years, Apple’s design language has moved from realism to flat minimalism to this new, interactive softness. Liquid Glass tries to balance emotion and function, without looking like a UI stunt. It adds a new layer to the Apple design guidelines.

Understanding the Impact in Apple App UI Design

Benefits in terms of User Experience

  • The visual hierarchy is clearer when used correctly. Navigation bars subtly separate from content. Buttons pop without looking bulky. And because the interface reacts to the background, every screen feels slightly different—almost alive.

    For designers, this opens up interesting ways to create depth and movement. Apple has already updated its Human Interface Guidelines to include Liquid Glass behaviour. We’ve started referencing these same principles in our recent UI/UX design projects at Line and Dot Studio, especially when working on Apple app UI design.

Drawbacks in Accessibility

Initial beta testers pointed out problems with legibility. Sometimes the transparency overcomplicates things, text blends into the background, and controls get lost. Apple has responded by tweaking opacity and adding subtle tints in later iOS 26 betas.

It also raises accessibility concerns. Not everyone enjoys, or can comfortably use, user interfaces that constantly shift with lighting or content. If you design for clarity first, too much glass just gets in the way. That’s where adhering to proper Apple design guidelines becomes critical.

four images explaining the design and the use cases of the liquid glass design effect by Apple

Social Media Reactions to this Design Update

Critics argue that Liquid Glass is all show and no substance. Posts on Reddit, Twitter, and even tech blogs have compared it to Windows Vista’s Aero Glass, pretty, but unnecessary.

Others argue it’s a natural evolution of Apple’s long-standing love for material and motion. A designer on UX Collective wrote, “Liquid Glass isn’t a gimmick. It’s Apple’s most tactile digital future yet.”

In practice, how much this helps or hinders really depends on how app designers and developers use it. If done carelessly, it’ll be a distraction. Done well, it could lead to new Apple app UI design patterns that feel fresh but usable.

Apple Design Guidelines and Developer Tools for Liquid Glass

With the iOS 26 SDK, Apple has introduced new APIs for rendering and controlling Liquid Glass. These are built into UIKit and SwiftUI, making it easier for developers to bring consistency across apps.

Apple's design guidelines stress clarity, depth, and adaptability. If you’re working on Apple app UI design, this is the time to revisit your layout decisions. If you need help rethinking your interface for iOS 26, our team at Line and Dot Studio can help you align with the Apple design system while keeping usability intact.

Curious how the Apple design system influences consistency? Read how we build adaptable design systems for brands that scale.

Explore our approach to design systems

How Liquid Glass Design Affects User Behavior

UI design isn’t just about looks—it changes how people use their devices. Early user testing shows that:

    • People linger longer on dynamic widgets and glassy navigation areas.
    • Real-time lighting shifts cause distraction when brightness is high.
    • Too much translucency makes interfaces feel heavy.

By reducing opacity and adding depth-aware shadows, Apple seems to be finding the right balance in design. Expect this to keep evolving in future betas.

a finger of a user touching the interface with a liquid glass effect button

Tips for Using Liquid Glass in Figma and Apple App UI Design

    • Don’t overuse transparency. Use it to suggest layering, not to show off.
    • Pair Liquid Glass with clear icons and strong contrast.
    • Follow Apple's updated Apple design guidelines, but test with real users.

If you’re using Figma, the latest Figma iOS UI kits include updated components with Liquid Glass behaviours. These are great for designing Apple app UI interfaces that follow current trends.

Thoughts on Liquid Glass and Apple Design

Liquid Glass is a bold move, but it’s not without flaws. It makes the interface feel more dynamic and cohesive, but also brings risks of visual clutter and distraction. Whether it becomes the new standard or fades into design history depends on how well developers and designers adapt it into usable experiences. This may be the beginning to train users to use and adapt to holographic interfaces in the future.

If you’re rethinking your interface or planning to launch a new iOS app, now’s the time to get ahead. Contact Line and Dot Design Studio to build your app the Apple way.

 

Ready to redesign your app for Apple’s latest UI? Let’s make it functional, beautiful, and built to last.

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How Apple Designs Products That People Love: Inside Their Principles and Processes

by Product Design

Have you ever wondered why Apple products feel so special? It's more than just the latest features or cool technology. It's about how they look, how they feel when you hold them, and how easy they are to use. This feeling, this "Apple magic," comes from a deep belief in design. At Apple, design isn't just about making things look pretty; it's about making things work better and making people happy.

Apple Product Design Strategy with Culture and Vision

Apple’s journey is more than code and circuits. It’s a tale of how design shapes experience. From the very first iMac to the latest Apple Watch, their products tell a story of passion, care, and user‑centred thinking. Let’s dive into the world of Apple product design strategy, how Apple's design process works, and how visionaries like Steve Jobs and Jony Ive, the genius behind Apple's greatest products,​ made magic.

Core Design Principles of the Apple Design System

Steve Jobs once said something very famous: that being innovative is about "saying no to 1,000 things." This perfectly captures what Apple is about. They have an obsession with the user experience, and this way of thinking is built right into the company's culture.

Jobs was a master at taking ideas that already existed and making them much better. He had a special talent for taking these concepts and giving them a fresh start in a way that made them uniquely Apple. This way of working is a big part of Apple product design strategy.

Apple Jony Ive and Steve Jobs having a conversation on design sitting around a round table

Apple’s User-Centred Simplicity

In a quiet village, a pottery teacher was known for making the most admired clay pots. They weren’t fancy, but people loved using them. They poured without spilling, felt right in the hand, and held heat just enough.

Instead of starting with what he liked, the teacher focused on who would use the pot.

In the same way, Apple designs with the user in mind. Whether it’s the Apple Watch design or Apple app UI design, every button, feature, and screen is there for a reason—because it helps people get things done without distraction.

Apple’s Attention to Detail

The students noticed how the teacher sanded the rim over and over again. It looked smooth already, but he kept going.

Nothing is too small to matter.

Apple pays attention to the things people might never notice, because they feel them even if they don’t see them. Their product design philosophy follows this kind of care. That’s why MacBook lids open with one finger. That’s why the screen brightness adjusts automatically. Each little thing adds up to a better whole.

Apple’s Integrated Collaboration

The teacher worked closely with the kiln maker and the glaze mixer. He asked how high the fire would rise and how long it would take to cool.

At Apple, design and engineering don’t live in silos. Hardware, software, materials, and experience are shaped together. That’s why the iPhone and iOS feel like one unit, not two ideas stitched together.

That’s Apple’s internal model. When Jony Ive’s team was designing the MacBook’s aluminium unibody, the engineers were involved from the very beginning.

Apple’s Iteration Through Prototypes

No pot was ever perfect the first time. The teacher made rough ones, broke some, and tested many. He’d pour water and see how it dripped. If it wobbled, he started again.

The design system of Apple works the same way. Designers at Apple never assume the first version is right. They make mockups, test them, throw them away, and start again. Improvement comes from doing and redoing, not just planning.

Every iPhone went through dozens of models before a final form was picked. The company values the Apple design process over shortcuts.

Apple’s Real-World Relevance

The teacher often watched how people used pots in their homes. Did they grip from the side or the top? Did they drink fast or sip slow? He adjusted his shapes based on those habits.

Apple studies how people move, tap, scroll, and speak. That’s why the Apple user experience feels familiar. Products respond to real-life patterns, not made-up trends or assumptions.

A half open Apple MacBook next to iPhone and Apple watch with rear cameras visible, showcasing Apple design aesthetics and product design

Inside the Apple Design Process: From Idea to Icon

Every Apple product starts with a question: What should this feel like in someone’s hands?

Apple’s design journey isn’t a straight line. It’s more like a loop—observe, design, test, refine, repeat. The team moves carefully, focusing on how real people think, move, and interact. That’s what shapes the Apple design process and keeps its products both familiar and fresh.

Let’s walk through the steps Apple follows to take a product from concept to something you can hold and enjoy.

Research and Observation

Before anything is designed, Apple starts by listening. First, teams go out and observe how people use technology in real life. How do you hold your phone while walking? Do you use one hand or two? What slows you down when using a laptop or checking your watch?

Instead of jumping to conclusions, Apple’s team quietly watches without interrupting. They look for real frustration points—buttons people miss, screens that feel confusing, or apps that seem slow and clunky. Over time, these small observations turn into valuable insights.

Sketching and Prototypes

After research, the design team begins sketching. These are quick, rough ideas, nothing too polished yet. 

Why keep it simple? Because it’s faster to try many things when the designs are still flexible. These early models help the team test ideas without getting attached.

At this stage, even software designers use tools based on Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) for designing the user interface of Apple apps. These rules guide how apps should feel, look, and work on Apple devices. They help make sure the app fits well with iOS and macOS from the very first draft.

Team Feedback

Once the early versions are ready, the team shares them. Engineers, designers, and even marketers give honest feedback.

Someone might say, “This button is too small,” or “That screen will slow users down.” Every voice matters.

This is where Apple’s design system shines. Instead of waiting until the end, Apple brings all teams together early. Everyone shares ideas, points out problems, and helps make the product better.

Multiple Versions

Apple doesn’t just pick one design and run with it. They make several versions. Each version explores a different approach, maybe one is lighter, another more durable, one with rounded corners, another flat-edged.

Whether it’s the next Apple iPhone design or an update to the Apple Watch design, Apple compares all options carefully. Then, they choose the best one, not just based on looks, but based on how it works in real life.

Sometimes, the final design is a mix of two good ideas.

Testing with People

Next, Apple shares near-final models with real users as part of its product design strategy. While not fully finished, these versions are good enough to test.

Users are asked to complete everyday tasks—like sending a message, opening an app, wearing a watch, or snapping a photo. Meanwhile, designers observe closely. They look for what slows people down, where they struggle, and what feels easy or natural.

This stage is a core part of design thinking at Apple. It keeps the user at the center and helps fine-tune even the smallest detail. If something causes even a brief pause, it’s a sign that it needs to change.

