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It works for some people, it doesn't work for others. It's a mistake to think that more screens means more distractions for everyone. It certainly doesn't for m

by beaner 12y ago

It works for some people, it doesn't work for others. It's a mistake to think that more screens means more distractions for everyone. It certainly doesn't for me. When I'm focused on an app, it gets my attention, and the mere presence of data nearby doesn't really get me. The benefit for me is in app switching, because I never have think about it when I can just glance over. The things that do affect me are popups and noises and the nearby phone. But these are all things that still exist on a single-monitor setup. I'm glad the author has found a solution that works for him, but it's wrong to generalize it as a solution for everyone.

kennu 12y ago
I've found it depends on the depth of 'flow' you're in. When trying to force yourself to get something done (perhaps using various productivity techniques), eliminating distractions can be quite beneficial. OTOH when actually enjoying what you're doing and being naturally focused, the distractions don't really matter and can even add enjoyment to the work. Personally I can detect this easily by trying to watch TV or movies at the same time as I'm working. If it feels good, then I'm naturally focused on the work. If it feels distracting, then it's probably best to eliminate all distractions.
engendered 12y ago
but it's wrong to generalize it as a solution for everyone This is the fundamental flaw in virtually all quick-fix lifehack kind of pieces -- they project personal habits and failings generally, and then make broad claims about how to fix their own issues. It is the alcoholic telling you not to keep alcoholic beverages in your house. I feel absolutely claustrophobic on a laptop with but a single work surface. And it isn't because I need multiple unrelated things fighting for my attention, but instead because I need maximal information for the singular thing I am working on. The flow of using all of the pieces of information is much higher -- for me -- when I don't need to task shift, shroud other pieces of information, and so on. Docs/requirements/protocol specs on one screen, IDE on the other at the minimum. Realistically I usually like the IDE itself on multiple screens, inspector/project structure/source management on one, text editor on the other. Sometimes I split the text editor across multiple screens. But that's personal habit. As mentioned I find working on a laptop absolutely crippling, though I have no doubt that there are people for whom it is ideal.

by beaner 12y ago

kennu 12y ago

I've found it depends on the depth of 'flow' you're in. When trying to force yourself to get something done (perhaps using various productivity techniques), eliminating distractions can be quite beneficial. OTOH when actually enjoying what you're doing and being naturally focused, the distractions don't really matter and can even add enjoyment to the work. Personally I can detect this easily by trying to watch TV or movies at the same time as I'm working. If it feels good, then I'm naturally focused on the work. If it feels distracting, then it's probably best to eliminate all distractions.

engendered 12y ago

but it's wrong to generalize it as a solution for everyone This is the fundamental flaw in virtually all quick-fix lifehack kind of pieces -- they project personal habits and failings generally, and then make broad claims about how to fix their own issues. It is the alcoholic telling you not to keep alcoholic beverages in your house. I feel absolutely claustrophobic on a laptop with but a single work surface. And it isn't because I need multiple unrelated things fighting for my attention, but instead because I need maximal information for the singular thing I am working on. The flow of using all of the pieces of information is much higher -- for me -- when I don't need to task shift, shroud other pieces of information, and so on. Docs/requirements/protocol specs on one screen, IDE on the other at the minimum. Realistically I usually like the IDE itself on multiple screens, inspector/project structure/source management on one, text editor on the other. Sometimes I split the text editor across multiple screens. But that's personal habit. As mentioned I find working on a laptop absolutely crippling, though I have no doubt that there are people for whom it is ideal.