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Your workstation allows you to work freely and think creatively while saying much about your personality in the process. Each setup has its own story and plays an important role in helping a graphic or web designer finish their work successfully.Since we spend a lot of time in front of the computer, it’s important to consider your working environment and how it affects both your mood and productivity.
While there are countless ways to organize your workspace, and no hard and fast rules for doing so, it is still worthwhile to explore ways to construct your office setup to maximize productivity. Through this article I will present 5 ways to do just that!
Storage boxes like these from Ikea are a simple way to organize your office and clean up clutter.
Disorganization and clutter can be a constant battle in your home office if you don’t have a system set up to manage it. Clean the desktop of anything you don’t use or need anymore. Set up a time each week/month where you clean out your office, too. Creating a proper schedule ensures your desk and overall workspace looks neat only for you but potential clients that may come through.
Use the storage features of your desk regularly. Check often to make sure there are no unused papers, files or other items that can make drawers or cabinets needlessly full. A messy look can reflect on your personality and capability – something to not look forward to when you have a deadline looming.
One of the elements that has a large impact on the overall appearance of your space, but is often overlooked it lighting.
Sources:
Ikea.com
CB2.com
JustHomeDecor
Having a focal point that directs your attention can keep you focused on the task. Many home offices don’t have one but it’s to your benefit to establish one.
It may be beneficial to set up your home office and the materials you wish to include in it, then chose a wall color that compliments them as opposed to the other way around. Remember a room can be interesting without the walls screaming of color, so choosing a neutral shade with a touch of color may be to your benefit. It’s also hard to grow tired of a neutral color, which means less painting over the long haul. And remember that colors are often more intense than they are on a paint chip so you’re best bet is to move down a shade or two on the color card before finalizing.
Here’s a guide on Color Psychology that can help in your decision.
This is perhaps the most fun aspect of decorating your home office – inspiring yourself through:
Since a lot of web designers are freelancers who work from home, we have full creative control over what we place in our workspace to keep us on task. Use this category to express your personality and motivate yourself through visual encouragement.
Sources:
This creative workspace by Joseph Lifrieri clearly makes use of a focal point in his home office workstation. Behind his PC’s are posters expressing his personal interests and lend to the overall style of the workstation very well.
Ignaty Kikulin uses a creative mix of existing shelving and bought to create his workspace. Although there are trinkets, the space remains clutter free and still gives you a glimpse into the designer’s personality.
This bare bones, modern workspace allows the designer the comfort and convenience of focusing solely on their work with this minimalist backdrop.
The workstation of Matt Regan utilizes task lighting and the materials essential for a designer to get their work accomplished.
Through the use of natural lighting, this workstation of designer Brendon Grobler utilizes a key element in maximizing productivity.
This slick, modern workstation for designer Jonathan Patterson is another example of a simple layout with a focal point – the Mac.
Through the use of posters and stereo speakers, the designer Dean Oakley achieves a personalized space effective for getting work done.
There are websites that are designed to show you workstation setups. Check out Workstation Setups and also one of my personal favorites, Deskography. If you find another workstation setup that you would like to share, feel free to leave a comment about the website!
Here are some tips to take away from this article (and more to consider) in designing your new space:
Your home office has a big impact on your productivity, creativity, and energy levels. Clutter as well as an uninspired space can deter your business goals, so taking these steps to enhance your home office setup can help your feeling of personal success.
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Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 05:25
I am in the process of organizing and setting up a spot to work. The pictures of the work stations really gave me food for thought.
Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 11:50
Great post. You made my day..
Thursday, June 16th, 2011 17:19
Nice post. I was thinking about changing my office setup, and haven’t yet decided on what color should I choose for the painting :) . Hope to start updating soon :D
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 04:49
“Slightly reclined chair posture is best to reduce vertebrae pressure and minimize lower back pain” – huge. I strongly recommend setting good posture and a relaxed breathing position. Even breath for a minute or two and upright yourself comfortable before beginning. I know it sounds a bit out there for you newer designers – perhaps you’ll just find out in time.
Here are three things that did NOT work out for me.
