Episode 025 - Ahmed Al-Ali: Front-End Developer and UI/UX Designer Crafting Perfect Workspaces
Episode 025: Ahmed Al-Ali
Product List | Item |
---|---|
Desk Shelf |
Hansdo Dual Monitor Shelf
|
Laptop |
HP Laptop 15 da0xxx & Macbook Air 2018
|
Laptop Stand |
Robeve Laptop Stand
|
Docking Station
|
Ascrono Macbook Docking Station
|
Monitor |
Samsung 21” Monitor
|
Monitor Mount |
Digitus Monitor Stand
|
Monitor Light Bar |
Blitzwolf Monitor Light Bar
|
Headphone | Apple Airpods Pro & Sony MDR-ZX110 Wired On-Ear Headphone |
Keyboard |
Leaven K10 Mechanical Keyboard
|
Keyboard Cable | JSAUX USB C Cable (2m 2-Pack) |
Mouse |
Asus Adol Ms012 Wireless Bluetooth mouse
|
Desk Lamp
|
Ledvance Bluetooth Filament
|
Smartphone |
iPhone 11
|
Charger |
Apple Lightning Cable & TVCmall Magsafe Powerbank
|
Charging Cable | Hexcal Magnetic Cable |
Watch |
Apple Series 9 watch & Emporio Armani
|
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! I’m an enthusiastic setup designer with a passion for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces. I share my desk setups and ideas on Instagram, where I connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Currently, I work as a front-end developer and designer while pursuing my third year in software engineering. My journey combines creativity with technical expertise, allowing me to explore innovative ways to optimize my workspace for productivity and inspiration.
What’s your favorite item on your desk?
My favorite items on my desk are my plants and my mouse. The plants add a touch of nature and freshness to my workspace, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. They help reduce stress and improve my focus during long hours of coding and designing. My mouse, on the other hand, is a high-precision tool that enhances my productivity and efficiency. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort, and the customizable buttons streamline my workflow, making both coding and design tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
When did you start to work on your desk setup?
I began focusing on my desk setup during my second year of university. As my workload increased, I realized the importance of a well-organized and inspiring workspace. Over the months, my setup has evolved significantly, reflecting both my growing skills and changing needs as a student and professional.
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day for me starts with a morning routine. As my home is very far from my university, I wake up at 5 a.m. every day to prepare myself, have breakfast, and enjoy a small Instagram tour or chat with my parents while drinking my coffee. I then dive into my studies, attending lectures, and working on assignments during weekdays.
Afternoons are usually reserved for my front-end development and design work. I make sure to take breaks to stay refreshed. Evenings are for winding down, catching up on the latest in tech and design, and sometimes working on personal projects.
On weekends, I spend time engaging with my Instagram community, sharing updates, interacting with followers, and replying to my DM messages. I shoot Instagram reels or posts only during my holidays to avoid losing concentration on my studies and work. This way, I stay organized and have all of my reels and posts ready to be posted throughout the month.
What niche interest are you up to recently?
Recently, I've developed a keen interest in backend development and React Native. I'm excited to start exploring these areas and expand my skill set beyond front-end development. Diving into backend technologies will give me a more comprehensive understanding of full-stack development, while learning React Native will enable me to create mobile applications. I'm looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities these areas will bring.
What books, blogs, or podcasts recently caught your attention?
Recently, I've been diving into the famous book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. It's been incredibly insightful for developing better work habits and optimizing productivity. On the digital front, I follow the blog "A List Apart" which offers great insights into web design and development. For podcasts, "The Desk Setup Show" is a fantastic resource for tips and inspiration on creating the perfect workspace.
Your advice for beginners getting into Desk Setup.
For beginners, start with the basics:
- Invest in Quality: Choose durable and comfortable furniture. Your desk and chair are foundational.
- Personalize Gradually: Start with essential items and gradually add personal touches as you discover what works best for you.
- Function Over Form: While aesthetics are important, ensure your setup is functional and supports your workflow.
- Stay Inspired: Follow desk setup communities on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for ideas and motivation.
- Be Flexible: Your needs will change over time, so be open to rearranging and upgrading your setup as you go along.
Any tips for other makers who want to improve their workspaces?
Absolutely! Here are a few tips:
- Ergonomics First: Ensure your chair, desk height, and monitor position support good posture to avoid strain.
- Declutter: A clean, organized desk can boost focus and productivity. Only keep essentials within reach.
- Personal Touch: Add elements that inspire you, whether it's artwork, plants, or a favorite gadget.
- Cable Management: Invest in cable organizers to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
- Good Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial. Combine natural light with task lighting to reduce eye strain.