351 - Tyler Hackbart

Tyler Hackbart is currently a Senior Data Ingestion Manager that joins his love of data, problem solving and programming all in one job.

He also runs a dev and design company called Juice Box Monkey Designs that one day he hopes to spin out full-time.

He is a self taught programmer that opted out of post secondary to hit the ground running.

His workspace is outfitted with two full whiteboard walls and he still runs out of space sometimes.

Twitter (X) → twitter.com/tylerhackbart

Inside Tyler's Workspace

Tech

• Standing Desk from IKEA‍
• Autonomous ErgoChair Core (Cool Gray)‍
• Apple Studio Display
• MacBook Pro 15Inch Intel
• MacBook Air M1
• iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
  

Aesthetics & Stuff

• Duel Laptop Stand by Nukoi‍
• Swift Pixel Pillow‍
• Gather by Ugmonk (First Generation, early Kickstart backed item, very handy to keep your space clean)
• Pallet Coasters by Design Studio Labyrinth
  

Software

• VSCode
• Xcode
• Adobe Xd (early access and haven’t looked back since)
• Notion

What is the most useful item in your workspace?

Honestly I am torn between my post-it notes and my two whiteboard walls. Both capture quick ideas and sometimes quick solutions when my mind is going. I use it during every step of the design process as well as mapping out new features or architecture of a new app.

How do you spark creativity?

I usually put on an album of something like Jackson Square by Arkells or Modern Vampaires of the City by Vampire Weekend and let my mind wonder a bit. If it's dark outside, thats a plus.

How do you mange work-life balance?

This is a hard question, growing up on a farm and having a farm-raised view of work. My work has been most of my life, however with becoming a new dad this past year it has made me reevaluate my priorities, that bug or build can wait till another day, being present has much more of an impact.  Don’t get me wrong, a late night coding session while blasting music is still very much a weekly task, just not every day anymore.

What do you think is the main benefit of remote work?

Flexibility. Prior to the pandemic, I was leaving home at 7:30am and not getting home till at least 6pm and where I live for multiple months of the year that means dark outside leaving, dark outside coming home. Since remote, I am able to tackle little chores throughout the day during lunch or even just waiting for my mid-morning coffee to brew. Taking the dog out for a walk if I need a break to refocus. Little checkins and maybe even take the little guy off my wife’s hands so she can run to the store for a second. Flexibility also allows me to be here for the important moments like first laugh and soon first walk. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.