Comments on: David Allen’s workspace, clearly labeled

By: Felicia

Felicia — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:41:11 +0000

This was helpful. I find that workspace is very individual, so I don’t try to imitate David’s. But there are ideas I can use, like having files and supplies close at hand so processing is easier.

By: gsc gtd

gsc gtd — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:08:07 +0000

When I saw Dave’s workstation/office desk there was 1 thing that entered my mind… productivity! :) I’m thinking Dave’s arrangement is very effective to maximize productivity. Thanks Dave for giving us GTD system :)

By: Babs

Babs — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:01:12 +0000

Yikes! Thought he would be organized! I’d be happy to offer my services to help him be more productive from an office point of view. This makes me wonder if he isn’t more than a little OCD and stuck in his ways. Not good to have your back to the door. The light is poor and I bet this is as straight as this desk has been in awhile. Just for a photo, you know. I use part of his GTD in Evernote. Part because it was revised and is quick and sensible. You don’t have to spend your LIFE scrutinizing and deciding and planning what to do next. You would never GTD if you overanalyze EVERY detail And besides that, if you read others opinions, it’s only common sense that you take the best ideas/suggestions of someone else and incorporate it with your own personal style. That’s all he really has to say…And get on with it, for goodness sakes! He’s lightened up some since he’s learning to use Evernote, I read. Maybe, he, too will GTD with it and the bare bones of HIS system! Love the dog. I have a Jack Russell named Butler who sits in his own wicker bed in front of a window. The sweetheart needs to enter and organize this office! lol!

By: BV

BV — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:10:01 +0000

Wow, I’d get rid of 50% of what’s on the desk. Am I the only one that thinks the desk, for a start is too small?

That, and if you do a LOT of written and computer work, you need more space/OR push the computer back to work. One has to remember where you legs go, otherwise you end up straining accross your desk at an angle to write things down!

I have a printer, file cabinet (something similar) and an in-tray on the other side of the room, and that way most of my desk is clear and inviting. Perhaps it’s the minimalist bent that I’m on, but I really wouldn’t enjoy working at David’s desk. I still respect the system he advocates.

By: Jan vdP

Jan vdP — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:45:29 +0000

I’ve heard David once saying that he chose to always use a laptop-size screen, so he wouldn’t get used to a big screen at home, and then miss it while he was on the go.

That idea has changed :) Just like the replacement of the IBM by a Apple.

Thanks for sharing!

– Jan van der Ploeg, the Netherlands

By: Victor

Victor — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:27:05 +0000

No caffeine please, the best is some jogging ;)

By: GTD Times Staff

GTD Times Staff — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:16:25 +0000

For those who asked about the file cabinets, they’re made by Herman Miller.

– GTD Times Staff

By: Drew Clarke

Drew Clarke — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:47:25 +0000

Sorry. I see this as distracting and wasteful in space.
There should be nothing on the desk apart from what is being worked upon at that moment. Other projects and files tidily stored away as they’ll distract you. Why do you need a clock? You have a watch(probably), a computer, a mobile phone – all with clocks.
In-tray, how quaintly 1950’s, great way of storing mess – although this is quite tidy.
What is all the crust under the left corner of the monitor? You shouldn’t have peripherals on the desk that aren’t being used all the time. They just attract dust, take up space and risk being damaged.
Your monitor is too close to your normal sitting position.
If you want to get stuff done, get rid of the distractions. The dog is a good idea though and they always seem to know exactly when you need a break!
What could be better at the end of the day, than putting everything away, leaving a clean desk, putting a sense of closure on the work and walking away – next day, clean desk, fresh start,get out what you need when you need it.
Kill the clutter!

By: Mister Bogey

Mister Bogey — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:13:20 +0000

Surprised to see that a guru on work productivity works on an office on wheels…

By: Karla

Karla — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:38:30 +0000

Interesting that the phone is so far away. Thanks for the view in to see we are not so different. Add in a shredder and remove the iPad (can’t afford it) :)