Final Review and Sign-Off

Before a product is ready for the world, it goes to leadership for review. Back in the day, this meant Steve Jobs and Jony Ive would sit with the prototype.

If anything felt off, it went back for more work. Even the smallest things were worth redoing.

This culture of care still lives on at Apple. It’s why the company is known worldwide for iconic product design.

Interior Design of an Apple Store

It’s not just the products. 

Have you ever stepped into an Apple Store?

The interior of an Apple Store experience is a direct reflection of its core design principles. When you step into an Apple store, you are not overwhelmed by the grandness. You are welcomed into the arms of luxury like you belong there, and you own the products.

A Physical Extension of the Apple Design Philosophy

The neatly lined-up Apple products give you the instinct to go and experience the feeling of owning an iPhone or a MacBook. That’s the kind of brand experience Apple has given to the world.

They are open, and clean, and focus on showcasing the products in a simple, inviting way. The materials used, the lighting, and even the way products are arranged all work together to create a calm and clear space.

It's another example of how deeply Apple thinks about the Apple user experience, from the smallest app icon to the grand spaces where their products are sold.

Apple Product Design Philosophy Is a Lesson in Care

The pottery teacher didn’t aim to impress with decoration. He aimed to serve. And in that process, he built trust. His work wasn’t flashy; it was thoughtful. Over time, people stopped thinking about the pot and simply enjoyed the tea.

That’s the heart of Apple's design. Apple is famous for design, but it isn’t about shiny gadgets. It’s about care: care for users, care for details, care for real people.

Front of an Apple store with Apple logo sign on a glass facade

The Key Takeaway of Design Thinking at Apple

It’s not about showing off. It’s about stepping aside and letting people do what they came to do - read, write, walk, call, and connect, without friction. Each decision, from Jony Ive’s product thinking to the smallest icon tweak, is made with that same potter’s mindset: less noise, more care.

That is the biggest lesson. Design at Apple isn’t decoration—it’s thinking. It’s empathy. It’s understanding the user and saying, “Let’s make this right.” Follow that path, and your products will connect, too.

And that’s what makes Apple, Apple.

Looking to build user-first digital products like Apple?

Explore our UI/UX design services at Line and Dot Studio.

brochure design cover - 22 June

How to Design a Brochure For Your Brand: A Smart Guide

by Graphic Design

Introduction to Creative Brochure Design

In today’s fast-moving world, people are bombarded with digital messages all day. Emails, pop-ups, and notifications can be easy to miss or forget. That’s why brochures still work. They give your audience something they can hold, take home, and come back to. A brochure offers a quiet, simple way to share your message, whether you're talking about your brand, a product, or an event.

At Line and Dot Studio, we believe that a brochure should be clear, relatable, and useful. It should feel like a conversation between you and the reader. In this blog, we’ll walk you through easy-to-understand ideas for brochure design, tips you can actually use, and trends that matter in 2025.

Brochure Design Trends in 2025

Every year brings new design styles, and 2025 is no different. With the increasing demand for digital ads and catalogs, the need for brochures has somehow made its presence active with new design styles coming in. Here are a few brochure design trends that are catching attention:

Sustainable and Minimal Brochure Design

More people care about what goes into making a brochure. They want materials that are good for the planet and designs that are not overwhelming. That’s why:

    1. Many companies now use recycled paper or paper with environmental certifications.
    2. Inks made from plants or water are becoming more common.
    3. Simple layouts with a lot of open space and few colors are easier to read and cheaper to print.

This clean style helps the reader focus on what’s important. It also sends a message that your brand is thoughtful and responsible.

Vibrant Brochure Colours and Bold Fonts

On the contrary side, some brochures are using colour to stand out. In busy spaces like exhibitions or retail counters, strong visuals and colours can make a big difference.

    1. Bright gradients are a popular background choice.
    2. Bold and large fonts help readers spot headlines quickly.
    3. Using high contrast between text and background makes everything easier to read.

This style works well when you want your brochure to grab attention right away. This factor is something that is with respect to your brand guidelines and the tone of your brand. If the tone of your brand is subtle, using minimal and light colours should be the go-to choice. The colours and the font choices communicate your brand to your audience,

Using AI Tools to Design Smarter

Brochure design is a requirement or the basic necessity for most product companies. Designers and design teams are now using smart features in tools like Adobe Firefly, Canva Magic Design, and Figma’s smart plugins. These tools:

    1. Suggest layouts based on your content
    2. Help arrange text and images automatically
    3. Save time while still giving you creative control

If you’re short on time or working with a small team, these tools are a great way to make sure your brochure looks professional without needing expert skills.

Why Brochure Design Matters

Even with social media, websites, and email newsletters, brochures are still useful, sometimes even more so.

Easy to Hold, Read, and Remember

A brochure is a physical item. People can carry it, read it when they have a moment, and refer back to it later. According to a FedEx Office survey, 79% of small business owners believe printed materials help build their brand. And when done right, they’re not just paper, they’re tools that build trust.

Brochures are great for:

    1. Walk-in customers who want to know more
    2. Visitors at events or trade shows
    3. Sending out by mail as a reminder

They don’t need Wi-Fi or a charger or any digital interface to know your product or brand. And that makes them simple and dependable.

Useful in Business Meetings and Retail Spaces

In business settings, brochures help explain what you do shortly and concisely. In retail stores and settings, a brochure allows customers to interact with and browse options and prices without needing a screen.

For example:

    • A construction company can show services and case studies.
    • A skincare brand can list ingredients and benefits.

Whether your business is big or small, a brochure adds clarity and builds confidence amond the buyers or the users. 

A quote saying People remember a brand by 70% of what they read in print, compared to just 20% of what they see online by U.S. Postal Service & Temple University Neuromarketing Study
A quote saying People remember a brand by 70% of what they read in print, compared to just 20% of what they see online by U.S. Postal Service & Temple University Neuromarketing Study

Creative Brochure Design Ideas and Templates

There are many ways to design a brochure, but picking the right style to convey your message makes all the difference.

Common Brochure Types: What to Choose

Different folds help guide the reader:

    1. Tri-fold: Six panels. Best for step-by-step stories, timelines, or detailed services.
    2. Bi-fold: Four panels. Ideal for balanced layouts like an introduction + services or images + contact.
    3. Z-fold: Three equal panels that open like a zigzag. Good for product categories or design portfolios.

Try folding a plain sheet of paper into these types before deciding. It helps you plan the space better.

Make Your Brochure Smart

You can now add smart features to your brochure that connect offline and online:

    1. QR Codes: Let people scan and visit your website or social pages.
    2. AR Features: Make pictures in your brochure come to life with an app.
    3. NFC Chips: Let people tap their phones to save your contact info instantly.

These tools make brochures more interactive and easier to track.

How to Make a Brochure That Works for You

A brochure should guide people, answer their questions, and make them curious to take the next step. 79% of SMEs in the US still rely on printed brochures, confirming their ongoing relevance. Here's how you can make one that does just that:

Choose a Template That Fits Your Story

A good template makes layout decisions easier. Keep in mind:

    1. Does the template match your brand colors and tone?
    2. Is there enough space for both pictures and words?
    3. Can it be printed easily and shared online too?

There are free and paid templates on tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and InDesign. Pick one that’s easy to work with. But it is always advisable to reach out to experts in brochure design services to design the best brochures for you that create the impact.

Fonts and Colours That Help

Design should make things easier, not harder, for your reader. Tips to follow:

    1. Don’t mix too many font styles. Stick to 2–3 at most.
    2. Use colours that mean something to your brand (e.g., blue for trust, green for nature). Create brand guidelines that match with the tone of your brand so that you always know what the exact colours, fonts and the style for all your print collaterals or marketing materials.
    3. Make sure the text is large enough to read without squinting. Use high quality images and visual elements to improve brand credibility.

A good rule: If your parents or a busy friend can read it easily, you're on the right track.

Company Brochure vs Product Brochure

There are different types of brochures, and each one serves a different purpose. Choosing the right type helps you share the right information in the right way.

Understanding Company Brochure

A company brochure gives people an overview of your business. It’s a good way to introduce who you are and what you offer.

    • Tells your brand’s story in a short and clear way

    • Highlights your team, values, services, and achievements

    • Works well for meetings, proposals, conferences, and new client pitches

Use a company brochure when you want to build trust, explain your brand, or leave a strong first impression.

Understanding Product Brochure

A product brochure is focused on what you sell. It helps people understand your products quickly.

    • Shares details like features, prices, and benefits

    • Includes product photos, charts, or comparisons if needed

    • Ideal for use at retail counters, exhibitions, in packaging, or as inserts

Product brochures help customers make informed decisions and are easy to carry or keep for later.

Everyday Use Cases of Brochures

Here are a few examples to help you understand how these brochures work in real settings:

    • A fitness studio might place product brochures at the reception with membership options and class details.

    • A startup could carry company brochures to investor meetings to explain their team, goals, and vision.

    • A restaurant could offer product brochures that show menu options and catering packages.

    • A school might use company brochures for admissions and open houses.

Choose based on what you want people to remember: your brand story or your product details. In some cases, you might even need both.

a brochure design by Line and Dot Studio for a flooring company named Royal Flooring.

Line and Dot Studio: We Design Brochures That Fit Your Brand

At Line and Dot Studio, we create brochures that are simple, clear, and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you share your message in the best way possible.

We Start with the Basics

Before we begin designing, we ask a few simple questions:

    • Who will read this brochure?
    • What do you want them to know or do?
    • How will you share it, with handouts, displays, or by mail?

Based on your answers, we put together rough layouts and content. You’ll see the progress and can give feedback at each step.

Full Support from Start to Finish

We don’t just design and send files. We help with everything:

    • Print-ready files or digital versions based on your needs
    • Choosing the right paper, size, and printer
    • Help with changes and questions, even after the brochure is done

Our goal is to make sure your brochure is useful, easy to read, and ready to share.

