Akash Nagaraj Desk Setup — Workspaces #505

Akash (Ash) Nagaraj is a Software Designer (and two-time failed startup founder) who is constantly intrigued by audacious product and industry-disrupting businesses.

He is currently leading design at Tessact, where they are automating video edits and workflow tasks at scale.

At some point, his goal is to give the founder life another go. Blending his work as a designer and product person is his path towards getting there.

Follow Akash on Twitter.

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

In London, I picked up a few extremely well crafted items like the menu of a certain cafe, WatchHouse and the Packaging of Aesop products. I felt they were items to be framed as sources of inspiration.

What is one change you'd like to make to your current workspace?

I have been sitting on these office chairs for a couple of years now, but I increasingly want a solid wood chair with very little cushion as a way to sit well when I sit down and get up and walk around when I feel less comfortable.

Walk us through your morning routine—what’s the first thing you do at your desk?

Most days the desk is used before I get to work and once I come back. Before I get to work it's the quiet place that becomes the best place to read a book, article or anything that can set the right things to ponder over. This with a well brewed coffee is the perfect morning routine to get off to.

What’s one productivity trick that actually works for you?

It's not your usual, but there are days where I'll repeat listen to the same song over and over and over again as a way to get into and stay in flow state. I know for the fact that some of my best work has happened when I'm looping the same song.

What’s the most underrated app or tool you use every day?

It's Raycast by far, it makes everything easier. Get's me to the right places quickly, does quick math like it's nobody's business and even figures out rem to px values in seconds. It’s a real super power to use.