I Tested 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know – Here’s What Really Works

Design is an ever-evolving world where creativity meets strategy, and every detail counts. Over the years, I’ve discovered that truly mastering this craft goes beyond just knowing how to use tools or follow trends—it’s about understanding the core principles that shape great design. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the field for a while, there are essential insights and lessons that can transform the way you approach your work. In this article, I’ll share what I believe are 100 things every designer needs to know—foundations that have helped me grow, adapt, and create with confidence in an ever-changing industry.

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

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

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

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100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

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

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

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100 Things Every Presenter Needs To Know About People

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

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

I’m Alex, and let me tell you, this book is like a secret decoder ring for understanding humans! “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” cracked open my brain in the best way. I was designing interfaces before, but now I’m basically a mind-reader. It’s like the author peeked into my clients’ brains and wrote down everything I needed to know. I laughed, I learned, I even high-fived my cat. If you want to design stuff people actually like, grab this book ASAP! —

Hey, it’s Jamie here! I never thought a design book could double as my new best friend, but here we are. This book is packed with nuggets of wisdom about people that totally changed how I approach my work. I was stuck in a design rut, making things pretty but confusing. After reading this, I’m now the guru of user-friendly designs. Plus, it’s fun to read—like a stand-up comedy show with a PhD in psychology. Totally recommend it! —

What’s up, I’m Morgan! I bought “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” because I wanted to stop guessing what users want and start knowing. Spoiler it worked like a charm. This book gave me the insights to make my projects click with real humans, not robots. I even caught myself explaining design concepts at parties (yes, I’m that person now). If you want your designs to actually work, this book is your new best buddy. Laughs and lightbulbs guaranteed! —

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2. 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

John here, and let me tell you, “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” is like having a secret decoder ring for human behavior! I thought I knew people until I read this book. Now, I can predict what my users want before they even realize it themselves. It’s like magic, but with facts. If you design stuff and want your brain to do backflips, this book’s your new best friend. —Your Company

Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” because I wanted to design better apps, but ended up designing better conversations with my cat. Seriously, the insights are so spot-on, I found myself nodding like a bobblehead doll. It’s funny, engaging, and packed with those “aha” moments that make you wonder how you ever designed without it. My creativity’s been turbocharged ever since! —Your Company

What’s up, I’m Mike. I dove into “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” expecting a dry read, but this book had me chuckling and learning at the same time. It’s like the author sneaked into my brain and wrote down exactly what I needed to know. I even tried explaining some of the concepts to my friends, but they just stared at me, so I’m keeping this design superpower all to myself. Highly recommend! —Your Company

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

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

I never thought a book could double as my design therapist, but “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People” did just that. Every page felt like the author was reading my mind and handing me a magic wand to understand users better. I laughed, I nodded, and I even did a little happy dance because finally, I get why people do the weird things they do when using apps. If you’re a designer and you don’t have this book, are you even designing? —Alex

Me, a self-proclaimed design ninja, finally found my secret weapon with this book. “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People” is like having a hilarious, super-smart buddy whispering all the user secrets in your ear. It’s packed with nuggets of wisdom that made me rethink my approach and actually made designing feel less like guesswork and more like a fun game. Plus, I caught myself giggling at some examples—design can be fun, who knew? —Jamie

I picked up “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People” thinking it’d be just another dry manual. Boy, was I wrong! This book is like a comedy show and a TED talk rolled into one. I learned so much about user behavior that I’m now practically a mind reader (or so my clients tell me). Honestly, it’s the best thing to happen to my design career since coffee. Highly recommend if you want to design smarter and laugh a bit too. —Taylor

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

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

I never thought a book could make me laugh out loud while teaching me about design psychology, but here we are! “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” is like having a quirky professor who actually cares about your coffee breaks. I tried applying one tip about color choices at work, and my clients started smiling more—coincidence? I think not! If you want to design stuff people actually enjoy, grab this book. —DesignGenius

Honestly, I bought this book expecting dry theory, but it turned out to be my new design BFF. Every chapter felt like a mini adventure into the human mind, sprinkled with humor and real talk. I even caught myself explaining a design principle to my cat (who looked impressed, by the way). This book didn’t just teach me; it entertained me, which is rare. Highly recommended if you want your designs to be as witty as your personality. —CreativeCat

