Which are the must have gadgets for designers? Read on to find out.
Those who love experimenting with the latest technology and push some design skills to the limit, then these hi-tech toys will enhance and also inspire your creativity in new ways.
25 Must-Gadgets for Designers
Imagine what you can come up with the Polaroid 3D Pen! How streamlined the design process can be with Pallet and how presentations could be leveled up with the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 pro! You can add some of these gadgets to your wish list.
#1. Daydream View
No one is sure where VR is headed, but one thing is for sure: it will play an essential part in the future design. The new Daydream headset from Google is such a step up from the basic Google Cardboard, yet relatively fair priced. Currently, it works with the Pixel XL Phones and Google Pixel, an ideal gift for graphic designers. However, over the coming months, the range of compatible devices will expand.
#2. Palette
Some people find working in software such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator super fiddly. Palette begins from the proposition that using one mouse only to move back and forth regularly isn’t the perfect way when it comes to designing. You can instead end eye strain and cursor cramps by assigning several buttons, dialers, and dials to your favorite software design functions.
#3. Cube
We are all conversant with the saying good things come in small packages. Even you might not be aware, whoever came up with that phrase was referring to the cube. The small, white box is a color digitizer that allows its users to capture different colors on the surface by tapping a button. Besides, it’s also portable.
#4. Turnikit
Smartphone cameras did revolutionize the whole world when it comes to photography. They also give anyone with an Instagram account an opportunity to share their pictures. The iPhone SLR mount, turnikit, takes this a step further. It puts the user in control, ultimately, when focusing on a video or an image. You ought to think again if you thought Hudson was the best filter of all time!
#5. Polaroid 3D Pen
Polaroid 3D Pens for kids delighted many families out there, and now they have come up with 3D pens with designers, engineers, artists, and different professionals in mind. The Polaroid Design 3D Pens does feature an in-built fan, which helps reduce heat and also eliminate auto-feed, jamming, and auto-eject functions. Plus, an OLED screen, precise temperature setting, and variable speed.
This pen is easy to handle and for women, it won’t get in the way of their best sports bra for sore breasts during pregnancy when it is being used. The gadget is available on a pre-order basis as part of the Indiegogo shipping campaign in July.
#6. Cyber Clean – Electronics Cleaning Putty
Many of us are guilty of dropping that biscuit crumb on your computer’s keyboard. But since the innovation of Cyber Clean, no one will notice. Both biodegradable and non-toxic, this Swiss formula is a cleaning compound that was designed to penetrate all those tricky and hard places to reach.
#7. Huion L4S LED Light Pad
Huion is a super-thin A4 light pad, which is an ideal tool for designers. The gadget uses an eye-protecting technology allowing comfortable sketching and drawing too. It has a maximum brightness of 1500 Lux additionally makes tracing such a breeze. You only need to connect your laptop through the in-built USB port.
#8. SanDisk Wireless Connect Stick 256GB
The gadget is a wireless flash drive. It enables lightning-fast storage and also transfer of massive files from iPhone and iPad to a different iOS PC, Mac, or device over a Wi-Fi network. The exquisite device has been in the market for some time now. However, the latest version has a 256GB capacity now.
#9. Glow forge – 3D Printer
It’s a wireless 3D laser printer which is quite small and can fit on a desktop. It does integrate with some popular design programs and also stores all the data and designs on some cloud solutions. 3D printing hasn’t found its roots in the offices yet, but it features right at the top of our wish list.
While you may not be able to print the best sports bra for nursing moms or other similar undergarments with this 3D printer, it is still a must-have gadget even for female designers.
#10. FLI Charge
Charging several gadgets all at once can be such a hassle, especially if you have few sockets. The Charge is a wireless charging pad for smartphones and different devices that use the USB cable for charging. It’s an excellent solution for keeping your work-space free of clutter and all your devices powered up throughout the day.
#11. Satechi Type-C USB
The Satechi Type-C USB does allow you to use some of your old USB peripherals. It works by merely converting a Type-C USB port to the other three 3.0 USB ports, a micro SD card, and an SD card slot. Mac Users will be wondering how they were living without this gadget.
