Posted: February 17, 2020
A personal list of purchases that have made a real difference to how I work, stay healthy and switch off, from noise-cancelling headphones through to an espresso machine and a drumkit.
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I picked up a pair of Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones a few years ago and haven’t looked back. Being able to put them on and create a bit of a personal space while you work is great, and they’re equally useful for travel. In the office I tend to use Apple AirPods as they’re a bit less conspicuous and I feel more approachable.
Of all my tech purchases, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has been one of the best. Being able to buy a book and start reading it immediately is a game-changer, and having a built-in dictionary and the ability to carry multiple books without the extra weight in your bag is genuinely useful.
I carry a pen and notepad everywhere so I can capture ideas away from my desk. The number of times I’ve been stuck on a problem, stepped away for some fresh air and come back with the answer is more than I’d like to admit.
I treated myself to a Rocket Espresso Mozzafiato Evoluzione R for my 40th birthday and it’s been an absolute game-changer for making cafe-quality coffee at home. I also did a 3-day “City & Guilds International Award in Barista Skills” course, which was well worth it.
It comes with a mobile and desktop app which allows you to control music and connect multiple speakers so the same track can be played throughout the house, regardless of which room you’re in. The price, size and quality of these speakers are second to none.
I bought an Apple Watch Series 5 in late 2019 to track health and fitness activity. Previously, I had a FitBit and then a Rip Curl GPS surf watch, however, I’ve found the Apple Watch beats the competition hands down. Apple has done a great job of introducing gamification (badges) and nudges (notifications) to remind you to stay active. Once you start closing your three rings (move, exercise and stand) it creates a habit of making health and exercise part of your daily routine.
Having a dog is a great reminder to take breaks. Taking them for a walk during the day is an easy way to get outside and get some fresh air and perspective.
A gym membership means you’re no longer at the mercy of the weather. I vary my workouts based on how I’m feeling, yoga, weights, cardio, stretching, anything that helps me surf for longer and enjoy it more. Mixing things up keeps me motivated.
I’m a member of the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF), the world’s largest UX design learning community, with a strong focus on UX management, user research, design thinking and usability.
I’m working on designing my life around the things I care most about: surfing, family, design, coffee, reading, studying, skating, health and fitness.
If this sounds like the way you like to work, get in contact to tell me a little about yourself and your project and I'd be happy to help. Send me an email at hello@richmcnabb.com.