This project runs on good desks and good people. A shout-out to Adam, our latest Productivity Patron — a photographer and filmmaker from Sacramento, CA.
His extra-long desk is split in two: one side for deep digital work (editing, research, client calls), the other for analog thinking — mostly writing scripts by hand in a notebook.
“It’s been super helpful to disconnect from digital to stay creative.”
Adam’s releasing a fantasy short film on May 9th — trailer’s live now:
👉 Watch it here
Thanks to members like Adam for keeping Maker Stations alive. Become a Patron.
Now, let’s get into this week’s setup.
Name: Med Badr Chemmaoui
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Occupation: Sr Product Designer, Design Manager
Room size: 23 m² (250 ft²)
Cost of setup: ~$6-7K
Social media: Instagram
Website: Med Badr Chemmaoui
Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a seasoned Product Designer with 8+ years of expertise in crafting digital solutions that seamlessly blend functionality, strong UX, and aesthetics.
Beyond design, I’m a photographer and content creator passionate about storytelling, with a side interest in the art and craft of typography.
Take us through your setup
| Item | Model |
|---|---|
| Monitor | Apple Studio Display ×2 |
| Monitor light bar | Xiaomi Mi Light Bar |
| Laptop | MacBook Pro M1 2022 |
| Speakers | Audioengine A2+ |
| Headphones | Sony XM5s AirPods Pro |
| Keyboard | Custom mechanical keyboard |
| Mouse | Logitech MX Master 3S |
| Desk mat | Grovemade Felt Desk Pad |
| Mouse mat | Grovemade Leather Mouse Pad |
| Chair | Herman Miller Aeron |
| Desk shelf | Twelve South Curve Riser |
| Laptop stand | HumanCentric Vertical Laptop Stand |
| Tablet | iPad Pro 13-inch |
My workspace is built for design, photography, and video editing.
It strikes a balance between function and aesthetics.
It’s clean, intentional, and always evolving.
Natural light plays a huge role, making long hours in front of the screen much easier.
At the core of my setup are a large desk (FlexiSpot), an ergonomic chair (Herman Miller Aeron), and the Studio Display — which I landed on after testing several monitors.
The choice of the Studio Display came down to colour accuracy, sharpness, and seamless integration with my workflow.
Positioning the desk was a key decision.
I placed it to maximise natural light without causing glare.
I’ve also incorporated light management solutions like the BenQ and Xiaomi lightbars for a more comfortable viewing experience.
This setup has been years in the making — constant tweaks, repositioning, and refining.
The biggest challenge?
The trial and error of figuring out what works best. But that’s part of the process.
Right now, the flow feels great, but I’m already thinking about better storage for my gear and upgrading my mic setup.
A workspace is never truly done.
It’s a work in progress, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
What’s your favourite item on your desk?
It’s a tie between my mechanical keyboard and the Studio Display — both because they get the most use.
The Display is essential for my work, providing the accuracy I need for design, photography, and video editing.
The mechanical keyboard, on the other hand, is the tool I physically interact with the most, making it just as indispensable.
If I had to pick one, I’d go with the Display.
What apps or tools do you use to get things done?
I use Figma for product design and brainstorming. It’s fast, collaborative, and great for organising ideas.
Framer helps me build interactive prototypes with ease, making design feel more real.
For creative work, Lightroom handles photo editing, Final Cut Pro is my go-to for video editing, and Photoshop is there for detailed edits.
Each tool has its role, keeping my workflow smooth.
What books, blogs, or podcasts recently caught your attention?
Lately, I’ve been reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin — it’s a refreshing take on creativity, focusing more on mindset than techniques.
It’s a great reminder that creativity isn’t just about making things, but about how we see the world.
Definitely recommend it if you’re into design or any creative field.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
“All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now” (Rick Rubin)
For UX and product design, The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman is a classic.
It breaks down how good (or bad) design affects user experience in everyday life.
Another great one is Hooked by Nir Eyal, which dives into how products keep users engaged.
Both are solid reads if you’re into UX, product strategy, or just interested in making things people actually want to use.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products
Why do some products capture widespread attention while others flop? What makes us engage with certain products out of sheer habit? Is there a pattern underlying how technologies hook us? Nir Eyal answers these questions (and many more) by explaining the Hooked Model — a four-step process embedded into the products of many successful companies.
Any tips for other makers who want to improve their workspaces?
Keep it simple and functional — invest in a good monitor, a comfortable chair, and a mechanical keyboard if you type a lot.
Proper lighting and a clutter-free desk also makes a huge difference in focus and productivity.
What does your typical day look like?
I wake up around 6 am and usually wind down for bed between 11 pm and midnight.
My mornings start with a shower and some water, followed by a quick look at Google Calendar — the first app I open — to get a sense of the day ahead.
I prefer to schedule presentations and focused work in the morning, while energy levels are high, reserving meetings and admin tasks for later in the day, when deeper focus is harder to maintain.
I switch workspaces slightly but typically spend six to ten hours at my desk.
Keeping some flexibility in my routine helps maintain focus and prevent burnout.
Outside of work, I like to be out with my camera, capturing moments and changing environments.
I also enjoy playing chess and snooker — both require a mix of patience and strategy.
Exploring new restaurants is something I enjoy as well — there’s something refreshing about discovering new flavours and places.
I’ve been working remotely on and off since 2020 and generally prefer it, though I see value in occasional in-person collaboration.
A quarterly meetup for team bonding and discussions feels useful.
It’s about finding a balance that fosters both productivity and flexibility.
Your tips for working from home?
Working from home is all about structure and balance.
I stick to clear work hours and use Google Calendar to block time for deep work, meetings, and admin tasks.
Getting the most important work done early helps keep the day on track.
I take short breaks every couple of hours and keep my workspace tidy and dedicated to work.
A simple end-of-day routine — like shutting down my laptop or changing environments — helps separate work from personal time.
For anyone new to WFH, set boundaries — both with your time and space.
It’s easy to always be “on,” but having set hours and a good desk setup makes a huge difference.
Makers
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