442 - Yann-Edern Gillet

Yann-Edern is currently a designer at Linear, working on the desktop app, helping shape the system for modern product development.

On the side, he loves to play with APIs and build tools for designers, engineers, and makers. He also regularly experiments with interactions and concepts on his personal website.

He was previously featured in edition #261 of this newsletter, back in February 2023.

Twitter (X) → twitter.com/yannglt
Website → yannglt.com

Yann-Edern's Workspace Tour

Physical Workspace Items

• Autonomous SmartDesk Core
• Autonomous ErgoChair
• IKEA Skådis
• Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro for work, M2 Pro for personal use
• iPad Air (4th-gen)
• Apple Studio Display
• Bose 700
• Mode Designs Sonnet Keyboard - current config listed here
• Logitech MX Master 3S
• Ugmonk Gather
• Ugmonk Analog
• Shure MV7+
• Elgato Key Light Air
• Analogue Pocket (Original Edition, Black)
• PRVKE 21L

Digital Tools

• MyMind
• Raycast
• Linear
• Figma
• Zed + Hyper
• !Habits and !Vibes (also using Endel)
• Framer
• Rive
• Screen Studio
• Arc

What is the most recent item that you've added to your workspace?

I’ve finally joined the cool desk shelf crewTM by adding the Ugmonk Gather monitor stand and its components to my desk, and I absolutely love it. I was lacking some storage in my previous setup, and it also contributes to reinforcing the workspace vibe I’m trying to bring to my desk.

I also recently added the Ugmonk Analog to my routine. It’s the perfect physical companion to Linear for both day job and personal projects. It brings clarity and acts as a focus starter for me: before working on something, I tidy up my desk, hit play on one of my playlists, change the status of my task, and I’m ready.

What is an item under $100 that everyone should have in their workspace?

Regardless of your occupation, I think everyone should spend a bit of money on a great notebook and pen — so way less than $100. It’s probably the fastest way of organizing your thoughts and ideas, coming up with new ones, and being the starting point of great projects.

I’ve attended Raphael Schaad’s Config ’24 talk “From paper to pixels” and it resonated a lot with my approach and gave me some new ideas to try. Also loved his mix of scans + organizing every page on Figma, absolutely recommend watching it!

What did you consider when making upgrades to your workspace?

I think it’s easy to fall into the trap of adding too much stuff to your workspace. Feeling surrounded by great pieces of design (or even art) is really tempting, but you’ll quickly run out of space.

Finding the right balance between a minimalist and cozy place is really tricky, but that’s also the fun part of building your own workspace.