Reading “100 More Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People Second Edition” was like attending the coolest design party where everyone actually knows what they’re talking about. The insights helped me rethink how I approach user experience, and the funny anecdotes made it impossible to put down. I tried one trick from the book on my website, and boom! User engagement went up faster than I can say “design magic.” If design books had a comedy section, this would top the charts. —PixelPirate

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5. 100 Things Every Presenter Needs To Know About People

100 Things Every Presenter Needs To Know About People

John here, and let me tell you, “100 Things Every Presenter Needs To Know About People” is like having a secret superpower in my back pocket! I used to dread presentations—my hands would sweat, and I’d forget my own name. But after diving into this gem, I now read my audience like an open book. It’s like the author whispered all the secrets straight to me. Seriously, if you want to go from shaky to Shakespeare, grab this book. — YourTeam

Hi, it’s Lisa! Who knew a book could make me laugh and learn at the same time? “100 Things Every Presenter Needs To Know About People” is my new best friend. I tried some tips during my last presentation, and the audience was so engaged, I half expected a standing ovation (or at least a pizza). It’s full of quirky insights that actually work—plus, it made me feel like a presentation ninja. Highly recommend if you want to impress without stressing! — YourTeam

Hey, Mike here. I bought “100 Things Every Presenter Needs To Know About People” on a whim, thinking, “How much can it really help?” Well, turns out, a lot! I used to be the guy who talked so long people started checking their watches. Now, I’ve got their attention and even got a few chuckles. This book is like having a hilarious coach who actually knows what they’re talking about. If you want to rock your next presentation and maybe even have some fun doing it, this is your go-to. — YourTeam

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Why “100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know” Is Necessary

From my experience, design is a vast and constantly evolving field, and having a resource like “100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know” is invaluable. It condenses essential principles, tips, and insights into a manageable format, allowing me to quickly grasp important concepts without getting overwhelmed. This kind of focused knowledge helps me avoid common pitfalls and improves my work’s effectiveness.

Moreover, I find that this book serves as a continual reference point. Whether I’m starting a new project or refining my skills, revisiting these 100 key points reminds me of foundational ideas I might otherwise overlook. It’s like having a mentor’s advice at my fingertips, helping me grow and maintain a strong design mindset throughout my career.

My Buying Guides on ‘100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know’

As a designer who’s navigated the creative world for years, I understand how overwhelming it can be to find the right resources that truly enhance your skills and knowledge. When I came across *100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know*, I found it packed with practical advice and insights that shaped my approach to design. If you’re considering this book or similar resources, here’s my guide to help you make an informed decision.

Why This Book Stands Out

From my experience, many design books either get too technical or too theoretical. What I love about *100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know* is its balance—it breaks down complex concepts into digestible tips that you can immediately apply. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the variety of topics covered keeps your skills sharp and your creativity flowing.

What To Look For In A Design Resource

When I shop for design books or courses, I focus on these key elements:

  • Clarity and Simplicity: Does the material explain concepts in an easy-to-understand way?
  • Practical Examples: Are there real-world applications and case studies?
  • Visuals and Layout: Is the content visually engaging? Great design books should practice what they preach.
  • Up-to-Date Content: Design trends evolve fast, so the information should be current.
  • Author Credibility: Does the author have experience and recognition in the design community?

*100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know* ticks all these boxes for me, which is why I recommend it.

Who Will Benefit Most From This Book

I believe this book is perfect if you:

  • Are starting your design career and want to build a strong foundation.
  • Need a quick refresher on essential design principles.
  • Want to deepen your understanding of user experience, typography, color theory, and more.
  • Appreciate bite-sized insights that fit into a busy schedule.

How To Get The Most Out Of This Book

When I read through *100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know*, I made sure to:

  • Take notes and highlight key points that resonated with my projects.
  • Practice the tips immediately in my ongoing work.
  • Revisit chapters when tackling new design challenges.
  • Combine this book with hands-on tutorials and community feedback.

Additional Resources I Recommend

While this book is fantastic, I also supplement my learning with:

  • Online design courses on platforms like Skillshare or Coursera.
  • Design podcasts and YouTube channels for fresh perspectives.
  • Joining design forums and groups to exchange ideas and critiques.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about honing your design skills, *100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know* is a valuable investment. It’s like having a seasoned mentor guiding you through the essentials and beyond. Trust me—adding this book to your collection will empower your creativity and elevate your work.

Happy designing!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.