Explore our brochure design services to learn more about how we can help.

Designing Brochures That Connect with People

A brochure isn’t just a design; it’s a small piece of your business in someone’s hand. It gives people time to read, think, and respond without pressure.

A clear, helpful brochure:

    • Shows your brand in a trustworthy way
    • Explains what you do without overwhelming anyone
    • Gives people a reason to connect with you

At Line and Dot Studio, we’re here to help you create and design brochures that people understand and remember.

Need help making your next brochure simple, thoughtful, and easy to use?

Reach out to Line & Dot Studio

We’d love to help you put your message into the hands of the right people.

graphic design cover

Graphic Design Trends 2025: Fresh Ideas for Brands and Freelancers

by Graphic Design

What is Graphic Design and Why Do Trends Matter?

Graphic design is the practice of combining text, images, color, and layout to communicate a message visually. You see it in everything from websites and posters to product packaging and social media posts. It helps people understand ideas quickly and can make a message more memorable.

Whether you're a business owner, a freelance graphic designer, or just someone exploring design, following trends helps your work stay current and connect better with your audience.

Trends aren’t about starting from scratch. They help you stay relevant while keeping your message clear and consistent. At Line and Dot Studio, we follow what’s current but always stay focused on what fits your brand best.

Understanding what is graphic design also means recognizing its role in everyday decisions. A well-designed logo, flyer, or app can guide actions, spark interest, or build trust. And in 2025, the way we use design to tell these stories continues to shift.

Key Graphic Design Trends in 2025

Let’s explore the shifts shaping the future of visual design. These ideas apply whether you’re working on packaging, marketing materials, or your own personal brand.

1. Graphic Design Ideas with AI Tools

2025 is the year AI becomes more than a buzzword in graphic design. Tools like Adobe Firefly, Canva AI, and Figma AI Assist are changing how freelancers and studios approach work.

Instead of starting from a blank screen, designers use AI to explore variations, find layout ideas, or improve typography spacing. But here’s the key: they don’t rely on it for creativity, they use it to save time.

If you’re a freelance graphic designer juggling multiple projects, AI becomes your virtual assistant. It handles repetitive steps so you can focus on style, consistency, and originality.

Let’s explore the shifts shaping the future of visual design. These ideas apply whether you’re working on packaging, marketing materials, or your own personal brand.

2. Typography Trends in Graphic Design

Typography is stepping into the spotlight. Oversized fonts, variable typefaces, and bold layouts are pushing visuals to the background.

Graphic design ideas now prioritize words that pop. You'll see this in hero sections of websites, poster design, and even short videos.

Examples include:

    1. Single-word landing pages
    2. Typography-based Instagram reels
    3. Headers in stacked, all-caps fonts

This trend is especially helpful for startups who want to keep things simple without losing personality. And yes, Most graphic design templates are already adopting these layouts.

3. Real-World Texture in Graphic Design

Smooth gradients and clean lines aren’t going away, but gritty, touchable textures are coming in hot.

Torn paper effects, crayon brushes, photo grain, and ink smudges are showing up across social media, print, and packaging. This shift toward the “imperfect” gives designs more character.

Some benefits:

    1. Makes digital feel physical
    2. Adds emotion to brand storytelling
    3. Feels less robotic in a tech-heavy world

Designers at Line and Dot Studio use this approach when we want to make something feel warm, personal, or nostalgic. It’s also big in education, beauty, and indie product branding.

4. Mixed Media Graphic Design Styles

This trend leans into spontaneity, but with purpose.

By combining hand-drawn lines, vintage photography, 3D shapes, and stickers, you create a mood board-like design. It’s popular in:

    1. Music promotion
    2. Culture magazines
    3. Portfolio websites

If you're wondering what does graphic designer do in this case, it’s a lot of curation. Choosing the right mix of visuals makes the design feel rich and custom, even if the materials are sourced online.

Mixed media is also a great way to creatively utilise graphic design, especially when building a brand board or mood board.

5. Motion and Micro-interactions in Graphic Design Services

The rise of short-form video has changed what people expect from static designs. In 2025, you’ll see more:

    1. Looping logos
    2. Button hover animations
    3. Scroll-triggered effects
    4. Animated infographics

But subtlety matters. Motion in design isn’t about fireworks, it’s about flow. Designers are using microinteractions to guide users, keep them engaged, and add polish.

If you’re a brand, these motions are not “extras”, they’re now part of how your audience interacts with you.

6. Pantone Color of the Year Influences Graphic Design Trends

Every year, Pantone announces a colour that shapes branding and design decisions across industries. For 2025, the Pantone Colour of the Year already appears in fashion lines, UI kits, and packaging palettes.

Why does it matter? Because colour is a language.

When used thoughtfully, the Colour of the Year can:

    1. Signal freshness and cultural awareness
    2. Create instant familiarity with your audience
    3. Help align your brand with larger visual movements

Even if you don’t use the exact shade, you can build palettes that complement it. Freelance graphic designers, Designers, and agencies alike reference Pantone’s choice as a benchmark.

pantone colour of the year 2025 for graphic design

How Graphic Design Agencies Use Trends Thoughtfully

At Line and Dot Studio’s Graphic Design Services, we don’t follow trends blindly. Instead, we look at your goals and then match them with what’s current.

This ensures your brand stays true to its voice while still feeling fresh. Whether you need packaging, posters, pitch decks, or social templates, we ask:

    1. Who is the audience?
    2. Where will this be seen?
    3. How can we make it feel natural?

Graphic design examples from 2024 that we updated in 2025 might feature the same logo but placed on new materials, in motion, or with a texture overlay.

Knowing what to keep and what to update is where thoughtful design comes in.

What Does a Graphic Designer Do in 2025?

The title “graphic designer” has always been broad. In 2025, it includes:

    1. Brand system development
    2. Social content layout
    3. Print production
    4. UI component design
    5. Motion graphics
    6. AI model prompting

If you’re looking to hire a graphic design agency, expect them to wear many hats.

A freelance graphic designer might also manage client feedback, revise layouts, and prepare for print, , all while staying up to date with platforms like Canva, Adobe, and Figma.

So if you're wondering what does graphic designer do in today's world? The answer: They solve problems through visuals, whether you're a brand launching a product or a startup pitching to investors.

A Quote on graphic design by Charles Eames - The details are not the details. They make the design for desktop.
A Quote on graphic design by Charles Eames - The details are not the details. They make the design for mobile

Tips for Freelancers and Brands Working with Design Trends

Following trends isn’t just about “being cool.” It’s about staying in the conversation.

Here are practical ways to do that:

1. Create a swipe file

Save visual ideas you admire, Instagram posts, ad campaigns, typefaces, and layouts. They’ll come in handy when you hit a creative block.

2. Use graphic design tools for testing

Try recreating trends using free templates. This helps you understand the structure behind popular designs.

3. Don't forget accessibility

Trendy is good, readable is better. Always test your colour contrast, font size, and spacing.

4. Update your portfolio every 6 months

New clients want to see that you're active. Even if it’s just a few mock projects, keep it current.

5. Stay flexible but thoughtful

Trends are tools, not rules. Use what helps, skip what doesn’t.

Summing Up Graphic Design Trends 2025

In a world filled with visuals, design is how you get noticed. But more importantly, it’s how you get remembered.

2025 is about using tools wisely, applying trends selectively, and always keeping the message at the heart of the design.

If you're unsure where to start or need help bringing fresh design energy to your project, contact Line and Dot Studio. Whether you’re updating your brand kit or planning a campaign, as a graphic design agency, our team is ready to collaborate with you and your vision.

working-from-home-ergonomic-workstation (1)

Ergonomic Design: Improving Comfort and Usability in Workspaces

by with No Comment Interior Design

Introduction

Ergonomic design is about making environments more comfortable and usable by matching them to human needs and behaviour. When applied to workspaces, it means arranging furniture, tools, and settings to fit the people who use them every day. This leads to fewer injuries, better focus, and improved overall satisfaction at work.

In this blog, we’ll explore what ergonomic design really means, why it matters, how it can be applied in different types of workspaces, and what steps can be taken to create a healthier and more productive work environment.

What is Ergonomic Design?

The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words - ergon, meaning "work", and nomos, meaning "laws" or "principles". Put simply, ergonomics refers to the principles that help shape work environments, tools, and systems to better fit the people who use them.

Ergonomic design is all about making spaces and tools work with the user, not against them. It involves adjusting and shaping furniture, devices, systems, and workflows to match the physical and mental needs of the people using them. This includes everything from the height of your desk and chair, to how your computer screen is placed to how a website or app is designed.

Ergonomics is not limited to office furniture. It is used across industries, like industrial machinery, automobile controls, consumer electronics, and even healthcare, to reduce strain, prevent injury, and support better interaction between humans and systems.

Why is Ergonomic Design Important?

Poor design doesn't just look uncomfortable, it feels uncomfortable, and over time, it can lead to serious issues. Here’s why ergonomic design plays a key role in today’s work environments:

A female healthcare professional assessing the posture of an older male patient in a clinical setting. On the left side, a statistic from OSHA is displayed, stating that musculoskeletal disorders account for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases in the U.S., with a note highlighting that many of these are preventable with proper ergonomic design and planning. The image promotes workplace ergonomics and injury prevention, branded with Line and Dot Studio’s details.

1. Reduces Physical Strain

Many common aches and pains are directly related to bad posture and poor workspace setup. A desk that’s too high, a chair with no back support, or a screen at the wrong angle can all contribute to long-term physical issues.

Typical problems caused by non-ergonomic setups include:

Neck pain from looking down at screens.

Backaches from unsupported or slouched sitting.

Eye strain from improper screen distance or lighting.

Wrist injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome from bad keyboard or mouse positioning.

