Making More Work Space
The workspace here was super-tight for about 4 years, but that changed a year ago. From 10 screens (or 11 at times, as I showed in some old videos) I've reduced it to 7 and now I have ample room for mugs, kettle, and even 3 spider plants, which are supposed to improve air quality. I also keep some exercise equipment around me; some can be used while reading, browsing, posting etc. I almost never sleep at my chair anymore; if I get tired and need a nap, then I go to bed; not sofa, not chair... it's not minimalist and I'm under no pressure from some boss. I work at times that suit me and get sleep whenever I feel a tad tired (at least twice a day).
Likewise, the workspace on the computers has been cleared or cleaned up a bit. There are not many open windows (as reduction in number of screens can imply) and I focus on what needs seeing, not what might be worth seeing (sometimes). Clutter isn't improving productivity, it can easily become the enemy of productivity. I used to have monitoring visible at all times (in case of DDoS attacks), but since moving to the SSG our uptime/availability has been somewhere north of 99.99%. My E-mail availability is near 100% - I cannot remember when it last timed out (maybe several years ago).
I learned the hard way that less is more in circumstances where more means distraction. More is good; more workspace, more empty space. Not more computing or more signal. The mind can only properly focus on one single thing at a time. One relatively new reason not to use Microsoft is that there are ads everywhere. It's not just annoying and unhelpful; it is very bad for concentration.
With programming, distraction-free and full-screen interfaces became increasingly common. The same is true for writing or reading text.
Society in general is being flooded with signals; it's not healthy. In the trams in Manchester (Metrolink) I've noticed that the "drivers" use two tablet-like devices instead of actual, physical mirrors (which would work without electricity). Seems like misuse over overuse of technology.
A lot of "modern" technology can make things seem tidy(ier) only virtually or visually, but not technically and practically because a lot can go wrong. And when things go "wrong", that is when the "fun" begins. █
Messy:
Tidy:
