The Stack Behind the Studio
At DesignLabs, we believe that tools should support creative thinking — not complicate it. Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of platforms, apps, and frameworks. What’s stuck isn’t necessarily what’s trendy — it’s what helps us stay focused, flexible, and deeply collaborative.
These five tools aren’t just part of our workflow. They are our workflow.
1. Notion – Our Digital HQ
Everything starts here.
Notion powers our entire backend — from project planning and client dashboards to creative briefs, blog calendars, and internal documentation. It’s not just about pretty pages. It’s about building a system that adapts to how we work.
Why we use it daily:
- Seamless collaboration between team and clients
- A clean canvas for creative briefs and brand audits
- Central hub for operations, product planning, and process docs
Our favorite part? It forces us to think clearly — because messy thinking is hard to hide in Notion.
2. Figma – Our Creative Playground
If Notion is our brain, Figma is our hands.
Every design — from brand systems and UI layouts to lead magnets and t-shirt mockups — happens in Figma. It’s where our concepts come to life and where iteration feels fast and intuitive.
Why it works:
- Real-time collaboration, even with clients
- Components = consistency (and sanity)
- Easy to present and share for feedback
We also rely on FigJam for mapping ideas, journey flows, and creative explorations early in the process.
3. Loom – Because Time Zones Are Real
We don’t always meet live — and we don’t need to.
Loom helps us explain concepts visually, walk clients through design decisions, and share feedback async. It’s saved us hours in back-and-forth emails.
Why it’s a go-to:
- Quick video walkthroughs > long explanations
- Clients love the pause, replay, and share option
- Great for documenting and training too
When design is visual, feedback should be too.
4. Slack – For Real-Time Momentum
While email has its place, Slack is where things move. It’s where we brainstorm ideas, drop inspo, review designs, and even send spontaneous client check-ins.
Why we love it:
- Channels by client/project = zero clutter
- Integrates with Notion, Figma, Loom, and more
- Supports both async and live workflows
Bonus: it helps keep our studio culture alive, even when we’re remote.
5. Whimsical – The Underestimated MVP
Whimsical is where our rough ideas take shape. It’s lightweight, fast, and purpose-built for clarity. Whether it’s a sitemap, wireframe, moodboard, or flow diagram — it helps us align before we over-design.
Why it earns a daily spot:
- Built for thinking, not just showing off
- Great for workshops and internal concepting
- Easy to share and tweak with clients in early phases
Tools ≠ Systems
Let’s be clear — tools alone don’t make things run. Systems do. The real power comes from how these tools work together to support our creative process, communication, and delivery.
At DesignLabs, our stack isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about clarity. Every tool in this list helps us bring structure to creativity — and make collaboration feel effortless.
Looking to set up your own creative system?
Start small. Pick tools that solve real friction. And build habits around clarity, not complexity. Or just reach out — we’re always happy to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t).
