How to design faster

Designing quickly isn’t about rushing—it’s about working smarter. Whether you're juggling multiple projects or facing tight deadlines, improving your speed can make a huge difference. Here’s how to streamline your process without cutting corners.

Use design systems and components

Reinventing the wheel slows you down. Set up reusable components, grids, and styles so you’re not designing everything from scratch. If you're working within a team, take full advantage of the design system to keep things consistent and efficient.

Master your tools

Figma, Framer, or whatever tool you use—learn the shortcuts. Small optimizations, like using auto layout in Figma or setting up templates, add up over time. The less you struggle with the tool, the faster you can focus on the actual design.

Start with low-fidelity

Jumping straight into high-fidelity design can slow you down. Sketch ideas quickly on paper or use wireframes to map out the structure before refining the details. This helps you test concepts without spending hours on visuals that might change later.

Limit your options

Too many choices lead to decision fatigue. Set constraints—like a limited color palette, predefined typography, or a clear design system—to reduce unnecessary back-and-forth. Constraints force creativity while keeping the process efficient.

Reuse and adapt

Not every design needs to be built from scratch. Reuse elements from past projects, find inspiration in existing patterns, and adapt instead of starting over. This is especially helpful for UI components, layouts, and interactions.

Get feedback early

Don’t wait until the end to ask for input. Share early drafts with your team, developers, or stakeholders to catch potential issues before they become time-consuming problems. Iterating in small steps is faster than reworking a polished design.

Know when to stop

Perfectionism is the enemy of speed. If a design meets the brief and works well, it’s often good enough. Spending hours tweaking tiny details that no one will notice just eats up valuable time. Prioritize what actually makes an impact.

Final thoughts

Speed in design comes from preparation, smart workflows, and knowing where to focus your energy. By setting up efficient systems, leveraging constraints, and getting feedback early, you can design faster without compromising quality.