Cameron Moll Go to the source
A List Apart: Habit Fields : Jack Cheng, describing the habits we associate or exhibit with certain objects: Thanks to the computer’s ability to multitask, sometimes these habit fields actually become oriented around the act of switching programs! If you’re conditioned to alternate between different modes of working every few seconds, it’s no wonder you have a tough time staying focused on one thing. Later in the article, Jack shares a method he uses to remain focused: I have a comfortable chair reserved for e-mail, checking status updates, and leisurely surfing the web. I call it my ‘distraction chair.’ I try to reserve my work desk for actual work—writing, designing, and coding—and when I feel the inclination to read Twitter or check e-mail, I move to the lounge chair…. At first, it may seem like a nuisance to get up and move every time, but that’s exactly the point. Jack’s observations hit home a little too hard: I’ve become too comfortable with switching programs every few minutes, even every few seconds at times. The toll this takes on my ability to focus and remain productive is astounding… Read the rest here