By adjusting desk height, screen level, seat posture, and using proper accessories (like footrests or keyboard trays), ergonomic design works to reduce stress on the body.

2. Improves Work Performance

When your body is at ease, your mind can focus better. Ergonomic setups help workers avoid distractions caused by discomfort. A comfortable chair, proper monitor angle, and organised desk layout can all support better focus, reduce unnecessary movement, and help workers stay on task for longer periods.

This doesn’t just apply to offices, ergonomic principles help in creative studios, warehouses, home offices, and more. Even simple improvements like repositioning a mouse or switching to a sit-stand desk can help reduce physical fatigue and mental burnout.

3. Supports Mental Well-being

Comfort is not just physical, it’s psychological too. When a person is physically at ease, it naturally supports a more positive mindset. Being able to work without stiffness, aches, or awkward posture can reduce:

    • Irritability
    • Stress
    • Distraction
    • Tiredness

An ergonomic workspace encourages better posture and healthier work habits. This can make the difference between a productive workday and one filled with frustration. Over time, people working in ergonomic environments report feeling better both physically and mentally.

Key Principles of Ergonomic Design

Creating a workspace that supports your body and mind doesn't need to be complicated. Good ergonomic design focuses on comfort, ease, and reducing strain during everyday tasks. Here’s how you can apply its core principles:

1. Ergonomic Design Should Fit the Person, Not the Person to the Design

People come in all shapes and sizes, and their workspaces should reflect that. A properly designed chair or desk should adjust to your height, posture, and work style. Instead of forcing yourself into an uncomfortable setup, the environment should adapt to your needs, making long hours feel easier on your body.

2. Adjustable Workspaces Are a Core Part of Ergonomic Design

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to workstations. Everyone has a different comfort zone, so your setup should be easy to adjust. Simple features like:

    • Raising or lowering the desk

    • Moving the monitor to match your eye level

    • Adjusting the chair height and back support

    • Tilting the keyboard tray to a natural angle

These little tweaks can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel while working.

3. Ergonomic Workspaces Promote Natural Postures

You shouldn’t have to twist, hunch, or strain just to do your work. An ergonomically designed setup allows your body to stay in a natural, relaxed posture. This includes:

Keeping your spine upright and well-supported.

Having your screen at eye level so you’re not looking up or down.

Letting your feet rest flat on the floor or a footrest.

Allowing your arms to hang loosely by your sides while typing or using the mouse.

The more natural your position, the less pressure there is on your muscles and joints.

4. Ergonomic Tools Help Reduce Repetitive Motion

Typing, clicking, or even reaching for the same object over and over can lead to muscle fatigue. Ergonomic tools and layouts are designed to minimise repetitive movements or make them more comfortable. This might include using a vertical mouse, a split keyboard, or simply rearranging your desk to keep essentials within reach.

5. Ergonomic Furniture Should Lower Physical Effort

If you have to push hard to move a chair, or press down forcefully to type, your setup may be working against you. Ergonomic furniture and accessories aim to make everyday tasks smoother. Chairs that roll easily, drawers that glide open, or a mouse that moves without resistance all help save energy and prevent fatigue.

Common Elements in Ergonomic Workspace Design

Creating a comfortable and healthy workspace isn’t just about buying fancy furniture. It’s about choosing the right elements that support your body, reduce strain, and help you stay focused throughout the day. Here's a breakdown of what really makes a difference:

1. Ergonomic Chair: Support Where You Need It Most

An ergonomic chair is designed to support your body while you work, not the other way around. It helps reduce pressure on your spine and encourages better posture throughout the day.

Look for a chair with:

    • Adjustable seat height so your feet rest flat on the floor

    • Built-in lumbar support for your lower back

    • Armrests that let your shoulders relax

    • A seat that supports your hips without feeling too firm or too soft

Tip: If your chair feels off, adjusting a couple of settings or just buying an ergonomic chair can make a big difference.

an ergonomic chair in a room with a window and table with plants on the table

2. Sit-Stand Desk: Movement Built Into Your Day

Sitting all day isn’t ideal. Standing all day isn’t either. A sit-stand desk gives you the option to switch between both, helping you stay active without leaving your workspace.

Why it helps:
Changing your position throughout the day improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and can even help with focus. It’s a simple way to add movement to your routine.

one woman sitting on an ergonomic chair and another woman working on an ergonomic standing desk with shelves around the room

3. Monitor Placement: Comfort for Your Eyes and Neck

Staring at a screen too low or too high can cause neck pain and eye strain. A good ergonomic setup keeps your monitor at the right level.

    • The top of your screen should be at or just below eye level

    • Your monitor should be about an arm’s length away

    • If your monitor is too low, use a stand or even a stack of books to raise it

a woman working and sitting in front of a desktop

4. Keyboard and Mouse: Easy on Your Hands and Wrists

Typing and scrolling are part of everyday work, but they shouldn’t cause discomfort.

For better comfort:

    • Keep your keyboard flat or slightly tilted away from you

    • Your wrists should stay straight and relaxed—not bent

    • Place your mouse close to your keyboard to avoid stretching or reaching

5. Lighting: Don’t Strain Your Eyes

Lighting often gets overlooked, but it has a big impact on how you feel. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and tiredness.

A better setup includes:

    • A mix of natural and artificial light

    • Positioning lights to avoid glare on your screen

    • Warm, soft lighting that feels easy on your eyes

6. Footrests and Helpful Accessories: The Little Things Matter

When your chair doesn’t adjust low enough, a footrest can help you keep your feet flat and your posture aligned. Small additions like document holders, wrist pads, or screen filters may not seem like much—but they can reduce strain and make daily tasks more comfortable.

Ergonomic Design is an Ongoing Process

Ergonomics isn’t something you set up once and forget. People grow, roles evolve, and work environments change, so the setup should keep up too. What feels comfortable today might need adjusting tomorrow.

Think of it this way:
If someone moves to a new desk, changes job responsibilities, or even starts using a different tool, their body may need different support. Regular check-ins and small tweaks can keep the workspace aligned with what they need.

Usability means how easily someone can interact with a tool or space.
Comfort means they can do it without strain, aches, or feeling tired too soon.

You don’t need a full renovation to improve comfort. Sometimes, adjusting a chair height, moving a monitor, or adding a footrest is enough to help someone feel better and work better.

Conclusion: Good Design Supports People

Ergonomic design is about paying attention. It’s not about fancy chairs or expensive tools; it’s about making sure the way we sit, move, and work feels natural and supportive. A thoughtful setup helps reduce discomfort, prevent common injuries, and simply makes it easier to focus and get things done.

Whether you're putting together an office, building a product, or rethinking a home workspace, starting with people’s comfort in mind leads to better, healthier outcomes.

Need help designing spaces or tools that truly work for people?
Line and Dot Studio offers product and interior design services that prioritise comfort, usability, and the real ways people live and work. Let's build something that feels right from day one and adapts as you grow.

Explore our design services or get in touch to start a conversation.

close-up-of-hacker-hand-stealing-data-from-digital-2024-12-13-12-20-40-utc (1)

Designing for Accessibility and Inclusion: What Every Designer Should Know

by with No Comment UX Design

Introduction to Inclusive and Accessible Design

Design is for people. All people.

That includes different ages, abilities, devices, and life situations. This idea is at the centre of inclusive design.

A product or website may look nice, but that’s not enough. It also needs to work well for everyone. Some users may rely on screen readers. Others may have low vision, difficulty using a mouse, or face short-term conditions like a broken arm.

These real-life situations are why inclusive and accessible design is important. It allows more people to use the same solution without confusion or struggle.

Inclusive design supports this thinking. It reminds us that people are different, and that’s normal.

What Is Inclusive Design?

Inclusive design is about creating products, services, and spaces that are usable by as many people as possible—without the need for adaptation. It’s not only for people with disabilities. It’s for everyone.

It is the practice of creating products, services, and environments that work well for the widest range of people. It focuses on real-world situations and needs, instead of designing for a narrow or "average" user.

Unlike solutions that are made only for people with permanent disabilities, inclusive design considers a wide variety of users. It includes people of all ages, backgrounds, and physical or mental abilities. It also considers temporary situations or changing needs.

Here are some examples:
– A parent using one hand while holding a baby
– An older adult who finds small text hard to read
– A person recovering from surgery who can’t use a mouse
– A commuter using a phone with low brightness in sunlight

None of these users may see themselves as disabled, but they still benefit from designs that are easier to read, navigate, or understand.

That’s why inclusive design education matters. It helps designers, developers, and businesses think about the different ways people interact with their work. It encourages questions like:
– Will this be easy to use with one hand?
– Can someone read this text on a small screen?
– What happens if a user cannot hear or see well?

According to a 2023 survey by WebAIM, only 4.6% of the top 1 million home pages fully comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This shows there’s still a long way to go in making digital spaces truly inclusive.

a quote on inclusive and accessible design
a quote on inclusive and accessible design

Why Designing for Accessibility and Inclusion Matters?

Many people assume that accessibility is only for users with permanent disabilities. But in reality, accessible design benefits a much wider group of people. It creates better experiences for users with different physical, sensory, and cognitive conditions—both permanent and temporary.

Here’s how different users benefit:

  • Vision impairments: These users may rely on screen readers or need larger text and good colour contrast to read comfortably.

  • Hearing loss: Subtitles, captions, and visual indicators help users understand information without sound.

  • Motor limitations: Users with limited hand movement may use keyboards, voice commands, or adaptive devices to navigate digital spaces.

  • Cognitive differences: Clear layout, plain language, and predictable interactions help reduce confusion and mental load.

But the impact doesn’t stop here.

Inclusive design also supports people facing common, everyday challenges.

  1. A delivery person checking directions under bright sunlight needs high-contrast visuals.
  2. A parent holding a baby in one arm needs to browse a site with just one hand.
  3. A student rushing through a form before class benefits from a layout that’s simple and clear.

