Designing for Focus
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a workspace that feels right.
For me, desk setups have always been more than just a place to work, they’re a reflection of how I think, create and reset.
Over the past five or six years, I’ve turned this into a bit of a hobby. I enjoy experimenting with layouts, lighting and tools that make everyday work not only more productive but also more enjoyable. Whether it’s a well-positioned lamp, a clean cable setup or the perfect combination of materials and colours. It all adds up to a space that feels intentional!
Making Work Feel Better
Like many people, I’m constantly searching for ways to make regular activities more enjoyable. The right setup helps me do that, it transforms routine into ritual.
At the same time, I want to be productive enough to keep work from overflowing into personal time. A well-designed workspace creates a sense of separation between doing and being, which I think is key to maintaining balance.
There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing that the environment you’ve created is helping you focus, stay calm and perform at your best.
Where Human Factors Meets Design
Working in a consulting firm that specialises in Human Factors and User-Centred Design has only deepened my appreciation for how space influences behaviour.
It’s fascinating to see how subtle environmental cues, lighting, layout, proximity, noise, can shape our decisions, energy and even mood. In that sense, a desk setup isn’t just about productivity or aesthetics; it’s about human performance.
We often talk about optimising systems or workflows, but optimising your physical environment is just as powerful.
Habits by Design
One of the concepts that really resonates with me comes from James Clear’s Atomic Habits: the idea of shaping your environment to promote good habits.
That single idea reframed how I think about my space. Instead of relying solely on motivation, I can design my environment so the “right” choice is the easy one, whether that’s reading more, reducing distractions or taking breaks to move around.
In a way, every desk setup I’ve built is a little experiment in behavioural design.
Nerd Alert Section: The Science of Setup
If we’re getting a bit nerdy about it (and let’s be honest, we are):
- Ergonomics: Screen height should be at or slightly below eye level to reduce neck strain. A split keyboard or wrist rest can make a surprising difference over long days.
- Visual Load: Minimalist setups reduce cognitive load. Fewer visual distractions = more mental bandwidth for deep work.
- Lighting: Warm light in the morning and cooler tones in the afternoon help maintain focus without fatiguing the eyes.
- Zoning: Define areas for different types of work; focused, creative or administrative. Even if they’re just subtle changes in layout or lighting.
Designing your environment for comfort, focus and aesthetics isn’t indulgent, it’s strategic.
After all, if we spend so much of our time at our desks, they might as well work for us.
Written by someone who believes that good lighting and a clean desk are underrated productivity tools.