Productivity is something that all web designers and developers strive for. We all have too much work to do so anything that can help us along the way can make a big difference.
It is difficult to remove yourself from the current ways of doing things but it is necessary to investigate what areas you can improve upon as every little detail can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid of change.
1. Use Software that works for You
Whether you’re designing or developing there is a huge choice of software out there to get the job done. All applications have different features and it is up to you to find what works best.
Take advantage of the free trials of all the software that look good to you, even if you’re comfortable with what you’re using now. Developers are constantly upgrading their applications and releasing new programs so try and keep up-to-date.
2. Create Keyboard shortcuts for repetitive tasks
If a keyboard shortcut doesn’t exist for a task that you do more than a few times on a daily basis, create a keyboard shortcut for it. You’ll be surprised how much time this will save and it will also cut down on frustration on having to constantly dive into a menu or find a setting.
Here’s a good example of how to do this in Photoshop.
3. Build up a Library of commonly used Elements
If you regularly use something that has to be created for every, or most projects then it would be best to lay the foundations and put this to one side so it is easily accessible each time you need it.
For example, build out common layouts in HTML and CSS so that you can get a head-start on coding a new site when you need them.
4. Busy? Close your Email/Twitter client/IM App
Probably the hardest thing to do but can be one of the most effective ways of getting work done in a busy period of the day. While these all can be very useful tools, it is better to set aside time for them to reduce distraction.
Close your Twitter client when you're busy
5. Use an effective Project Management Tool
Time spent with a clunky, out-of-date management tool is time wasted. Find the best one that suits your needs that allows you to spend more time getting you’re work done.
Also, if you’re using more than one system to manage multiple aspects of a project, stop and find one that incorporates everything you need.
6. Keep your Files accessible from any Computer
Use an application such as Dropbox which automatically uploads files in a specified folder on your PC or Mac, to your account space on the internet.
Use Dropbox to backup and access files from anywhere
You can then access these files from a web browser or by installing the software on another computer which will download every file that has been uploaded.
Great when working on multiple machines with the added bonus of having everything backed up offsite. Highly recommended.
7. Keep your working Environment clean and organised
By keeping things clean and organised you can free your mind of any worry or stress and focus on what you need to do.
Keep your desk tidy and clear of anything that shouldn’t be there. Any unnecessary items will only serve as a distraction.
Have nothing on the desktop of your computer except for an inspirational wallpaper image and hide your dock/taskbar to further clear your working space of clutter.
8. Make sure You know what you’ve got to do
Sounds obvious but can be time consuming, as well as frustrating, redoing something because you didn’t understand what was required. If you stick to the client’s brief then you know that any time wasted because of a misunderstanding is not your fault.
9. Try and do most of your Work before Lunchtime
Wake up early or get to work earlier and get the bulk of your work done before lunch. That way you’ll feel like you’ve earned your lunch break and have a less stressful afternoon.
While you won’t be able to finish everything before lunch, you will feel better for getting most of it out of the way freeing you up to spend more time on other tasks.
Although, do make sure to set a fixed time to go to lunch or you’ll risk burning out for the day and having a less productive afternoon.
10. Take your Time, don’t rush
Rushing things can cause problems and when things go wrong you’ll be spending more time fixing what you’ve done rather than getting on with the next task.
Sure, mistakes are going to happen but taking your time can reduce them significantly.
Do whatever works for You
Above all, whatever solution you choose, make sure it works for you. It’s no good copying someone else who gets a lot of work done when it doesn’t suit you need and just frustrates you.
If you have any productivity tips let us know in the comments.
Use GTD method from David Allen.
A way to do this is creating a list of what you have to do Tommorow and just follow this list (do not add some tasks in this list, do It Tommorow)
An other powerfull tool is making an Excell sheet with the time you spent on every task (developpment, grahsim, layout in Photoshop, CSS etc…) => This way, you will know for future projects which tasks take a lot of time and you can answer the question of a customer : How long will it take to design a complete website
Last but not least : use GTD sofwtares to manage your projects like GTD Tracks http://www.rousette.org.uk/projects/ or GTD ThinkingRock http://www.trgtd.com.au/
(PS : sorry for my bad english, I’m from Belgium
)
Great advice! Keeping a to do list is handy. Starting with the harder tasks makes a huge difference. Multitasking is not for everyone, some of us feel more comfy focusing on one thing at a time. One last thing, what Twitter client are you using? Cheers.
