I can't speak for every designer, but my role sees me jumping in and out between different design projects almost daily. And that is usually a mix of coding, Photoshopping and In-Designing. If you've ever been in this situation then you can testify to how difficult it can be to get into and stay in the right headspace.
'Headspace' is an odd term but it basically means being properly focused on the one project without outside distractions or influence. Distractions are usually defined as other projects, or more specifically your boss or project manager telling you about tasks in other projects that need to be done. Influence can be looked at as being aware of potential distractions (other projects waiting for your attention that you haven't started).
The truth is that most designers don't have the luxury of starting a project and seeing it through to the end uninterrupted (that is but a dream), and that means they're jumping in and out of different headspaces.
I know that the quality of my work can suffer when I have to constantly jump in and out between projects, so to minimise the 'damage' there are some things we can do.
Awareness
Make your project manager aware that tackling too many projects simultaneously may cause the quality of the product to deteriorate.
Discuss ways to spend longer periods of time on any given project. Maybe making a rule that says you can't swap projects until you've reached a certain milestone. We once tried what I dubbed 'dedicated days' where everyone was only allowed to dedicate the day to one project, and we were amazingly productive on those days.
Delete your emails
If they're not important or you've already addressed the tasks they contain, be rid of them. Emptying your inbox provides a surprisingly positive physiological benefit.
Minimise onscreen distractions
Close your IM client (and email if you can), and any web sites that might be pining for your attention. Yes, Tweetdeck has to be closed I'm sorry. Close it now. You can do it. I'll wait...
Zen your desktop
Your physical desktop I mean. I know nothing about Feng Shui, but I do know that a neat work space can help put your mind in the right place with less distractions. Here's one (mine) I prepared earlier. If you have papers, organise them into trays. If you don't have trays, get some.
While you're at it, remove those coffee cups, coke cans and empty pizza boxes (you know who you are). Get rid of anything that has nothing to do with your workflow.
You're aiming to make your work space like a good web design – uncluttered, good use of space and no advertising :-)
Hide yourself
I you're lucky enough to have your own office, close the door. Nothing says 'I don't want to be disturbed' more than 3 inches of timber between you and everyone else. And there's the added bonus of being out of sight, which means you're out of mind and less prone to being spontaneously hauled into an unrelated project.
Turn your phone off
Or put it on silent mode. Anyway that it doesn't get your attention. Given that we turn our phones off during other times when we don't want to be distracted (in meetings, at the movies etc) why not turn it off while you're doing important work? If having your phone on is critical to running your business, have your calls diverted to reception (or your GF/Wife) and ask that you only be disturbed for real emergencies.
Clear your mind
If it all becomes too much, step outside to clear your mind and refocus. I sometimes step outside to look at the clouds. Seriously.
Organise
At the end of each day prepare a list if tasks you need to do for the following day. That way you're not spending your mornings figuring out what to do with yourself.
For the record, I don't follow my advice here all the time. It might be hard or nearly impossible to do everything on this list, and in some cases just plain unrealistic, but my aim here is to give you something to think about.
If you have any of your own suggestions feel free to comment.
Harun Smrkovic
OK. I just cleaned out my table, changed the layout of PC components, ignored phone calls, and guess what, I worked an hour more than usual!
Thanks for a good advice ;)
Friday 12th June 2009 | 04:14 AM Reply Comment URL Profile Back to top