Design Burnout is Real – Here’s How I Handle It
Feeling creatively stuck or tired? Here’s how I deal with burnout—and slowly get back to loving design again.
UI/UX Design
Nov 29, 2023
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Read Time : 4 Min
Cover Image: A calm workspace with a sketchpad, coffee, and soft morning light. (Source: ChatGPT)
I used to think burnout only happened when you worked too much. But as a designer, I’ve learned it’s more than that.
But as a designer, I’ve learned it’s more than that. Burnout can happen when you overthink, doubt yourself, or feel like nothing you’re designing is good enough.
I remember sitting at my desk one evening, Figma open, but I couldn’t drag a single frame. No ideas. No spark. Just tired. And this wasn’t because I didn’t love design—I just didn’t have any fuel left to give
“Creative people need time to sit around and do nothing.” – Austin Kleon
I realized then: Designing non-stop isn’t sustainable. Just like our devices, our creativity needs time to recharge.
Designer resting hand on their head, staring at a blank digital canvas.
When I start to feel that kind of mental fog, I step away from the screen.
For example, instead of forcing myself to finish a UI task, I go outside for a walk. I observe how people interact with public benches, signs, packaging, or even elevator buttons. These simple things—how intuitive or frustrating they are—teach me more about user experience than any textbook ever could.
One time at a grocery store, I watched a woman try to scan a product using a mobile app. It didn’t respond. She tried three times before giving up. I noted how confused she looked and how quickly she lost trust in the app. That real-life moment made me rethink an onboarding flow I was working on for a side project.
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” – Pablo Picasso
…or at least watching and learning from real people.
Also, when digital design overwhelms me, I go back to basics. I sketch, play with clay, or do product mockups. No pressure—just play.
Market walk filled with colors, textures, people, and small design details everywhere.
Another way I fight burnout is by designing for myself.
I start small: an imaginary food delivery app for my favorite street food vendor or a brand identity for a local chai shop I like. No clients. No revisions. Just fun.
Last winter, I designed a fake furniture app inspired by my love for minimalist product design. It never went anywhere—but the process reminded me why I fell in love with design in the first place.
“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.” – Henri Matisse
Even if those designs never leave your folder, they keep your creative muscle alive. These personal projects are where your personality and design instincts really shine.
Sketchbook open with doodles of logos, tiny wireframes, and playful design ideas.
If you’re in a burnout phase right now, please know this: you’re not alone.
You’re not falling behind. You’re just in a resting phase. Like nature, creativity moves in seasons.
“You are not a machine. You are a garden. You need different things at different times to grow.” – Unknown
Give yourself space to explore, take breaks, and be okay with not producing.
Some of your best ideas will come when you’re not trying so hard to create.
Design isn’t only about pixels and grids—it’s also about how you think, feel, and see the world. And sometimes, the best way to grow as a designer is to stop, breathe, and just live a little.
Check Out My Other Blogs
“Let’s turn pixels into powerful experiences. Reach out, and let’s create something that simplifies and inspires.” I'm just a message away.
“Let’s turn pixels into powerful experiences. Reach out, and let’s create something that simplifies and inspires.” I'm just a message away.