Designer’s Relaxing Desk Setup in Morocco

Name: Yassir Hanzife

Location: Safi, Morocco

Occupation: Product Designer / Webflow Developer

Room size: 16,75 m² (180 ft²)

Cost of setup: ~$6,5K

Social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, X

Website: Yassir Hanzife

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself

Hey there!

I’m Yassir Hanzife, a UX designer and Webflow developer with a lifelong love for graphic design that began when I first heard of the internet in 2008.

I started with Photoshop CC, explored gaming during my childhood, and drew inspiration from YouTubers like MKBHD when they were first starting out.

From an early age, I was always drawn to how technology influences the way we experience the world, whether through the immersive storytelling of video games or the sleek, simple design of everyday apps.

My path to UX design wasn’t exactly traditional. I actually started off as an Airbnb host in 2014, which, funny enough, ended up playing a huge part in my career shift.

Hosting taught me just how important it is to create seamless, user-friendly experiences via the app.

It opened my eyes to how much thought goes into designing environments, whether they’re physical spaces or digital ones, that feel inviting, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

My formal path into tech started with an IT degree, but what truly sparked my shift to UX design was discovering platforms like Pinterest and Airbnb.

These platforms showcased the power of visual aesthetics and intuitive design in creating smooth, engaging user journeys.

I found myself obsessively analysing interfaces, questioning why certain elements worked while others didn’t, and envisioning how I could improve them.

That fascination eventually led me to pursue UX design professionally.

Today, I craft user-centred designs, mostly for SaaS apps, mobile apps, Webflow development, and XR projects — bringing these designs to life.

I freelance, which gives me the flexibility to explore different industries, from e-commerce to SaaS platforms, and even AR/XR projects with a former AI start-up — always ensuring the user experience is as refined as possible.

I also focus on creating content that helps teach others about UX design and emerging technologies.

Feel free to check out some of my work or connect with me on LinkedIn, my YouTube channel, or my website, where I share design insights, case studies, portfolio pieces, and vlogs about tech and lifestyle!

Take us through your setup

My workspace is designed to blend functionality, comfort, and a touch of personal style.

At the centre is my Anda Seat ergonomic chair, which is perfect for long work sessions.

The main display is a widescreen monitor from LG, with my iPad M1 Pro 12.9″ positioned just below it, serving as a secondary screen for seamless multitasking.

What makes the space truly unique is the custom wooden wall panel and laptop stand that my dad and I crafted together, adding a personal touch.

The tabletop, also handmade by my father, is crafted from solid wood and rests on an IKEA ALEX drawer unit on one side, with a wooden tripod leg supporting the other.

To create a calming atmosphere, I’ve incorporated a few plants, including a Monstera Deliciosa, which brings a natural, serene vibe to the room.

Thoughtful lighting also enhances the mood, with ambient lights and a floor lamp providing a warm, cosy glow in the evening.

It took me about a year and three months to pull everything together.

I was super deliberate about it — I didn’t want to rush into buying random stuff.

It took time to find pieces that worked both functionally and visually. I wanted something that felt good to work in while also looking like a space I’d enjoy being in every day.

The process was gradual — adding one element at a time, tweaking things, and really making it my own.

It’s been a journey, but the setup feels perfect now for productivity and comfort.

As for the room itself, it’s a medium-sized space with amazing natural light. That was a huge factor in why I chose it as my maker station.

I love how much daylight it gets.

I’m 100% happy with it.

Natural light keeps me energised throughout the day, and when evening comes, I switch over to my softer lighting setup.

The room has enough space to fit everything without feeling too cramped, which is important because I didn’t want it to feel cluttered.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding the right wooden decor.

I had a really specific look in mind for things such as wooden wall panel, the laptop stand, the mini planters, and even the tabletop, but I couldn’t find what I wanted online.

Thankfully, my dad is pretty handy with woodworking, so he helped me create these custom pieces.

