Don't be boring!: is this $19 stack worth it for ui kit?
You know that sinking feeling when you open Figma, stare at a blank canvas, and realize you’re about to design the 47th version of a standard e-commerce checkout? You’ve got the fundamentals down. You know how to build a UI kit, you can run a user survey, and you can move rectangles around until they look “clean.” But clean isn’t enough anymore. If your portfolio is full of safe, predictable apps that do exactly what the brief asked for, you’re stuck in a loop. You’re not showing innovation; you’re showing compliance. (Don’t be boring!)
Don’t be boring! is a $19 video course from Michal Malewicz’s UX/UI Masterclass that attacks that exact stagnation. It’s not a tutorial on how to use Figma or how to center a button. It’s a 4-hour deep dive into the mindset of exploratory design—how to come up with creative ideas, plan your prep-work, and document your journey in a way that actually stops a hiring manager’s scroll. It’s for the designer who is technically competent but creatively stuck, looking to shift from “executing requirements” to “proposing solutions.”
Quick answer
| Best for | Mid-level UI/UX designers who already know the basics but need a framework for generating unique, out-of-the-box concepts and writing compelling case studies. |
| Skip if | You are a complete beginner who doesn’t yet know how to design an app or website, or if you already own the “Portfolio Bundle” which includes this course. |
| Price | $19 |
| Format | 4+ hours of video lessons + 2-page summary document |
| One-line take | A low-cost, high-leverage mindset shift that teaches you how to think like an innovator rather than a task-executor. |
What you’re actually buying
At $19, you aren’t buying a template pack or a set of pre-made components. You are buying a specific mental model for creative problem-solving. The core of Don’t be boring! is a structured approach to moving beyond the “safe” design choices that clutter most portfolios. The course walks you through the entire lifecycle of an exploratory project: from the initial spark of an idea, through the planning and prep-work, to the final write-up.
The curriculum is designed to push you into unfamiliar territory. Instead of just designing a standard mobile app, you’ll be guided through concepts for custom hardware, such as single-purpose devices and phone form factors. You’ll explore how to approach new features for smartphone operating systems and even dive into niche areas like watch app concepts and smart fridge interfaces. These aren’t just random topics; they are exercises in thinking out of the box. By forcing you to design for contexts that don’t have established patterns, the course trains your brain to look for unique solutions rather than defaulting to Dribshot trends. (Don’t be boring!)
The real value, however, lies in the documentation side. Most designers know how to design; few know how to tell the story of their design process in a way that demonstrates innovation. This module teaches you how to write exploratory case studies for platforms like Medium and LinkedIn. It’s about showing your “the mindset”—the ability to articulate why you chose a weird, innovative path over the standard one. If your goal is to stand out in a crowded market, the ability to package your creative process as a compelling narrative is often more valuable than the UI itself. (Don’t be boring!)
Why it’s on our radar
This course is interesting because it solves a problem that tutorials rarely address: creative plateau. Most design education stops at “how to make it look good.” Don’t be boring! focuses on “how to make it matter.” For a mid-level designer, the jump from “competent” to “hirable for senior roles” often hinges on the ability to show initiative and originality. This $19 investment is a low-risk way to get a structured framework for that exact skill.
It’s also a smart buy for the specific niche of “exploratory case studies.” Writing a case study about a standard app is easy, but it’s also forgettable. Writing a case study about a “smart fridge app concept” or a “custom hardware device” requires a different level of thinking. The course provides the scaffolding for that thinking, making it a practical tool for anyone looking to refresh their portfolio with projects that show range and creativity, not just execution. (Don’t be boring!)
What actually matters
Before you buy, check your current skill level. The seller is very clear: this is a high-level course. If you are still learning how to build a basic UI kit or how to conduct a user interview, this will feel abstract and frustrating. You need to already have the fundamentals locked in. This course is the “next step,” not the first step. (Don’t be boring!)
Second, verify if you already own the Portfolio Bundle. The listing explicitly states that this course is included in that larger package. If you’ve already purchased the bundle, you don’t need to buy Don’t be boring! separately. It’s a one-time purchase, so check your Gumroad library first to avoid duplicate spending.
Finally, consider your time commitment. It’s over 4 hours of video. This isn’t a “watch it on your lunch break” resource. It’s a working session. You’ll need to block out time to not just watch, but to actually engage with the exercises—thinking about the custom hardware, the OS features, and the documentation process. The value is in the application, not just the consumption. (Don’t be boring!)
Mid-check
If you’re ready to push your design thinking beyond the basics, this is a low-cost way to get a structured framework for creative exploration. (Don’t be boring!)
FAQ
Is Don’t be boring! suitable for complete beginners? No. The seller explicitly advises that this is a high-level course. You should already know how to design an app, a website, or a UI kit. If you are new to design fundamentals, start with the basics first.
What is the difference between this course and a standard UI design tutorial? Standard tutorials teach you how to use tools and execute designs. Don’t be boring! teaches you how to think creatively. It focuses on generating unique ideas, exploring unconventional form factors (like smart fridges or custom hardware), and writing case studies that highlight innovation rather than just execution.
Do I need to buy this if I have the Portfolio Bundle? No. If you already own the Portfolio Bundle, this course is included. You do not need to purchase it again. (Don’t be boring!)
What kind of projects will I work on in this course? You’ll explore concepts for smartphone OS features, watch apps, smart fridge apps, and custom hardware devices. These are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and force you to think beyond standard mobile app patterns. (Don’t be boring!)
Bottom line
If your portfolio feels a bit too safe, a bit too predictable, and a bit too “standard,” Don’t be boring! is a $19 nudge in the right direction. It’s not about learning new tools; it’s about learning a new way to approach the blank canvas. For the designer who is ready to stop moving rectangles and start proposing solutions, this course provides the mindset and the structure to do exactly that. It’s a small investment for a potentially big shift in how you present your work.