I like your idea of getting a lot of work done before lunch. For me, there seems to be a relationship between how much I get done in the morning, and my perception of how much I get done, period! Not sure why, but it works for me.
Thanks for the thoughts!
Excellent list, thanks for sharing. More people should read this one.
I also suggest using headphones to isolate you from your surroundings, since it certainly has an impact on your productivity.
11: Version control all non-trivial code. Even if you’re just a one-person shop, having a history on every file will save you a lot of time when changes inevitably have to be rolled back.
Thanks for sharing. Great tips here.
Wow, nice advice!Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Also, another great idea is to create a weekly calendar. Map out your week into blocks of different type of work. By doing this, you create a sense of rhythm in your week and this is always a good thing. For example, set a block aside for Marketing one day a week and another block aside for Emails, Accounts, Invoicing etc. Creating structure in your week will ensure that you’re not jumping from task to task and your brain will quickly adapt to this new pattern.
Hope this helps. Good post too btw!
Rgds,
JB
Nice work, great advice too, never knew about Dropbox but now I am using it
Thanks for all the extra tips. It’s interesting to see how other people work.
Keep them coming!
I use Timepanic to keep a track & a log of my tasks. Really helps me become more efficient.
Great article. Very useful suggestions, and an interesting insight into how other people manage their day. Thanks.
I agree with a previous response… Using headphones to separate yourself from your surroundings is a great way to increase productivity… Especially if you work in a crowded or otherwise noisy office!
I also think that uptempo music is another great way to keep the productivity at it’s peak!
Martin and Josh, I completely agree that listening to music really helps especially as I do work in a noisy office.
It really allows me to block out all the distracting/annoying conversations and phones constantly ringing and focus on what I need to do.
Great post. Really useful tips for getting the work done.
Really should follow no. 9. I usually start at lunch and tend not to finish until breakfast next day – probably not the best way to productivity!
Nice article.
What twitter client is being used on step #4?
That would be Tweetie. My favourite Twitter client but Mac only I’m afraid.
its a good post. i follow a to do list on my white borad
I agree with all of the above. Great Post! I would also add using a ToDo list application like Things for Mac. Cheers!
thanks for the ten. it`s very works ^_____^
I have recently found that uptempo music or music in general, really doesn’t help my thought processes.
I used to never be able to concentrate. I found that its the constant music I have playing. Also, if I turn it off I have whirring of my noisy power supply.
Unplugged the headphones and upgraded power supplies now I’m productivity king!
Thanks for the post!
Blog on, Squire
Matthew, I find that instrumental music works the best. Anything with lyrics can be too distracting although now and again it doesn’t make a difference.
While most of these clues are 100% true, no 9 is way too personal, I work at night, from 9pm to about 2am, lunch is my first meal just after I get up, but then the last point, “do whatever works for you”, that’s the most obvious but often forgotten advice.
Listening to the music you like helps too, and helps much I must add.
What a great post! Thx to everyone!
Nice tips. Dropbox is a must if you use multiple computers, like I do
Very useful Info in simple steps. Looking forward for more tips in the list…….:)
Wonderful list. Thanks for putting it together. The bittbox and dropbox recommendations were key for me!
Regards
Some great tips there! In regards to getting most of the work done before lunch, I actually find if I get up at say 4am, relax with a book for an hour, then work from 5am until 7:30 or so, that is my most productive 2 and a half hours of the day! I then get breakfast, have a shower, all that sort of thing and then get stuck into work for a few more hours until lunch time, this being the next most productive part of the day. This usually means after lunch I don’t have much to do and the day has not only been super productive, but it feels great to take a lunch break and then only have a few minor tasks left to complete before being able to enjoy a mostly work-free afternoon and evening!
thanks tom.. this is great tips