They’re all made to match, and this gives the whole room a cohesive, personalised feel.

It took a bit longer, but I’m really happy with how it turned out.

Those wooden accents truly make the space feel like my own.

If there’s one thing I’d still like to improve, it’s the monitor setup.

Right now, the monitor arm takes up more space on the desk than I’d like.

I’m thinking about adding a floating wood stand under the monitor to free up more space underneath and make the whole setup look cleaner.

This would give me extra room to place more items or just keep things tidier.

As for the next big purchase, I’m definitely planning to get a standing desk.

I’ve heard so much about the benefits of standing and sitting throughout the day, and I think it would be a great addition.

I also want to add that monitor arm to give the monitor some sort of floating feeling and wood stand to fully optimise the space.

These upgrades would elevate the setup to the next level, both functionally and aesthetically.

What’s your favourite item on your desk?

My favourite item on my desk has to be the laptop wood stand — hands down.

There’s something about it that feels very personal and meaningful.

It’s not just any generic stand I picked up online.

This one was custom-made by my dad.

I had a specific design in mind that I couldn’t find anywhere, so my dad stepped in and helped me create exactly what I wanted.

The wood has this beautiful, natural grain that gives it a warm, rustic feel, and it fits perfectly with the overall aesthetic of my workspace.

Every time I see it, it reminds me of the effort and care that went into making it, which makes it even more special.

The story behind it is really what makes it my favourite.

When I was setting up my workspace, I was particularly focused on finding pieces that matched the look I was going for — clean, minimal, but with natural elements to give it some warmth.

I couldn’t find a wood stand that fit both the style and size I needed, so I mentioned it to my dad, and he offered to help me make one.

We spent a weekend working on it, and seeing the final product come together was so satisfying.

It’s not just functional — it’s a piece of my workspace that has personal meaning, and it makes the whole setup feel more “me.”

Alongside the stand, the wooden wall panels my dad and I made together come in as a close second.

Like the laptop stand, these panels were custom-designed because I wanted something that wasn’t mass-produced or easily found online.

The panels add texture and character to the space, giving it a unique, handcrafted vibe that you won’t find in a typical office.

The best part? These items didn’t come with a hefty price tag since they were made at home with materials we already had.

The real value lies in the time and effort that went into making them, which is far more meaningful to me than anything money could buy.

What apps or tools do you use to get things done?

Tools for UX Design (on Mac)

Figma

Why I love it: Intuitive, powerful for UI/UX design, and supports real-time collaboration.

How I use it:

• I create user interfaces, wireframes, and prototypes.
• I manage design systems with reusable components.
• I share designs seamlessly for feedback and collaboration.

Notion

Why I love it: Highly customisable and integrates well with other tools.

How I use it:

• I organise tasks, track deadlines, and manage projects.
• I create guides, best practices, and project documentation.
• I collaborate with teams by linking design docs, Figma projects, and roadmaps.

Arc Browser

Why I love it: Efficiently manages multiple workspaces.

How I use it:

• I organise tabs into different spaces for each project.
• I switch between channels easily without clutter.

Tools for UX Design (on iPad)

FigJam

Why I love it: Perfect for team ideation and sketching ideas.

How I use it:

• I brainstorm, sketch user flows, and gather team feedback.

Mockups & Miro

Why I love them: Ideal for rapid wireframing and moodboarding on the go.

How I use them:

• I develop quick concepts and designs, even when I’m away from my desk.

Tools for Content Creation

Notion

Why I love it: A central hub for organising scripts, ideas, and revisions.

How I use it:

• I track content ideas, manage databases, and script videos.

CapCut

Why I love it: Simple, user-friendly, yet powerful enough for professional edits.

How I use it:

• I edit videos quickly, focusing on content creation without complicated workflows.

What books, blogs, or podcasts recently caught your attention?

Recently, I’ve been inspired by the book Atomic Habits by James Clear.

