How I work, part 1: devices, utilities and environment

How I develop software. Part 1.

I’ve been asked how I work. In this case work means the development of software. That’s an interesting question and it isn’t answerable in a single sentence, nor a single blog post. This is the first post, and it focuses on the devices, utilities, and environment that help me.

Devices

I prefer a  MacBook (Pro or a full-spec Air) as my main working machine.

A well-equipped desk contains at least:

  • a screen with 2560×1440 px (WQHD) resolution with 109 dpi minimum
  • the old  trackpad
  • the oldwireless keyboard with International Layout1
  • a laptop stand to keep the machine above the level where I place drinks
  • a transparent desk pad to place cheat sheets below it

Usually I’m wearing Bose QC15 headphones with Airmod for Bluetooth connectivity. They’ve been with me for seven years. I use them every working day for at least six hours. Despite their age they are in good shape. Some parts wear out, so I’ve replaced the ear cushions multiple times and the headband once with aftermarket parts for a few euros. The headphones create an aura of silence around me and are super comfortable.2 They run with one AAA battery.

For the wireless devices I have a box of fully charged AA and AAA rechargeable batteries in reach.

Utilities

To keep my thoughts or prototype a UI, I rely on a DIN A5 sketchbook (with at least 150 g/m2 paper) and a mechanical pencil with 0.5 mm B lead.3

minimum working setup

Sometimes I work away from a desk. Then I need my headphones, the sketchbook, and the computer as a minimal setup. Staying hydrated and reducing waste is important. I have a reusable water bottle with me most of the time.

Environment

Getting into the flow with music

Shielding myself from outside noises plays a key part in getting into the flow. The flow is a mental state in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.4

To get into it I listen to electronic music mixes. Anything that requires constant attention or someone talking every few minutes destroys it. For the same reason I avoid music podcasts or radio shows where every track is announced.5

A favorite source of fresh music is the BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix. The Essential Mix is a long-running (est. 1993) radio show where DJs (usually) play a two-hour mix. It has hosted remarkable talent over the years.

Creating an Essential Mix is the supreme discipline of electronic music in my opinion. The format gives DJs the chance to create a journey and play tracks they’d skip at a rave.

Depending on my mood that day, I choose one of ~20 all-time favorites. That means I listen to the same mixes regularly. The purpose is to have zero surprise moments while getting into the flow.6

You will probably see me grooving by moving my fingers, arms, or head to the music. That’s a visual indicator that I’m in the flow. When I’m lucky I get goosebumps from the music, and then it can’t be any better.7

Reducing interruptions

Interruptions destroy the flow state instantly.

Some interruptions can be controlled by myself and thus I acted upon them:

  • I turned off all system sounds of macOS.
  • I disabled the macOS notification center.
  • Notifications on my phone make no sound or vibration.
  • Notifications on my phone do not turn on its display.
  • I never turn on sounds on my phone.

I made one conscious exception: my watch vibrates when I receive a message from a few important people in my life.

If you want synchronous communication with me (a phone call, a meeting, …) then send a calendar invitation with a fixed date and time. Or become efficient in typing and sending emails. :) I do not send voice messages, they’re pesky and I would not want to receive those, too. If we’re working in the same room, please stop your devices from emitting sounds. It’s the year 2020, come on already.

The star in our solar system also annoys sometimes. As our planet moves around it, the relative position changes. Knowing which hemisphere I’m in makes predicting the direction of movement easy. This way I can prevent some foreseeable annoyances: direct rays and reflections. What I do against it depends on the situation.

Some interruptions are entirely out of my control: Someone walking to my desk and asking may I interrupt you is a meta-question and … 🥁 … an interruption. Boom, flow state destroyed. Next step: switch my brain’s context and digest what is being said. That takes seconds. Regaining the flow can take the better part of an hour and a huge amount of mental energy. While it’s sometimes unavoidable to ask or tell someone something, I urge you to never do that inconsiderately. It can probably wait.

I don’t understand why trams in Berlin are unable to turn more silently. I’ve seen (and heard) trams turning almost silently in other countries (built by the same manufacturer). These screeching noises (ignoring the house-shaking vibrations) are serious concentration killers as noise-canceling headphones can’t filter them out.

Reducing strains

When working with computers, the keyboard should give you full control. I’m not saying that having a computer mouse is a bad idea. A mouse is required sometimes, but maybe not a mouse—just a device to move the cursor.8

The settings and placement of the devices matter. I …

  • turn down the brightness on the screen as much as sensible.
  • use dark background colors (Dark Mode) everywhere.
  • place the screen in the front.
  • put the laptop beside the screen (I prefer the right-hand side).
  • place the trackpad in front of the keyboard, like they are positioned on a laptop.

Touching the trackpad to move the cursor is something I try to avoid. Moving them closer together reduces the movement needed to reach them. The main problem remains though: it’s time-intensive and strains your wrist.

Moving around

I prefer sitting next to a window and having daylight. If that’s not possible a dimmable workbench lamp helps.

I stand up every hour for a few minutes. My watch reminds me to be active.9 Depending on the time, getting a coffee is usually a good idea in the morning. In the afternoon I likely do some exercises: swirl my arms, circle my head, raise/lower my shoulders, hold myself on the pull-up bar for a minute, do some pull-ups, maybe plank for three minutes. At any time it’s a good moment to look outside and focus on something in the distance. If possible, I get some deep breaths of fresh air and/or air the room. My brain and eyes are relieved afterwards.

Outlook

That’s basically it for these aspects. I hope you found it insightful. Did I miss anything? Let me know!

Stay tuned for the next parts on which I’ll explain which software I use to work efficiently.

Continue reading the second part here.

Footnotes

  1. That is QWERTY with a two rows spanning return key. Also known as British Layout. ↩

  2. That still holds true with the after-market parts. Bose, naturally, has a different opinion on that, read their QC35 investigation report for a thorough explanation. ↩

  3. I have a soft spot for good pens and pencils. I use a mechanical pencil 99% of the time. The faible is counter-intuitive to my minimalist side. The latter wins. ↩

  4. Wikipedia: Flow (psychology), 2020-04-10. ↩

  5. One exception: Fabio & Grooverider’s long-running radio show. They broadcast on RinseFM by now. I see Fabio & Grooverider as ambassadors of music. They really dig out the choons which will never be released … or maybe in three months. They also have a superb time together: they’re joking, laughing, make many technical mistakes (leaving the microphone open is a classic), and they transport an overwhelming amount of joy. I somehow manage to stay in the zone with these brilliant chaps. ↩

  6. I also find Pete Tong’s voice introducing every mix soothing (If you’re reading this, Pete: Heya 👋). ↩

  7. I hope you had goosebumps caused from music at least once in your life. ↩

  8. I really want a perfectly working eye tracking device. Privacy respecting and easy to set up. (Plug it in, switch it on and … BSOD woo). ↩

  9. Sounds silly to need a reminder, no? It isn’t, I was afraid to learn how seldom I stand up when being in the flow. ↩

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