1 – Multiple monitors / computers. The more screenspace and more processing power lead to more applications and more windows open which lead to less focus and more distraction. Now I have 1 laptop with a 12inch screen. One thing at a time as best I can – and if something is “running” i can jump on something mindless, like cleaning up the desktop or picking my nose. ;)
2 – Any cool chair with wheels or arm rest etc. Arm rests cause me to lean on them and then my body is unaligned, leading to some ache somewhere (neck, shoulder, etc). The chair that works best is something hard, basic, no arm rests, allows me to sit upright and I aim for typing space just about belly button level. Posture is huge, especially because of hours on the laptop.
3 – Paper clips, nice paper, extra folders, gadgets, gizmos and other desktop doodads. Most I obtained thinking it will boost productivity and they only caused clutter. They say masters try out many things but eventually scale back to the few things they do well. I go minimalist when can.
Thanks for your tips and starting this discussion Stephanie!
Thursday, June 9th, 2011 14:12
Very informative! I have a small office now but will be looking to expand soon and this will be helpful. Thanks for this great article!
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 09:41
After reading this I went home and moved my set up, desk, boxes, books everything into the conservatory. It’s completely out of the way from everyone walking in and out and has awesome light and warmth. As well as that, I’m surrounded by a 360 degree view which is always inspiring.
The best of it is, it has awesome acoustics for my music – so, win win all round I think (except the glare on my macbook screen of course)
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 02:58
I think if I bought a 27″ display to use with my MacBook, that would be a great start to improving my home office. I agree with having inspiration around you when you work, it can help get your mind working. Great article.
Monday, June 6th, 2011 20:47
This article inspired me to change my office up :p
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Fareed
Monday, June 6th, 2011 19:54
Thats awsome, very stylish and looks rich…
Jary
Thursday, June 9th, 2011 14:12
Very informative! I have a small office now but will be looking to expand soon and this will be helpful. Thanks for this great article!
Gavin
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 09:41
After reading this I went home and moved my set up, desk, boxes, books everything into the conservatory. It’s completely out of the way from everyone walking in and out and has awesome light and warmth. As well as that, I’m surrounded by a 360 degree view which is always inspiring.
The best of it is, it has awesome acoustics for my music – so, win win all round I think (except the glare on my macbook screen of course)
David
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 02:58
I think if I bought a 27″ display to use with my MacBook, that would be a great start to improving my home office. I agree with having inspiration around you when you work, it can help get your mind working. Great article.
Andrea Spikes
Monday, June 6th, 2011 20:47
This article inspired me to change my office up :p
Yuriy
Monday, June 13th, 2011 01:37
Nice, i like it.
Also i like photos of people workspace :)
chudamani reddy
Monday, June 13th, 2011 18:04
It’s nice ,good looking
Trevor
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 05:25
I am in the process of organizing and setting up a spot to work. The pictures of the work stations really gave me food for thought.
Samuel Guebo
Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 11:50
Great post. You made my day..
Kenn Schroder
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 04:49
“Slightly reclined chair posture is best to reduce vertebrae pressure and minimize lower back pain” – huge. I strongly recommend setting good posture and a relaxed breathing position. Even breath for a minute or two and upright yourself comfortable before beginning. I know it sounds a bit out there for you newer designers – perhaps you’ll just find out in time.
Here are three things that did NOT work out for me.
1 – Multiple monitors / computers. The more screenspace and more processing power lead to more applications and more windows open which lead to less focus and more distraction. Now I have 1 laptop with a 12inch screen. One thing at a time as best I can – and if something is “running” i can jump on something mindless, like cleaning up the desktop or picking my nose. ;)
2 – Any cool chair with wheels or arm rest etc. Arm rests cause me to lean on them and then my body is unaligned, leading to some ache somewhere (neck, shoulder, etc). The chair that works best is something hard, basic, no arm rests, allows me to sit upright and I aim for typing space just about belly button level. Posture is huge, especially because of hours on the laptop.
3 – Paper clips, nice paper, extra folders, gadgets, gizmos and other desktop doodads. Most I obtained thinking it will boost productivity and they only caused clutter. They say masters try out many things but eventually scale back to the few things they do well. I go minimalist when can.
Thanks for your tips and starting this discussion Stephanie!
Cristy
Thursday, June 16th, 2011 17:19
Nice post. I was thinking about changing my office setup, and haven’t yet decided on what color should I choose for the painting :) . Hope to start updating soon :D