These examples show that designing for inclusion improves usability across the board. It supports people of all ages, cultures, learning styles, and technical comfort levels.

By considering these different needs from the start, products become easier to use—without needing separate versions or fixes later. It also reduces frustration and improves satisfaction for more people.

For small and medium businesses, this approach can open the door to a wider audience. It shows that you care about real-world usage, not just ideal scenarios. It also aligns with accessibility guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which are increasingly important for both legal compliance and ethical practice.

Accessibility and inclusion are not add-ons. They are essential parts of good design that reflect how diverse real users truly are.

Accessibility in UX Design: A Real-World Need

In digital spaces, accessibility in UX design is not a bonus—it’s a basic requirement. It ensures that users of all abilities can interact with a product in a meaningful way. Whether someone is browsing with a screen reader or navigating using only a keyboard, their experience should still be smooth and functional.

Here’s what this means in practice:

  • The interface works well with screen readers, allowing users who are blind or visually impaired to understand and navigate content.

  • Navigation is keyboard-friendly, supporting users who cannot use a mouse or prefer using keyboard shortcuts.

  • Readable fonts are chosen carefully, with enough size and spacing to reduce strain.

  • Images include text alternatives (alt text), so users who can’t see the image still get the context or information.

These may seem like small details, but they carry real impact.

A 2021 study by Forrester Research found that accessible websites have better usability scores for all users, not just those with disabilities. This leads to higher engagement and lower bounce rates.

How to Improve Accessibility and Inclusivity?

  • Adding clear labels to form fields helps all users fill out information without confusion, especially those using assistive technologies.

  • Checking colour contrast ensures that text is readable, even for users with low vision or colour blindness.

  • Using plain language instead of jargon helps users who may be reading in their second language or have cognitive challenges.

None of these changes requires a major rebuild. But they do require awareness, consistency, and a mindset that focuses on people, not just pixels.

Accessibility in UX is an ongoing effort. Design choices should be tested and improved over time. It’s not about ticking every box perfectly. It’s about making sure more people can use your product without barriers.

A Pew Research Center report from 2022 highlighted that nearly 1 in 5 Americans lives with a disability, reinforcing the need for thoughtful UX practices in mainstream products.

Simple Steps to Make Designs Barrier-Free

Inclusive design isn’t big and difficult. It starts with small, thoughtful steps that make your digital or physical space easier for more people to use. These small actions help remove barriers, especially for people who are often not considered during the design process.

1. Add Alt Text to Images

Write alt text for every important image. This helps people who use screen readers understand what the image is about. It also helps when images don’t load properly and improves your SEO. Alt text is a simple way to make your content more accessible to everyone.

2. Let Users Adjust Text Size

Make sure your text can be resized without breaking your layout. People with low vision or reading difficulties often need to increase the font size to read comfortably. Avoid using fixed text sizes that don’t adjust well when someone zooms in.

3. Include Captions and Transcripts

Add captions and written transcripts for every video. This helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along. It’s also useful for people watching videos in a quiet place or for those who prefer reading over listening.

4. Avoid Flashing or Rapid Animations

Fast-moving, blinking, or flashing visuals can cause seizures or discomfort for some people, especially those with vestibular disorders. Use animations carefully and only when they add real meaning or help users understand something better.

5. Test with Real Users

Inclusive design is not about guessing what might work. It’s about listening to real people. Try to test your product with users from different age groups, backgrounds, and abilities. Their feedback will show you what works well and what needs to be changed.

6. Ask the Right Question

Keep this one question in mind throughout your design process:
 “Can everyone use this without struggle?”
 If the answer is “no” or you’re not sure, that’s a sign you need to make changes.

Final Thoughts

When you prioritise inclusive design from the beginning, you create solutions that work for more people, across different needs, situations, and devices. This mindset helps reduce frustration, supports usability, and builds trust.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a small business or building a fast-growing brand. The time and care put into inclusive practices can improve the overall experience for your entire audience.

Designing for inclusion doesn’t mean you’re doing more. It means you’re doing things in a way that works better for everyone.

Because when you design for one, you often make it easier for many.

3d rendering

What is 3D Rendering? Understanding Its Role in Design and Construction

by with One Comment 3D Rendering

Have you ever looked at a floor plan and found it hard to picture the final space? Or tried to figure out how furniture would fit in a room just by seeing a sketch? It’s not always easy. That’s where 3D rendering helps.

Whether you're building a home, designing an interior, or working on a commercial space, 3D rendering shows your idea in a clear, detailed way, before anything is built.

In this blog, we’ll explain what is 3D rendering, why it’s helpful, and how it’s used in different types of design projects.

What is 3D Rendering and Why is it Used in Design?

At the core, it is the process of turning a digital 3D model into an image using specialised software. This image, called a 3D render, can be photorealistic or stylised based on the purpose. It often includes details like lighting, materials, colours, shadows, and background context to help viewers understand how the design will look in real life.

3D rendering is used in architecture, interior design, real estate, and even product design. It helps everyone involved, from designers and builders to clients and stakeholders, get on the same page. It brings clarity to the design process, supports informed decisions, and helps avoid mistakes before anything physical begins.

3D House Rendering: A Better Way to Plan Homes

3D house rendering is useful in residential projects. It helps homeowners and architects get a realistic view of what the building will look like before the first brick is laid. This includes the exterior structure, roof forms, windows, doors, facade materials, and even outdoor elements like driveways or gardens.

Want to see how the morning light falls on the porch? Or whether a dark roof suits a light facade? A 3D render can show that. Instead of trying to visualise from blueprints or 2D elevations, you get to explore the home from the outside as if you're standing in front of it. This helps with planning, approvals, and getting early feedback from everyone involved.

3D Rendered Home Interiors: From Mood Boards to Real Views

Designing interiors means turning abstract ideas into spaces that not only look good but also feel right to live in. It’s about balancing style with function. 3D home interior renders help bridge this gap. They show how a room will look, feel, and work—before anything is built. This gives clients a clearer understanding of the space, helping them make confident choices early in the process.

Unlike traditional mood boards or sketches, which can leave room for interpretation, 3D renders offer a fully realised visualisation of the space.  Here’s what interior 3D rendering typically includes:

  • Furniture Layout and Spacing: Get a clear view of how furniture fits into a room and how much space is available for movement, ensuring that the room feels spacious and comfortable.
  • Flooring and Wall Finishes: Choose the right textures and materials for flooring and walls, from wood to tiles, and see how they interact with other design elements in the room.
  • Paint Colours and Material Choices: Experiment with different paint colours, textures, and material combinations to find the perfect balance. 3D rendering allows you to see how colours look together under various lighting conditions.
  • Lighting Setups (Both Day and Night): See how the room changes throughout the day with natural light, and how artificial lighting complements the space in the evening. The right lighting can dramatically shift the mood and functionality of a room.
  • Accessory Placement and Decor: From art on the walls to the placement of vases, lamps, and cushions, 3D rendering brings your design vision to life with all the finishing touches, allowing for adjustments before making final decisions.

This visual clarity not only helps designers refine their vision but also gives clients the confidence to make informed decisions. 

3D Rendering of a Building: Visual Support for Larger Projects

When working on larger projects, such as commercial developments or large residential buildings, the role of visual aids becomes even more important. A 3D rendering of a building serves as a powerful tool to provide stakeholders with a clear, realistic view of the final product, long before construction begins. 

  • Presentations for clients or investors: 3D renders help people imagine what the final project will look like.
  • City approvals: Local authorities often ask for visuals to understand the design and how it fits in the area.
  • Marketing before construction: Renders help sell units by showing them online or in brochures.
  • Construction coordination: Contractors can use 3D views to understand what goes where.

3D renderings can include a variety of perspectives, including external views, street context, and surrounding landscape features. Additionally, interior walkthroughs provide an in-depth view of how the spaces within the building will look. 

What Does a 3D Render Include?

A 3D render is more than just a static image, it’s a detailed, life-like visual that captures the essence of a space, bringing design ideas to life. Unlike simple floor plans or sketches, a high-quality 3D render reflects the real-world conditions that affect how a space is perceived. It includes every essential element that contributes to the overall experience of the design, and it helps bridge the gap between imagination and reality.

  • Wall Finishes, Textures, and Paint Shades: Get a true sense of how different textures, from sleek modern finishes to rustic materials, will impact the feel of the space. 
  • Furniture, Fixtures, and Accessories: From sofas to coffee tables, and even down to the smallest decor items, 3D rendering helps show exactly where each item will sit within the space. 
  • Flooring Types Like Wood, Tile, or Carpet: Whether you prefer hardwood floors, sleek tiles, or a cozy carpet, 3D rendering helps you make the right flooring choice by showing how these materials will look in the context of your space.
  • Windows, Curtains, and Lighting Setups: The arrangement of windows and how they are dressed with curtains or blinds can drastically alter the room’s feel. Lighting setups, both natural and artificial, are also key in setting the mood and functionality of the space.
  • Outdoor Elements Like Plants, Pools, or Paving: 3D rendering isn’t just for interiors; it also helps visualise outdoor spaces. Whether it’s landscaping, a pool area, or paving details, you can see how outdoor elements come together with the building.
  • Time-of-Day Lighting and Shadow Effects: The impact of lighting changes throughout the day, and 3D rendering allows you to see how different times of the day, morning, afternoon, evening, affect the lighting and shadows in the space. 

These fine details help designers, clients, and builders make informed decisions. By addressing the small details early in the process, 3D rendering reduces the risk of unexpected surprises later in the project.

How Rendering Helps Real Projects?