It’s all about how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

The core idea that really resonated with me is the focus on systems rather than goals — by improving your habits, the results take care of themselves.

Clear breaks down habit formation into actionable steps, making it straightforward to create good habits and break bad ones.

I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their personal or professional life, as its principles can be applied across the board — from work productivity to fitness, and even creative pursuits.

Any tips for other makers who want to improve their workspaces?

If you’re looking to improve your home office setup, here are some tips to help you create a workspace that’s both functional and inspiring:

1. Prioritise Ergonomics

• Invest in a good chair: A comfortable, ergonomic chair is crucial for long work sessions. Look for one that supports your posture and reduces strain on your back and neck.
• Monitor positioning: Your screen should be at eye level to prevent neck strain. Use a monitor stand or even stack books to achieve the right height.
• Keyboard and mouse setup: Ensure your keyboard and mouse are positioned to keep your wrists neutral and supported.

2. Optimise Lighting

• Natural light: If possible, position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light, which boosts mood and energy.
• Ambient lighting: Add warm lights or a floor lamp to create a cosy atmosphere, especially for evening work.
• Task lighting: A desk lamp with adjustable brightness helps you focus on detailed work without straining your eyes.

3. Organise Your Space

• Declutter: Keep your desk tidy by limiting it to essentials to avoid distractions.
• Storage solutions: Use drawer units, shelves, or organisers to store items you don’t need frequently but want to keep accessible.

4. Personalise Your Setup

• Add greenery: Plants like a Monstera Deliciosa or succulents bring a calming vibe and improve air quality.
• Incorporate personal touches: Custom items like a wooden desk, artwork, or DIY projects make the space uniquely yours and keep you motivated.
• Comfort items: Add a cosy blanket, cushions, or anything that makes the space more comfortable and inviting.

5. Tech and Tools Setup

• Multiple screens: For multitasking, consider adding a secondary screen, like an iPad or another monitor, to boost productivity.
• Cable management: Keep cables neat using clips, ties, or a cord organiser to maintain a clean and clutter-free workspace.

What does your typical day look like?

I usually wake up around 8:30 am, and the first thing I do is hop in the shower, do my morning prayer, and then listen to my favourite podcast by Ali Abdaal.

It’s a great way to start the day with fresh perspectives or productivity tips, which I often integrate into my workflow.

After that, I dive straight into my day, starting with meetings or task management planning.

I’m not someone who checks their phone first thing in the morning. I prefer to tackle work head-on without distractions, so my mornings are all about focusing on what needs to be done.

During the day, I’m usually working on a mix of creative projects and admin tasks.

Balancing the two can be tricky, but I prioritise my creative work in the morning when my energy is at its peak.

Whether it’s designing, brainstorming new concepts, or working on a client’s project, the first half of my day is dedicated to these tasks.

As the day progresses and my energy dips a bit, I move on to admin work, like replying to emails or organising my calendar.

That way, I’ve already knocked out the big creative stuff and can focus on smaller, more routine tasks in the afternoon.

I do switch workspaces occasionally to keep things fresh.

After spending about eight hours at my desk, I sometimes head to a coffee shop in the afternoon to change the scenery. It helps me reset mentally and adds variety to my routine.

When I’m not working, I love to go for a sunset walk or hang out at the beach to get some fresh air and unwind.

If I’m feeling more active, I’ll hit the gym in the evening, but there are definitely nights when I just want to chill and game — especially Valorant.

It’s the perfect way to relax and de-stress after a long day.

I’ve been working from home for the past seven years, so when COVID hit, it didn’t really change much for me.

I was already used to remote work as a freelancer and had my routines down.

If anything, it made me appreciate how adaptable my setup and lifestyle already were.

I’ve found that working from home allows me to be more productive and stay creative without the distractions of an office environment.

It’s been a long journey, but I’ve fine-tuned my days to work in a way that suits me best.

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