In the world of design, creativity isn’t some treasure waiting to be discovered; it’s more like a skill that needs constant training, even when the spark isn’t there. While you might fantasize about creating the next breakthrough app or an ad campaign that tugs at heartstrings, the reality is that inspiration is essential—and it often comes from the most surprising sources. Let’s explore a few of my go-to places for design inspiration.
1. Mobile Apps: The Perfect Match of Looks and Smarts
Mobile Apps have that perfect balance—where aesthetics and functionality come together effortlessly. Take Instagram, Strava, and Spotify, for example, each with its distinct style. Instagram’s clean grid layout not only makes your avocado toast look gallery-worthy but also provides a visually pleasing and organized experience. Strava, with its vibrant orange color and bold typography, feels like a friend who tracks your every move, also infuses energy and engagement into your fitness journey—making you want to run further than you actually should have. Spotify comes with dark, minimalistic design, that gives off a ‘deep and introspective’ vibe, perfect for those ‘Rainy Day Melancholy’ playlists.
We use apps every single day, so why not draw inspiration from them? Take a closer look at how they handle user onboarding, organize content, and keep users engaged. Even if you’re not designing an app, these insights can be a powerful tool for your next design challenge. It’s also worth checking out Design Awards like the Apple App Design Awards from time to time for fresh ideas and inspiration.
2. Commercial Advertising: Persuasion or Just Plain Manipulation?
Advertising—where grabbing attention is the name of the game. Whether it’s a massive billboard for running shoes you’ll probably never actually use (though you might surprise yourself), or a digital ad trying to convince you that overpriced training shirt is a must-have, advertising is a treasure of design inspiration.
Starting with Nike. They’re like a motivational speaker shouting “Just Do It” so loudly that you’re suddenly convinced to run a marathon. On the flip side, On Cloud’s ads are so crisp and airy, you might think their shoes come with anti-gravity features. Nike might make you want to run the marathon, but On Cloud suggests their shoes might even run it for you. Their typography also makes their ads so special, let you thinking that your barely-worn sneakers are practically ancient history.
Commercial ads are fun, stunning, loud, and incredibly engaging. Think about how they use visual elements to tug at your heartstrings, stroke your vanity, or simply convince you to open your wallet. When designing an ad campaign, ask yourself, “Does my design make people want to throw their money at it immediately?” If not, it’s time to re-start, re-think, and re-do.
3. Product Packaging: The Underrated Design Muse
Product packaging is more than just a protective layer; it’s a powerful canvas for design inspiration. From the moment a consumer picks up a product, the packaging is their first interaction, making it a crucial element in creating a lasting impression.
Consider Nespresso as an example. Not only does Nespresso offer high-quality coffee (that’s what they said), but its design also reinforces that perception. Their sleek, minimalist packaging serves as a masterclass in both storytelling and brand communication. With its elegant design, refined typography, and premium materials, Nespresso’s packaging immediately conveys a sense of luxury and sophistication.
The best packaging designs tell a story, evoke emotions, and communicate the brand’s essence—all in a matter of seconds. Whether it’s the clever use of typography, innovative materials, or striking color combinations, product packaging can spark creative ideas that extend far beyond the retail shelf.
4. Video Games: Where Art, Technology, and Late-Night Regret Meet
Video games are like the wild, unpredictable cousin of design. They blend art, technology, and user interaction in ways that can make you forget you’ve been staring at a screen for seven hours straight (story of my life). As a designer, delving into the world of video games can offer you a front-row seat to the best in immersive, engaging experiences.
Take The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Cyberpunk 2077. These games aren’t just about hacking and slashing or wandering through dystopian worlds—they’re about creating entire universes that players can lose themselves in. The level of detail, the consistency in visual style, and the way these games guide users through complex narratives are all things you can totally adapt for your own design work.
What’s particularly gold about video games is their focus on user experience. Game designers are pros at keeping players hooked, a skill that can be a game-changer (pun intended) for your next website, app, or even a physical product. By studying how games use color, typography, and layout to guide players, you can learn new tricks to keep your users engaged—or at the very least, not bored.
5. Architecture and Interior Design: For When Digital Just Isn’t Enough
If you’re tired of staring at screens all day, look to architecture and interior design for a breath of fresh, non-digital air. These fields might seem like they have nothing to do with what you’re working on, but trust me—there’s more crossover than you think.
Architects design buildings with the flow of space in mind, considering how people will move through the area, how light will play off surfaces, and how different spaces will relate to one another. Interior designers, meanwhile, take it up a notch by arranging furniture, choosing colors, and selecting textures to create a mood so perfectly curated that even the couch feels superior.
Apply these concepts to your digital designs, and suddenly, you’re structuring a webpage like it’s a room in a swanky loft. The way you guide users from one section to another can mimic the flow of a well-designed space, and your choice of color and texture can set the tone for the whole experience. Who knew thinking like an interior designer could make your digital projects feel so…cozy?
6. Traveling: Because Pinterest Can Only Do So Much
Traveling is the ultimate way to get your creative juices flowing. It exposes you to new cultures, design aesthetics, and a world of inspiration that you just can’t get from scrolling through Pinterest for the thousandth time.
Tokyo as an example. The contrast between ancient temples and ultra-modern skyscrapers is like a masterclass in balancing old and new design elements. The precision and minimalism of Japanese design, whether it’s in a traditional tea set or a high-tech gadget, can inspire you to streamline and focus on detail in your own work. I visited Japan in Summer of 2023 and my mind literally sucked up everything I saw.
And then there’s Barcelona, with its mix of Gothic and modernist architecture, where the works of Antoni Gaudí show how to blend historical and contemporary styles into something truly unique. His use of color, texture, and organic shapes is practically begging to be translated into your next design project.
By immersing yourself in different cultures and environments, you get to step outside your own design bubble. This global perspective can give you fresh ideas that are as diverse as the world you’ve just explored.
7. Nature: The Original Designer
Finally, let’s not forget about the oldest and most reliable source of design inspiration: nature. After all, Mother Nature has been perfecting her craft for billions of years, and she’s not about to stop now.
Whether it’s the symmetry of a leaf, the colors of a sunset, or the patterns on a seashell, nature offers an endless supply of design ideas. By the way—drawing inspiration from nature to solve human problems—isn’t just trendy; it’s practically genius.
Use natural elements into your designs can bring a sense of balance and beauty that’s hard to replicate with just pixels. Think natural color palettes, organic shapes, and layouts that feel as refreshing as a walk in the park. Plus, nature-inspired designs tend to resonate on a deeper level with users—because who doesn’t love a little bit of nature, even if it’s just on their screen? Right. No one.
Pro Tip: Blending Multiple Sources
The real magic happens when you start mixing these sources of inspiration like some sort of mad scientist. By blending influences from app design, advertising, video games, architecture, travel, and nature (or whatever you like), you can develop a design language that’s not only unique but also totally yours. Trust your taste.
Conclusion: Keep Hunting, Keep Creating
Keep in mind: These are the sources of my inspirations. You choose them yourself. Let your mind rock. Inspiration is lurking everywhere, often in the places you’d least expect. By staying curious and open to new influences, you can keep your creativity well-fed and your designs fresh. So go ahead, explore the world around you, and let the absurd, the beautiful, and the downright unexpected inspire your next great design. And remember, if all else fails, there’s always sarcasm.