If you’re just getting started with web or app design, you’ve probably come across the term UI Kit.

At first, it might sound like yet another design buzzword. But once you understand what it is, you’ll realise a UI Kit can save you hours of work, help you learn design principles faster, and make your projects look polished from the very beginning.

This guide will walk you through what a UI Kit actually is, why it’s helpful, and how you can start using one to speed up your design process.

What is a UI Kit?

A UI Kit (short for User Interface Kit) is a collection of ready-made design elements you can use to build websites, apps, or digital products.

Think of it like a toolbox for your designs. Like a box of LEGO blocks but for websites.

Instead of creating every button, icon, or menu from scratch, you can pick them from the kit and put them together to form your design.

Most UI Kits include things like:

• Buttons and icons
• Navigation bars
• Forms and input fields
• Cards and grids
• Colour palettes and typography styles

Some are very simple with just the basics, while others are more complete, almost like mini design systems.

Why Use a UI Kit?

The biggest reason designers use UI Kits is speed.

When you don’t have to design every component from scratch, you save a lot of time. That means you can focus on the bigger picture: layout, flow, and how users interact with your product.

Another benefit is consistency.

All the elements in a kit are designed to work well together. This makes your designs look cleaner and more professional, even if you’re new to design.

Instead of guessing which colours or fonts match, you’re starting with a set that’s already been thought through.

And finally, UI Kits can also be great learning tools.

By exploring how buttons, forms, and layouts are designed, you start to understand design patterns and best practices. It’s almost like learning by copying, but in a way that helps you build solid habits.

Different Types of UI Kits

Not all UI Kits are the same. They often depend on the platform you’re designing for or the type of industry you’re working for (App, SaaS, etc..).

• Figma UI Kits: great for digital design, mockups, and prototyping. Perfect for beginners experimenting with ideas.

• Framer UI Kits: designed for interactive websites and landing pages, often with animations built in, and made to speed up your workflow.

• Webflow UI Kits: useful if you want to design and launch a site directly, without coding.

• Code Component Libraries: these are aimed more at developers, providing ready-to-use components in React, Vue, or other frameworks.

Choosing the right type depends on your workflow and the platform you’re working on. If you’re just starting in design, Figma kits are usually the best place to begin.

How to Use a UI Kit

Using a UI Kit doesn’t mean just dragging and dropping elements, there’s more to it. The real value comes when you adapt it to your project.

Here are a few tips:

• Start with the basics: pick elements like buttons or forms that you need right away.
• Customise: change colours, fonts, or spacing so the kit matches your brand or project style.
• Stay consistent: use the kit’s rules (like typography scales) across your whole design.
• Keep learning: look at how components are built. Ask yourself why they’re designed that way.

Over time, you’ll get faster and start developing your own style while still using kits as a foundation.

A UI Kit is more than just a set of buttons and icons. It’s a shortcut to better and faster designs.

For beginners and junior designers, it’s a great way to learn, experiment, and build projects that look professional from day one. Instead of reinventing the wheel, you can use what’s already there and focus on creating something unique.

If you’re ready to explore, we’ve put together a collection of some of the best UI Kits and component libraries for Figma, Framer, Webflow, and code.