3D rendering plays a crucial role in everyday design and construction projects by offering clear, visual representations of ideas. It helps simplify decision-making, improves communication between stakeholders, and reduces the likelihood of costly changes during the later stages of a project. Below are some real-world examples of how 3D rendering proves beneficial in various scenarios:

  • Comparing cabinet colours in a kitchen: A couple wants to see how light grey vs. dark brown cabinets look. Renders help them decide without buying samples.
  • Marketing new flats: A builder needs images for property listings. 3D renders show the living room, bedroom, and balcony before the actual flat is ready.
  • Studying shadows: An architect wants to see how the building casts shadows at different times. A render helps check sunlight flow in each room.
  • Trying furniture layouts: An interior designer tests a few layouts in the living room. They want to make sure it’s easy to move around and feels balanced.

In all these cases, renders make the process smoother. People feel more sure of their choices. And fewer changes are needed later.

3D Rendering Services at Line and Dot Studio

At Line and Dot Studio, we work with clients across architecture, interiors, product design, and real estate to provide reliable 3D rendering services.

Our approach focuses on understanding the space, its users, and the purpose behind the design. From there, we build visuals that show how the idea will actually look and function.

We collaborate with:

  1. Architects and design studios
  2. Builders and site teams
  3. Homeowners and real estate developers
  4. Product designers and marketers

If you’d like to see how we bring your ideas to life visually, explore our 3D rendering services.

Visualising Beyond the Blueprint

To wrap it up, 3D rendering is the perfect way to see your designs before it takes shape in the real world. It helps avoid confusion, saves time during execution, and makes communication easier for everyone involved.

Whether it’s a simple 3D house rendering, a full interior walkthrough, or a 3D rendering of a building for city approval, these visuals play a key role in today’s design process.

If you’re planning a project and want to see what it could look like, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to walk you through the process and discuss how visuals can support your goals.

 

 

Modern hotel website displayed on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, showcasing responsive design and user-friendly website UX

5 Practical UX Tips to Improve Website Conversions

by with No Comment Website Design

Introduction to Website UX

In today’s fast-moving digital world, your website is often the first and only chance to connect with potential customers. A well-structured website UX helps people feel comfortable and confident, which leads to more engagement and conversions. Whether you're working with a website UX designer, part of a website design company, or updating your own site, understanding what people need is key.

Here are five practical and approachable tips to improve your website UI UX and support better results.

Website UX Starts with a Simple Navigation

Why navigation matters in website UX?

Think about the last time you landed on a website and had no clue where to go next. Frustrating, right? Now imagine a first-time visitor on your site feeling that same confusion. That’s where good website UX begins—with navigation that feels natural and effortless.

The structure of your navigation often forms a user’s first impression. It acts like a signpost, pointing users to what matters most. If it takes too long to find information, or if the layout feels disorganised, users are likely to bounce before ever understanding what you offer.

Whether you're working with a website UX designer or improving things in-house, prioritising navigation is a foundational step toward improving the overall website design.

How to Improve UI UX of a Website with Clear Navigation?

Here are a few things you can do to simplify navigation in a meaningful way:

  • Use a clean menu: Start by identifying your most important pages. Limit your main menu to just those, and group related items under clear subcategories. Avoid filling every space with links—it overwhelms users and creates more confusion than clarity.
  • Choose clear labels: Instead of vague titles like “Info” or “Stuff We Do,” opt for terms like “Pricing,” “Our Services,” or “Work Samples.” Clear wording reduces hesitation and encourages people to click through confidently.
  • Consider sticky navigation: A sticky (fixed) menu that stays visible as users scroll can be a small but powerful UX improvement. It gives users constant access to navigation without needing to scroll back up, especially helpful on long pages.
  • Use familiar layout patterns: Placing the navigation at the top or left, using dropdowns, and showing active page states are simple conventions that make a big difference. Following patterns users already understand improves trust and comfort.

A user-friendly menu isn’t just a design choice—it’s part of a better website UI UX strategy. When people don’t have to think too hard about where to go, they’re more likely to explore your content, engage with your business, and take the next step.

For any website design company, intuitive navigation is one of the first things to address in a website UI UX audit, because it directly impacts time spent on site, bounce rates, and ultimately, conversions.

Mobile-Friendly Website Design Makes a Big Difference

Why mobile responsiveness is a must in website UX?

We all live on our phones. From booking appointments to buying furniture, most people visit websites through their mobile devices. If your site isn’t built to adapt across different screen sizes, it’s likely frustrating to use, and that frustration quickly leads to people dropping off.

Good website UX isn’t just about how your site looks on a big screen. It’s about whether someone using a phone or tablet can move around, read content, and take action with ease.

Whether you're updating your site or working with a website design company, making your site responsive should be a top priority.

Responsive website layout displayed across desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile screens—illustrating adaptive UI design and structured content for better website UX

How to Improve UI UX of a Website for Mobile Users?

Here are some steps to make sure your website feels right across all devices:

  • Use responsive design: Your website should automatically adjust to screen sizes—whether it's a phone, tablet, or desktop. That includes fonts, buttons, images, and layout spacing.
  • Make elements touch-friendly: Avoid placing buttons too close together. Make sure links and menus are easy to tap without accidentally pressing something else.
  • Speed counts: A slow mobile site can cause users to leave before anything even loads. Compress images, minimise scripts, and keep things lightweight to improve loading times.

A responsive layout creates a smoother experience for everyone, no matter what device they're using. A site that loads well and functions properly on mobile sends a clear message: you care about your visitors' time.

This is also something a website UX designer pays close attention to, especially during a website UI UX audit. Google favours mobile-friendly websites, so improving this area doesn’t just help your users, it helps you rank better, too.

Website UI UX Audit Should Focus on Speed

Why speed matters in website UX?

Nobody enjoys waiting for a page to load. Whether you're browsing for answers or making a purchase, even a short delay can feel like a hassle. A slow website sends the message that your business isn’t prepared—and that can make visitors leave before they even get to know what you offer.

Page speed is a crucial part of website UX. In fact, speed is often one of the first things addressed during a website UI UX audit, because it impacts both user satisfaction and search rankings.

If you’re working with a website design company, make sure they prioritise performance just as much as aesthetics.

How to Improve the Speed of my Website?

Here are some practical ways to improve page load time:

  • Compress images and videos: Large media files are one of the biggest causes of slow pages. Use tools to reduce file size and choose web-friendly formats like WebP without compromising clarity.
  • Use browser caching: Let returning users load your site faster by saving key files in their browser. This helps speed up repeat visits without additional effort from the user.
  • Limit unnecessary scripts: Each script, animation, or plugin can slow things down. Review what you really need and remove the extras.
  • Minimize HTTP requests: The more elements on a page (icons, fonts, stylesheets), the more time it takes to load. Keep things focused and clean.

A fast-loading website helps users stay focused and reduces frustration. It also plays a major role in website design success because people are more likely to engage when things run smoothly.

Even small improvements in speed can have a big impact on conversions. Whether you’re a website UX designer or managing a site for your business, load time should be a constant part of your conversation.

Clear CTAs Support Better Website Design

Why CTAs are important for website UX?

If your website has a lot of content but doesn’t guide visitors toward the next steps, they may leave without taking action. That’s where calls to action (CTAs) come in. Whether it's encouraging someone to sign up for a newsletter, buy a product, or get in touch with you, CTAs are the road signs that lead users where you want them to go.

A website UX that focuses on clear, easy-to-find CTAs encourages users to take that next step—whether it’s making a purchase or requesting more information. If your CTAs are unclear or hard to find, users may get lost, and conversions will suffer.

When designing a site, always prioritise the visibility and clarity of your CTAs.

How to Improve UX of a Website with Effective CTAs?

Follow these tips to make your calls to action stand out and lead visitors in the right direction:

  • Make CTAs visually noticeable: Use bold colours that contrast with the rest of your site’s design. Make sure the text is action-oriented, use phrases like "Get Started," "Join Us," or "Shop Now."
  • Place CTAs in strategic spots: Position your CTAs where they make sense. For example, place them at the top of a landing page, after key content, or near the end of a blog post. This ensures users always know what to do next.
  • Use urgency: Try adding phrases like "Limited Time Offer" or "Sign Up Today" to encourage visitors to act quickly. Creating a sense of urgency can be effective in prompting users to take action right away.
  • Keep it simple: Don’t clutter your page with too many CTA options. Focus on guiding users to a specific action, whether it’s downloading a free resource or completing a purchase.

Clear, well-placed CTAs guide users through your site and lead them toward desired actions. By making these buttons easy to spot and easy to understand, you reduce the guesswork and improve the overall website UX. A user who knows exactly what to do next is far more likely to follow through.

If your website has a lot of content but doesn’t guide visitors toward the next steps, they may leave without taking action. That’s where calls to action (CTAs) come in. Whether it's encouraging someone to sign up for a newsletter, buy a product, or get in touch with you, CTAs are the road signs that lead users where you want them to go.

A website UX that focuses on clear, easy-to-find CTAs encourages users to take that next step—whether it’s making a purchase or requesting more information. If your CTAs are unclear or hard to find, users may get lost, and conversions will suffer.

When designing a site, always prioritise the visibility and clarity of your CTAs.

Trust Elements Improve Website UX and Conversion Rates

Why social proof matters in website UX

Trust plays a big role in converting website visitors into loyal customers. When people are unsure about a product or service, they often look for reassurance. This is where social proof comes in. Reviews, testimonials, and case studies from other users help build credibility and reduce uncertainty.

Incorporating social proof into your website design helps visitors feel more comfortable making decisions. Whether you're a website UX designer or working with a website design company, you’ll find that social proof makes the experience more relatable and human, which encourages users to trust your business and take action.

How to Improve a Website Experience with Social Proof?

Here’s how to use testimonials and social proof to increase trust and conversion:

  • Feature testimonials prominently: Place customer reviews, success stories, and case studies on key pages—especially the homepage, product pages, and checkout pages. This provides users with real-world experiences they can relate to.
  • Add trust badges and security logos: If you’re collecting payments, show users that their data is safe with trusted security certificates. Trust badges like SSL and payment gateway logos reassure users about the safety of their personal information.
  • Include user-generated content: Share photos, videos, or reviews from real customers using your products. This adds a personal touch and shows potential customers that others have had positive experiences with your brand.
  • Showcase case studies: If you’ve worked with recognizable brands or have had successful projects, make these known to your visitors. Case studies provide proof that your services or products are valuable.