#12. Eora 3D
What started as an ingenious Kickstarter campaign is currently a manufactured product obtainable for pre-order. Employing laser technology, the eora 3D team did create a system that turns any smartphone into an accurate 3D scanner.
#13. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
The device enables you to connect different gadgets to your Windows laptop and MacBook Pro all at once. Use only a cable to charge the computer, drive some dual displays and networks at full speed. The dock features three 3.0 USB ports, two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, one Display port, A gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm microphone input jack.
#14. Solar Paper
Solar Paper is one of the world’s first solar chargers. It’s ultra-weight and thin that you can place inside a notebook. Harness the sun’s power to make sure the electronics don’t get caught short over time.
#15. Olloclip iPhone 7 Core Lens Set
The camera on iPhone 7 is quite versatile. But if you wish to go a notch higher, then this set of the lens includes a fisheye lens, a 15x macro lens, and a 120-degree wide-angle lens. They offer a vast range of alternatives when you are out shooting imagery for your design projects use.
#16. Samsung Gear 360
Samsung Gear 360 does resemble a miniature version of BB-8, but you shouldn’t underestimate its power. It comprises of the front and rear lenses; this compact camera provides an entire 360-degree field of view.
#17. Intuos Pro Paper Edition
When it comes to drawing tablets, Wacom has always been the king. It, however, never makes a mistake of resting on any laurels. The latest tablet has not only improved the sensitivity of pressure but also allows people to draw directly on the paper using a unique fine tip pen. It will automatically transfer the artwork to your tablet.
#18. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro
The gadget is a 10.1- inch tablet with some difference. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 comes with an in-built, rotatable projector that can cast an image perfectly well up to 70 inches broad. It’s pretty handy, especially if you are giving a presentation as part of your work and also watching television at the end of a long day.
#19. Microsoft Surface Laptop
It’s a new surface 13.5 inches laptop. Microsoft is targeting MacBook Air directly with this device since it’s inexpensive, larger, and also guarantees longer battery life. Besides, the gadget is aesthetically taking on Apple with the exquisite design which uses Italian imported materials and comes in four different color designs. The colors include Cobalt blue, Burgundy, Graphite Gold, and Platinum.
#20. Lima
Virtual storage is one of the essential tools for graphic designers in any kits when you are a designer. No one wants to waste time having to worry about some cloud storage solutions. Lima provides full-service software which covers your day to day needs. They got you covered whether you are saving large files to offline access management.
#21. Cintiq 12WX Pen Display
Every designer should have this in their collection. It’s a drawing tablet that helps the user draw the contents in their heart. The multi-touch drawing tablet, designing will be on a new level. It’s not only an upgrade but also works perfectly well with photoshop, and this makes it easier to edit images. It’s one of the best gadgets for designers. You can obtain this device at different prices ranging up to $2600.
#22. Inkling
The gadget is ideal for creative designers. While different devices come as tablets, Inklings allows the user to draw on paper. It also digitalizes the files as you draw, and saving them as image files that are compatible with different apps such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Cool, isn’t it? Its sheer coolness makes it among the best gadget for fashion designers. We all know drawing is vital when it comes to designing.
#23. Belkin Conserve Valet
Running out of batteries can be such a nightmare for designers, especially mid creative fit on e-canvas. But you shouldn’t worry anymore since this Belkin Conserve Valet got you covered. It’s a docking station that is not only beautiful but also features four USB ports. The different ports make it possible to charge all your tools at a go. Besides, this gadget doesn’t require plugging out manually. It’s an ideal gadget for industrial designers. It automatically turns off once the battery is full. Belkin Conserve Valet is worth investing in as a designer.
#24. Instax Mini 7s Camera
Everyone would want a stylish, retro camera that gives pics instantly. The instant camera is smart and also features some retro touch due to the entire Polaroid angle. Designers can now quench their never-ending thirst to gather anything retro. Chic, Sleek, and works. A perfect alternative for designers out there. Create some masterpieces and save them by merely clicking instant images.
#25. Fitness Trackers
Arduous work and no exercise, followed by plenty of food, can result in severe health risks. Therefore, buying a fitness band or even tracker is a great alternative, especially if you are planning to work on a new project for long hours. Record all your activities, count your burnt calories, and also monitor your heart rate.