3 Simple Tips to Boost Productivity for Designers

Posted on 25. Sep, 2009 by Taiyab in Tips and Tricks

If you design for the web or print, whether you freelance, or work for a design firm, it’s always difficult to maintain a good level of productivity so we progress each and every day. Sometimes it can be difficult to produce work that requires constant creativity and energy, which is why it can only be done for much shorter hours than usual “work”.

From my personal experience, I’ve only ever got about 4 hours per day of pure work time. This means time that I’m actually producing something, such an article, or template design. The usual amount of time people ‘work’ during the day is about 8 hours, so I’m getting half of the time in doing productive work. To me, this is probably close to the zenith point, seeing as average people only get around 2-3 hours of solid work in per day in such an environment, even though technically I could be productive for the entire 8 hours.

If you’re like me, and looking for ways to get more out of each day (which seems to be passing faster and faster) then these are definitely tips for you.

1. Write a to-do list

To-do lists are a great way of planning exactly what needs doing on that day. Daily to-do lists need to be used in conjunction with weekly/monthly ones for maximum effectiveness. Every morning, sit down with a nice cup of tea and write down exactly what needs doing that day. It’s good to go a little overboard and try to push yourself, and even if you can’t get all of the tasks done in that day, still write them down. You can always move tasks to the next day if they’re not completed.

I have a container of small, square pieces of paper that act as my to-do lists, because I prefer having my lists in-front of me in reality, not virtually. If, however, you prefer not to clutter your desk up that little bit more, then there are always alternatives (such as Remember the Milk).

You could also experiment what times best for you to write up your to-do list. I prefer writing mine early in the morning, rather than late at night (to be used the next day).

2. Focus on the task at hand

It’s very easy to get distracted when working at a computer, because having access to the Internet means infinite amounts of entertainment and distractions. Once you have all the materials required to do a piece of work, deactivate your Internet adapter so you can’t get access to the Internet. Then, continue to work on the project at hand until you’ve got as much as you can done. I would also recommend you switch off any music, or other applications you may have running. Music actually causes your brain to drift into other realms of thought, so it’s not good practice to be actively listening to music whilst designing.

3. Work hard and enjoy yourself

This is very true, especially for those of us who are freelancers and are totally responsible for how long we work for. If we’ve managed to spend a few hours in a deep work cycle, at the end of it all, treat yourself a little. Whether that means sitting down with a book and a cup of your favorite hot chocolate, or going out for a game of football. I would recommend though, that you take your breaks away from the computer, and outside if you can – you don’t get much fresh air in-front of a monitor all day now, do you?

Conclusion

Designing is a creative, enlightening process, and can’t be treated like usual work. You can’t work the same hours and still be productive. Instead, focus on getting a few really great hours out of each day, and you’ll be moving forward to becoming more efficient and productive, and therefore earn more each year.

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Tags: Tips and Tricks

17 Responses to “3 Simple Tips to Boost Productivity for Designers”

Sigurdur Armannsson

25. Sep, 2009

I have used todo lists for ages. On my computers I use Things which I sync via Dropbox.

But I am not always at a computer but carry a Moleskine. The circles i used to put in front of every task or project in my lists developed into a simple system that is easy to use. It gives a visual overlook over what is done and what is not.

I would like to share this system with you all: http://font.is/?p=790
Josh C

25. Sep, 2009

To-do lists help me greatly, especially paper and pen ones these days. I just keep a little notebook and scrawl everything down. It all, magically, gets done!
theComplex

25. Sep, 2009

I get HORRIBLY distracted… especially when I’m frustrated. And lists definitely keeps me on track. Disabling internet will take time to work up to. LOL. Greats tips, thanks.
3 Simple Tips to Boost Productivity for Designers | Design Newz

25. Sep, 2009

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Jessie

25. Sep, 2009

Great tips! I’m gonna have to take the “disable” the internet one… lol but if I hadn’t been on the internet I wouldn’t have found this article. lol Back to work!! I promise!

Thanks again!

-j2
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25. Sep, 2009

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26. Sep, 2009

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26. Sep, 2009

3 Simple Tips to Boost Productivity for Designers…

If you’re like me, and looking for ways to get more out of each day (which seems to be passing faster and faster) then these are definitely tips for you….
Josh R.

26. Sep, 2009

If only it was so easy.
kream

26. Sep, 2009

Great post! I use Thing for my to do list, usually i write little steps, the list is longer but I have the sensation to work more fast!
Bendesign

26. Sep, 2009

Great Article. lists help me to organize good, especially paper and pen ones these days. I keep also a little notebook with me all the time.
cynicdesign

27. Sep, 2009

Great article. Thanks. I agree with every point.

1. To do list: I’m always surprised when other artists see my to-do list sitting on my desk and say “wow, you’re so organized”. Really? Everyone should be doing this. I use regular lined paper and draw a box in the margin next to each item. When it’s done I fill in the box. Easy to scan the column and see what’s been done and what hasn’t. *Bonus: when i fill in the box put the date in next to it. Helps me keep a simple record of what projects I was working on which day.

2. Focus: Funny, I always put on music when I start working on a project… then after a few hours I’ll often look around and realize that the music ran out and I’ve been sitting in silence for hours w/o realizing it. Those are good days.

3. Enjoy yourself: This is my worst sticking point. I agree totally that we need to get outside. I just relocated to San Francisco and I like to just get up and walk around the neighborhood. Knowing full well that the time I’m spending “not working” is time well spent on keeping my mind clear for the creative demands of this special kind of work that I do.

Thanks again
Luke Lux

27. Sep, 2009

I have enjoyed your article, very well written.
Thanks to post it!
Ben Rama

27. Sep, 2009

first person ive seen to poiny out listening to music is counter productive which i agree with totally

i nee absolute silence to concentate fully
multi tasking is a myth – it just focusing one one thing then another in rapis succession – its not possible to focus on 2 thiings at the same time -
FreelanceShack

27. Sep, 2009

A great article. You have raised some very interesting points. I hope you don’t mind me saying, I have recently written an article on things which kill creativity, which I think links very nicely to this as lack of creativity is what causes a lack in productivity at times.

The article can be seen at: http://www.freelanceshack.com/the-dirty-dozen-12-things-which-kill-creativity/
joyoge bookmark

30. Sep, 2009

helpful article, thanks for tips..
Avoiding Designer's Block

05. Oct, 2009

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