Social proof helps potential customers feel more at ease with their decision-making process. When people see that others trust your brand, they’re more likely to trust it themselves. In fact, positive testimonials and reviews can make your offerings feel more authentic and appealing, which leads to more conversions.

If you're looking to improve your website UX and website UI UX audit, focusing on social proof is one of the most effective ways to ensure that visitors have the confidence to engage with your site.

That is How to Design a Website That Converts

If you’re wondering how to design a website that works better for both your visitors and your business, start small. Even a few focused updates to your website UX can make a noticeable difference.

Whether you're hiring a website UX designer, conducting a website UI UX audit, or improving your site with the help of a website design company, these steps are a great place to begin. Each fix, however minor, helps your visitors feel more at ease and encourages them to move forward.

But good design is not just about visuals. It’s about clarity, simplicity, and building trust. Your website should make it easy for people to find what they need, understand what you offer, and take action without second-guessing. That’s what real usability looks like.

At Line and Dot Studio, we focus on building websites that are easy to navigate, mobile-ready, and designed around how real people browse. Our website design services prioritize structure, clarity, and flow to help users feel confident while interacting with your brand. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to update an existing site, we work with you to create the best website design for your business goals.

Your website doesn’t have to be perfect from day one. But with the right direction, thoughtful UX updates, and support from a reliable website design company in India, you can build something that truly works for your users.

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What Is a Design System? Benefits and Best Practices for Startups

by with No Comment UX Design

Introduction to Design System for Startups

When you're part of a growing startup, every decision matters. The pressure to deliver features quickly can lead to inconsistent designs, scattered experiences, and a backlog of small problems that pile up over time. Many teams realise too late that scaling becomes messy and expensive without a strong foundation.

This is where a design system for startups becomes more than just a nice-to-have; it becomes necessary.

But what exactly is a design system, why is it important for startups, and how can you build one even with limited resources? Let’s break it down.

What is a Design System?

A design system is a set of reusable components, design patterns, guidelines, and standards that guide digital product design and development.

It includes:

  • A shared visual language (typography, colours, icons)
  • UI components like buttons, forms, and modals
  • Documentation explaining how and when to use elements
  • Principles for accessibility and usability

If you're wondering, 'What is a design system?' it’s more than just a set of rules; it’s a powerful tool for consistency and efficiency. Big names like Google’s Material Design and Shopify’s Polaris have embraced design systems, showing that this structured approach can benefit companies of all sizes by improving collaboration and accelerating product development.

Mobile UI screens with design components popping out, visually representing key elements of a design system

What Are the Benefits of Design Systems for Startups?

For startups, staying ahead isn't just about moving fast, it's about moving smart.

One of the biggest advantages young companies can give themselves early on is building a strong foundation for design and development.

That’s where the benefits of design systems start to show.

With a design system in place, teams can collaborate better, ship faster, and create consistent experiences that users trust from the very first interaction.

Speeding Up Design and Development

When your team can pull from a library of ready-to-use components, they move faster. According to Figma, designers complete tasks 34% faster when working with a design system.

In development, the time savings are even more remarkable. During a controlled test, developers were able to design user interfaces (UI) of screens up to 7x faster with a design system.

Faster Team Onboarding

As your team grows, you’ll likely bring in new designers, developers, and even product managers. Without a design system, each new person has to spend time guessing how things are built or designed. A design system acts like a shared handbook. It gives newcomers a clear path to follow, reducing confusion and helping them contribute faster.

Instead of spending weeks getting familiar with scattered guidelines, new team members can start shipping features confidently, often in half the time compared to teams without systems.

Stronger Collaboration

When teams don't have a shared language, collaboration slows down.
Designers might imagine a feature one way, while developers interpret it another way. Product managers might expect another version altogether.
By introducing a design system, teams create a common ground for discussions.
Teams report a 40% increase in collaboration after adopting a design system.
When everyone is on the same page, feedback loops are faster, handoffs are smoother, and features get built the way they were intended.

Significant Cost Reduction

In the early days, it might seem quicker to build components from scratch each time. But as your product grows, re-creating buttons, inputs, forms, and layouts again and again becomes a hidden time sink.
Design systems help eliminate that repeated work.
Companies that invest early see measurable savings, with up to 35% lower design costs reported after using a design system.
For startups trying to stretch every dollar, those savings can be redirected into growing the product or expanding the team.

Time saved is money saved. Companies that implement design systems see measurable cost reductions:

  • IBM reported $3.2 million in annual savings through the consistent use of a design system.
  • Lloyds Bank saved approximately £190,000 per project, totalling £3.5 million in six months.

Better User Experience

A design system keeps your product experience uniform. According to the fundamental principles of UX design, your startup’s app looks and feels consistent across every screen, it builds trust with your users.

A survey by Kinesis found that 94% of first impressions are based on design. When your product consistently feels familiar, users are more likely to stay, explore, and recommend.

Quote on design systems by Alex Schleifer, former VP of Design at Airbnb.

How to Create a Design System for a Startup?

Building an elaborate system might seem like a daunting task at first, especially when you’re running a fast-paced startup.
But the truth is, it’s an incredibly powerful tool that can help you create more consistent, scalable, and efficient designs, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Let’s break down how to create a design system that’s simple to implement and easy to adapt as your startup grows.

Start with What You Have

Before you dive into building something new, take a look at what you already have.
Look through your product and find the elements that are being reused across different pages or screens. Identify any inconsistencies. Analyse if you using the same buttons or fonts everywhere, or are there places where the design feels off.
This is your starting point for the design system. You don’t need to start from scratch, and auditing your current design will give you a solid foundation.

Define the Building Blocks

Focus on the key design elements that will help keep your product consistent. Start by defining assets like your typography, logo, primary colour palette, icons, button styles, form fields, and spacing guidelines.
These elements are your core design system components, and they’ll be reused throughout your product. By getting them right early on, you’re laying a strong foundation for everything that comes next.

Write Clear Guidelines

A design system is only as good as its documentation. Be sure to document when and how each component in the design system should be used.

For example, when should a primary button be used, and when is a secondary button more appropriate? Good documentation helps everyone on the team stay on the same page, ensuring design consistency and saving time when new team members come on board.

Choose the Right Tools

Once you have your basic design elements, it’s time to choose the tools that will help you manage your system. 

Design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD are great for creating reusable components and managing your system in a centralised manner. These tools allow you to build a library of components that everyone on your team can access and use, ensuring consistency across different projects.

Get Your Team on the Same Page

Everyone, from designers to developers, must understand the design system and how to use it.
Incorporate it into your team’s workflow and make sure everyone is trained on how to implement the system into their work. When your team is aligned on the system, you’ll avoid miscommunications and inconsistencies that can arise as your product grows.

Keep the System Evolving

A design system isn’t something you create once and forget about. As your product evolves, your design system should evolve with it. Set aside time to review and update the system regularly.

As new features are added or as you get more feedback from your team, you’ll want to ensure that your design system stays relevant and useful.

Setting up a design system from scratch can feel overwhelming. Line and Dot Studio’s UX design services help startups define core components and build clear documentation from the beginning, ensuring the system grows with your product.

What Are the Best Practices for Implementing a Design System?

Adopting the right design system best practices is essential for ensuring that your system remains effective, scalable, and adaptable as your startup grows. While building a design system may seem like a big task, following these best practices can simplify the process and help your team stay aligned. Here are some key practices to keep in mind:

Start Small, Grow Organically

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of creating a comprehensive design system for your startup. However, trying to solve everything at once can lead to burnout and unnecessary complexity. Instead, start small by defining only the essential components. As your startup grows and your product offerings evolve, your design system will grow along with it, making it easier to maintain and scale.

Involve Both Designers and Developers

A successful design system isn’t just about design, it’s about how design works in real world. To ensure this, startups must involve both designers and developers in this process.
When both teams collaborate early, you create a system that works seamlessly with the technical needs of your product, ensuring that it’s usable and scalable across different projects.

Focus on Reusability

A key aspect of a strong design system is reusability. Components should be flexible and adaptable enough to be used across different products and features, helping your team save time and effort. For instance, a button or form field component shouldn’t be hardcoded to a single screen or product. It should be designed in such a way that it can be reused in different contexts, whether on a landing page, an e-commerce site, or a mobile app.

Be User-Centered

A design system should always prioritise the user experience. Every component should be designed with usability in mind, ensuring that it’s intuitive and easy to interact with. Whether it’s a button, a dropdown menu, or a navigation bar, always ask: "Will this improve the experience for the user?" By keeping the user at the centre of your design system, you’ll create more accessible, effective designs that resonate with your audience and contribute to a positive user experience.

Design System Examples for Startups

Looking at design system examples from established companies can provide valuable insights and inspiration as you build your system. Here are a few standout examples to consider:

Learning from Google's Material Design System

Google’s Material Design is one of the most widely adopted design systems, offering a fantastic example of scalability. It’s flexible, highly detailed, and works across a wide range of platforms, from mobile apps to web applications. Material Design provides guidelines for layout, components, patterns, and even animations, making it a comprehensive example of a design system. Startups can learn from their scalable approach to consistency, which is crucial as your products grow and diversify.

What Shopify’s Polaris Teaches About Startup Design Systems

Polaris, Shopify’s design system, is specifically built with e-commerce platforms in mind. It provides detailed guidelines and components that help create consistent, high-quality experiences for online stores. What makes Polaris stand out is its user-centred design. It focuses on the end-user experience, ensuring that both the customers and the shop owners can interact with the platform in the most efficient way. By studying Polaris, startups can learn how to build a design system that’s tailored to their specific industry, whether it’s e-commerce, fintech, or any other sector.

