Investing in Productivity: The Tools Behind My Best Work
Since COVID, work has permanently evolved. Remote collaboration, hybrid work culture, global clients, and digital-first engagement are no longer temporary adjustments — they are the operating model.
As someone who spends over 10 hours a day designing, researching, collaborating, presenting, and creating, productivity is not optional. It is infrastructure.
I do not see these purchases as expenses.
I see them as strategic investments that help me deliver world-class output to my clients.
Here’s the ecosystem behind my productivity.
The Foundation:
My Hybrid Work Command Centre
Hybrid work means a high-performance home setup. Most of my client meetings, workshops, and design reviews happen over video calls. That demands reliability, clarity, and seamless workflow switching.
Primary Machine: Power Without Compromise
✣ MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro
This is my main workstation. Performance, stability, battery life — it handles large Figma files, Adobe projects, video editing, and multi-tab research without friction.
It’s the core engine behind every deliverable.
Extended Research & Visual Workspace
✣ iMac Retina 5K 27-inch
Used as my secondary monitor and research screen. Podcasts, long-form research, visual inspiration, documentation — it keeps my primary workspace distraction-free while expanding cognitive space.
Mobility Layer
✣ iPad 8th generation Cellular
For research on the move, video calls, and quick ideation. Cellular capability ensures I am connected even outside my home office.
Creative Software Stack
Hardware means nothing without the right creative tools.
✣ Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
✣ Figma
These are my daily drivers for product design, visual systems, UX documentation, prototyping, and creative experimentation.
They enable scale, collaboration, and precision.
Precision Tool for Deep Creative Work
Creativity requires tactile interaction.
Pen Tablet for Retouching & Detailing
✣ Wacom Intuos Pro
Purchased during a USA business trip in 2015 — still performing flawlessly. Used for photo retouching, digital illustration, and detailed UI refinements.
It transforms digital work into a natural drawing experience.
Seamless Control Across Devices
Switching between devices must be instant. Especially during client calls.
Primary Keyboard & Mouse
✣ Logitech Signature Slim Solar K980
✣ Logitech MX Master 4
They allow me to move fluidly between MacBook, iMac, and iPad. Precision scrolling, multi-device switching, and ergonomic comfort make long sessions effortless.
Backup setup:
✣ Apple Magic Keyboard
✣ Apple Magic Mouse
Redundancy matters when productivity is non-negotiable.
Audio for Focus
Studio-Grade Desktop Sound
✣ JBL Professional 104 Compact Desktop Reference 60 W Bluetooth Studio Speakers
Music, podcasts, design talks — high-quality audio enhances focus and creative immersion.
Visual Storytelling & Photography Ecosystem
Photography is more than a hobby — it sharpens observation, composition, and storytelling.
Primary Camera
✣ Canon EOS R6 Mark III
✣ Paired with a 24-105mm F2.8 L lens — versatile enough for travel, events, and professional-grade personal assignments.
Travel Drone
✣ DJI Mini 3 Pro
Lightweight and powerful. It captures stories from the sky.
Mobile Video Setup
✣ iPhone 16 Pro Max
✣ DJI Osmo Mobile 7P
For handheld stabilisation, quick shoots, and social storytelling.
Safe Storage
✣ Andbon AB-50C
Cameras, lenses, and hard disks need humidity control. Protecting equipment is protecting long-term investment.
Ergonomics: Designing for 10+ Hour Days
High output requires physical sustainability.
Standing Desk
✣ ErgoYou E2 Series Dual Motor Standing Desk
Adjustable height keeps circulation active and prevents fatigue.
Ergonomic Chair
✣ DROGO Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair
Adaptive lumbar support, headrest, footrest — critical for posture during long design sessions.
Foot Support
✣ PALO034 Ergonomic Footrest
Subtle, but impactful. Keeps posture aligned and improves sustained focus.
Analog Thinking in a Digital World
Not all ideas start on screens.
- Thought Dots notebook
- Staedtler pencils
User flows, system diagrams, and idea generation — paper allows unconstrained thinking before digital structuring.
The Apple Ecosystem Advantage
I am deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
✣ Apple
Apple Notes, Reminders, cross-device continuity — everything syncs instantly across devices.
This reduces cognitive load and decision friction.
You can read more about my Apple ecosystem philosophy here:
Workspace Infrastructure & DIY Discipline
Home Office Setup
✣ IKEA
Functional, minimal, practical.
Maintenance Tools
✣ Stanley 3-story toolbox
From gadget maintenance to vehicle care — independence matters.
Vehicles maintained:
Jeep Meridian
Triumph Tiger
DIY builds resilience and hands-on problem-solving.
Creative Recovery & Stress Reset
Sustainable productivity includes recovery.
✣ Sony PlayStation 5
Playing with my kids resets stress, stimulates strategic thinking, and strengthens family bonds. Creativity often emerges during relaxation.
