In an industry where new design tools are launched every week, it’s easy to get "tool fatigue." I am often asked what my daily tech stack looks like. While I always say that thinking leads and tools only help, having a streamlined set of reliable software is crucial for an efficient workflow.

Here are the four tools I actually use as a UX designer to move from an abstract idea to a validated product:

1. FigJam: For Thinking Together

Before a single pixel is moved in high fidelity, there is the "messy middle" of brainstorming.

• The Use Case: FigJam is my go-to for collaborative thinking, user flow mapping, and early-stage ideation. It’s where the team aligns on the logic before we worry about the aesthetics.

2. Notion: For Research & Documentation

UX design is as much about writing and organizing as it is about drawing.

• The Use Case: I use Notion for all my research synthesis and project documentation. It acts as a "second brain," keeping user interview notes, competitive audits, and PRDs in one searchable place.

3. Figma: For Design & Prototyping

Figma is the industry standard for a reason.

• The Use Case: This is where the core work happens—from wireframing to high-fidelity UI and interactive prototyping. Its collaborative nature makes it the perfect bridge between design and engineering.

4. Maze: For Validation

A design is just a hypothesis until it's tested.

• The Use Case: I use Maze for rapid validation and unmoderated usability testing. It allows me to get real data on whether my Figma prototypes are actually intuitive for users.

Conclusion

Your stack doesn't need to be complicated to be effective. By focusing on these four pillars—Thinking, Documenting, Designing, and Validating—you can handle any product challenge. Always remember: The tool is the vehicle, but your thinking is the driver.