Lessons from IBM’s Carbon Design System for Growing Teams

IBM’s Carbon Design System emphasises modularity and accessibility.
Carbon offers a robust set of components and guidelines that allow teams to create consistent and accessible user interfaces. The focus on accessibility is particularly important in today’s world, where inclusivity is becoming an increasingly significant part of the design process. Startups can learn from Carbon's modular approach, ensuring that each component is reusable and accessible while still offering flexibility for customisation.

These examples may seem large, but they can be scaled down and adapted to fit your startup’s needs.

Building a Strong Foundation with Your Design System

For startups working with limited resources and tight timelines, the idea of building a design system may seem like an extra step. However, investing time early on to create a simple, adaptable design system can pay off in the long run. It’s more than just a design tool , it’s a strategic asset that can streamline development, improve consistency, and reduce costs.

As your startup evolves, a well-crafted design system will become a key driver of efficiency and cohesion across your team. Whether you aim to enhance user experience, accelerate product launches, or simplify collaboration, the benefits of a design system are undeniable.

By taking small steps now, you’re building a design system that will scale with your startup, helping you grow smarter and more efficiently.

White blocks spelling 'Design' on a vibrant yellow background representing creative design solutions for startups

Design for Startups: A Non-Designer’s Guide

by with No Comment Brand Design

Starting a new business comes with endless to-dos—but one thing you can’t afford to skip is design. Whether it’s your logo design, website, or social media posts, your visuals play a major role in how people see your brand.

But what if you’re not a designer? Don’t worry—you don’t need to master graphics design or download complicated software. This design for startups guide is for founders and early teams who want to build a strong brand presence without a design background.

Why Design Matters for Startups

Design isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about how it works, feels, and communicates. For startups, especially in the early stages, design plays a critical role in shaping how people perceive your business. You don’t get a second chance at a first impression, and most of the time, that first impression is visual.

Let’s break this down.

What is Brand Design?

Brand design is the visual language of your business. It’s how your startup introduces itself to the world—through your logo, colors, typography, website layout, social media graphics, and even your presentation slides.

But it’s not just about visuals. Brand design is the combination of elements that tell people:

  • What your startup stands for
  • What kind of experience they can expect
  • Why they should remember (and trust) you

It gives shape to your story in a way that’s consistent and easy to recognise—whether someone sees your brand on a website, a mobile app, a business card, or social media platforms.

Why Design Should Be a Priority (Early On)

Many startups delay thinking about design until they “have time” or “have funding.” But that’s a mistake. Design doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive at the start, but it does need to be intentional.

Here’s why:

1. It builds instant trust.

People make snap judgments based on design. A clean, well-thought-out website or logo signals that you're credible, even if you're brand new.

2. It creates recognition.

Consistent branding helps people remember you. If your visuals look different across platforms, it confuses your audience.

3. It gives your product or service clarity.

Strong design makes it easier to understand what you do, how it works, and why it matters. That clarity drives action.

4. It levels the playing field.

In a sea of noisy competitors, a startup with strong design can appear just as professional and trustworthy as a larger company.

Branding Basics: What Every Startup Needs

When most people hear “branding,” they think of a logo. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Branding is the full experience someone has when they come across your startup for the first time, and every time after that.

Logo Design: Your Startup’s Signature

Your logo is often the first thing someone notices—and the one thing they’ll keep seeing often. It appears on your website, emails, invoices, packaging, social posts, investor decks, and app icons. It’s not just a design asset. It’s your startup’s handshake.

In the early days, when you're juggling product development, outreach, and survival-mode decision-making, a logo might feel like something you can get to later. But skipping it—or rushing into something unclear—can work against you.

According to a study by the Missouri University of Science and Technology, it takes just 0.2 seconds for someone to form a first opinion of your site. Your logo is a big part of that reaction.

Even before they read your tagline, users notice your logo. It signals whether your brand feels approachable, trustworthy, or confusing. You don’t need a complicated mark, but you do need something that works.

Here’s what matters most:

1. Readable at all sizes

It should always be easy to identify whether someone sees it as a favicon in a browser tab or full-screen in a pitch deck. Avoid thin lines, clutter, or overly stylised text.

2. Flexible across formats

Think ahead—your logo will appear in square Instagram icons, on mobile apps, inside packaging designs, and maybe even on merchandise. It should still work in black and white, with or without background color, and at both small and large sizes.

A report by Renderforest found that 75% of consumers recognise a brand by its logo, more than by its name, style, or voice.

3. Clear and understandable

You want something people can recall after seeing it once or twice. Simplicity increases memorability. That doesn’t mean boring—it means no clutter, no guessing.

What if I don’t have a designer yet?

Don’t worry. Most early-stage startups don’t. And there’s nothing wrong with doing it yourself in the beginning. Plenty of great logos have started as DIY drafts.

Some tools worth trying:

  • Looka – Gives you a logo plus brand kit
  • Canva – Easy drag-and-drop, perfect for quick mockups
  • Wix Logo Maker – Great if you’re also building your site with Wix

A study by Crowdspring found that 60% of consumers avoid brands with logos they find unattractive or hard to read.

Brand Color Palette: It's Not Just About Looking Good

Choosing your startup’s colours can feel like picking a favourite song—you want it to feel right, reflect who you are, and still work in front of an audience.

A color palette isn’t about decorating your brand. It’s about giving it a tone of voice, without saying a word. The colors you choose tell people what to expect from you. They give off signals before you even get a chance to introduce your product.

Think about how you react to colours in everyday life:

  • A dark navy site might make you feel like you’re dealing with something secure or serious.
  • A pop of yellow on a landing page might make the brand feel optimistic and easygoing.
  • Earthy greens might remind you of something grounded, local, or nature-focused.

Your audience feels these things, even if they can’t explain why.

Not Sure What Colours Fit? Here's How to Start

If you’re not sure where to begin:

  • Look at the brand design of startups that you admire. Screenshot their website, social media, and packaging. What colours repeat?
  • Think about your audience. What makes them feel seen or understood? What colors match that mood?
  • Use free tools like Coolors or Adobe Color to explore combinations. They show you what works well together without needing design skills.

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to be intentional—and stick with it. Consistency across platforms helps your audience recognise and trust you, even if you're just getting started.

Typography: Your Brand’s Visual Voice

Fonts might seem like a small detail, but they do a lot of heavy lifting in how your brand comes across. You don’t just read fonts—you feel them.

Whether someone’s scrolling through your homepage or opening your pitch deck, the way your words look says a lot before they even read a line.

Typography is about tone, mood, and personality. It's how your startup "speaks" visually. And just like your actual voice, it should sound familiar wherever people encounter it.

Where to Find Fonts That Work?

You don’t need to pay hundreds for a typeface license. Tools like:

Both offer solid options that work across web and print.

Consistency is Key

It doesn’t matter how great your elements are—if they don’t feel connected, your brand will feel confusing or forgettable.

That’s where brand design ties it all together. A strong brand isn’t just built on good visuals or tone—it’s built on consistency across platforms and experiences.

From your web design to your social media design, from pitch decks to landing pages—every touchpoint should feel like it came from the same place. That’s how you build trust, recognition, and loyalty, even in the early stages.

What Comes After Brand Design?

Once you’ve laid down the foundation of your brand design, everything else becomes easier and more consistent. You’ll use these guidelines to shape your:

  • Web design: The layout, visuals, and structure of your website
  • UX and UI design: The experience your users have while navigating your product and how your product or app looks and guides users visually
  • Graphics design: Visual content for pitch decks, brochures, or ads
  • Social media design: Templates and styles for posts, stories, and reels

Each of these is an extension of your brand, and they all pull from the same visual system. That’s the power of good brand design—it acts as your startup’s design playbook.

Working with Brand Designers (When You're Ready)

There comes a point where doing everything yourself starts to feel stretched. Maybe your logo doesn’t feel like you anymore, your pitch deck isn’t telling your story clearly, or your website just doesn’t match the direction your startup is taking. That’s when having a design team that understands your journey—and can grow with you—can really make a difference.

Line and Dot Studio works closely with early-stage startups and growing businesses to bring clarity and consistency to their visual presence. If you're thinking of reaching out, here’s how we make the collaboration straightforward:

1. Tell Us Where You Need Support

You don’t need to come with a perfect brief. Just let us know what you’re struggling with. Whether it’s logo design, web design, UI/UX design, social media graphics, or a presentation that tells your story, we’ll guide you from there.

The clearer you are about your goals, the better we can shape a direction that works for you and your audience.

2. Share Your Preferences and Thoughts

You don’t need to “speak design” to work with us. If you have references, great. If not, just tell us what feels right and what doesn’t. Whether it’s a vibe, a competitor you admire, or simply a mood you’re aiming for, we’ll translate that into visual direction.

And once we start sharing drafts, your early thoughts help us adjust quickly. A quick “this feels too playful” or “this looks too formal” is enough to point us in the right direction.

3. Start Small, Build Smart

If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll help you prioritise. Sometimes that’s a brand refresh. Other times, it's a website update or a small set of social templates. You don’t have to do it all at once—we’ll work with you in manageable steps.

We believe in building long-term partnerships, not one-off projects. Our goal is to support your startup as it grows and shifts, one design decision at a time.

Ready when you are—just say hello, and we’ll figure out the rest.
Contact Line and Dot Studio

The Design Mindset for Startup Founders

Good design doesn’t require big budgets or flashy graphics—it starts with clarity, consistency, and care. In the early days of a startup, how you present yourself can make or break how people respond. A clear logo, a simple website, a consistent tone—these small things go a long way in helping you build trust and stand out.

You don’t need to do everything at once or alone. Start with the basics and reach out to a design agency to help you build your brand. Make it easy for people to understand who you are and what you do. And as your business grows, so can your design. Think of design as an ongoing conversation between you and your audience—not a one-time task.

Even if you're not a designer, you can still shape how your brand is seen. You just need to start.