My Desk Setup for Better Productivity — Clean and Simple Design

My new desk setup

Update: https://blog.inkdrop.info/a-solo-app-developers-dream-desk-setup-late-2020-7d6d0c62f3b9

Hi, it’s Takuya here. I’m making software products alone, like Inkdrop, a Markdown note-taking app. In this article, I would like to show you my desk setup, which recently got some update because I have moved from Tokyo to Osaka. Here is my old desk setup:

It was very simple and comfortable to work. But it was kind of too small to put my iPad Pro, MacBook Pro and other gears, so I wanted a wider table top. On top of that, I would also like to try a standing desk because I heard it’s good for health and improves productivity. A research says working while standing boosts greatly your NEAT — Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis:

NEAT is as simple as standing, turning, and bending. Research proves that daily NEAT activity burns more calories than a half hour running on the treadmill. Just by the very act of standing and moving, you can boost your metabolism, lower your blood pressure, and increase your mental clarity. It’s about using your body as it was meant to be used. Move a Little, Lose a Lot gives you literal step-by-step instructions for small changes that equal radical results — by James A. Levine, Selene Yeager

I put a low table on my desktop to try standing work-style

Before buying an expensive standing desk, I checked how great it is by putting a low table on my desktop. And I found it is so great. It was not stressful as I thought but comfortable. It is important to adjust the height to your height or you will hurt your neck. After trying my temporary standing desk for a few days, I decided to buy a height adjustable standing desk.

A Height Adjustable Desk Frame by FlexiSpot (E3)

I bought a desk frame from FlexiSpot, which costs over $400. But I thought it is worth buying it. It is heavy, and sort of hard to assemble alone. So you have to be careful not to hurt the floor.

KARLBY Worktop by IKEA

I bought a worktop named KARLBY from IKEA. It is 186cm wide and longer than my previous one. I like its beautiful wood surface.

Beautiful Surface

And here is the result:

Here is how the desk frame switches its height:

Not so loud when it runs. Very powerful so you don’t need to worry about the weight of stuffs you put on top of the desk.

I put a basket under the desk so I can put plugs and cables like this:

It’s clean, simple and comfortable to work.

I love it! :) Hope it’s helpful to improve your workspace.