369 - Patrick Morgan

Patrick Morgan is a designer and the creator of Better by Design, a newsletter sharing pragmatic strategies and tactics for designing high-leverage software.

Over the course of more than a decade, he’s helped companies like Leo Burnett, American Express, and Fastly craft category-leading brand and software designs.

Newsletter → betterbydesign.cc
Twitter (X) → twitter.com/itspatmorgan
LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/itspatmorgan

Inside Pat's Workspace

Pat was previously featured in edition #219 of Workspaces. This is his updated workspace in 2023.

Workspace items

• Autonomous SmartDesk Core
  
• Ikea ALEX drawers
  
• Apple Macbook Pro 14"
  
• Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27" 4K Monitor
• Logitech bluetooth mouse & keyboard
  
• Apple Magic Trackpad
  
• Logitech C920e webcam
  
• Apple Airpods Max
• Yamaha HS5 speakers
• Shure SM7B microphone
• Fender American Stratocaster
  
• Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar
• Roland RD-800 digital piano

Software

• Substack - Newsletter publishing
• Figma - Design
• Notion - Workflow & databases
• Super - Publishing my personal website via Notion
• ChatGPT - Writing & coding buddy
• Loom - Recording video tutorials
• Readwise Reader - Saving articles for inspiration & note taking
• YNAB - Staying on top of my finances

What is the most useful item in your workspace?

The sit/stand desk. It keeps me moving, lets me clamp on things like my speaker stands and mic arm, and provides a nice amount of space to toss extra gear besides my computer when I need it. It's not sexy, but it's a workhorse, that's for sure.

What does your typical daily routine look like?

I'm currently taking a sabbatical from client work, so right now I just try to 1) make something (design, writing, music, etc...), 2) go for a run and enjoy the Southern California outdoors, and 3) spend some time with friends. It's an intentionally chill life, for the moment.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. Though I started making my own half-caff blend to make sure my habit doesn't give me the jitters.