If you're a UX Designer, you must take ergonomics seriously to maintain longevity in your career. I have worked remotely in the product design industry for several years. The luxury of skipping a commute, working from anywhere, and most importantly being able to cook my breakfasts and lunches in my own kitchen, come at a small cost – lots of screen time!
As UX Designers, we are constantly moving things from one place to another. Just another little smidge here or there, to create the perfect experience. This takes a toll not only on our wrists, but our entire bodies. If you don't spend a little bit of dough on the proper ergonomics, it can cost you big time in the end (check out "Beats Digging Ditches" story about going on disability due to designer injuries).
When I started experiencing wrist issues, I let it go for far too long. Eventually it spread to my elbow, shoulder, and neck and I had to design prototypes using my left hand. Eventually, both of my arms were in pain and I had to take 8 weeks off from any UX design work.
I spent endless hours scouring the internet, ordering and returning items online, driving all over town to every office supply store – all to find a set up that worked for my body and my budget.
The best invention ever: The Roost Laptop Stand
I wish I had invented the Roost Laptop Stand. Everywhere I go I bring my Roost and I can hardly get any work done. Strangers walk up to me constantly wanting to know what this magical thing is holding my laptop. It collapses for easy travel and has 3 settings. It adapts like a chameleon and will save you from 'tech neck'.
Roost Laptop Stand – Adjustable and Portable Laptop Stand – PC and MacBook Stand, Made in USA
An Affordable, compact, Mobile Standing Desk
I live in a downtown condo, so space is limited. I have always stuck to using a laptop so it's easier for me to travel with my work. Plus it keeps me sharp on my keyboard shortcuts (I vow to never fall into the double screen trap).
I needed something compact, cheap (reserving funds for the Ferrari of office chairs, more on that later), and visually appealing – we are designers after all, I like my workspace to look good and function well.
My doctor wanted me to have the ability to rotate between sitting and standing throughout the day, every hour. If I was going to stick to this plan, the transition was going to have to be easy.
The Mobile Standing Desk fit my needs perfectly, however I needed to pair it with a chair that was high enough so I didn't have to waste time adjusting it.
SDADI 2 Inches Carpet Wheels Mobile Standing Desk Stand Up Desk Height Adjustable Home Office Desk with Standing and Seating 2 Modes 3.0 Edition, Dark Grain S001WFDT
The Ferrari of Chairs
My husband believes that someday I will earn enough money to surprise him with a Ferrari for his birthday. In the meantime, I've purchased what I like to call the "Ferrari of Chairs" and if you take your health and longevity seriously, I recommend you do too.
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 Stool adjusts high enough, so I don't have to adjust my standing desk. I simply get off my chair to stand and continuing iterating on my designs. Everything imaginable on the chair is adjustable to fit your body.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Stool
If you decide to rotate between sitting and standing like I do, be sure to get a good floor mat and never stand in anything besides sneakers or your bare feet. That tip came from my doctor and you will be happy you listened! My first go around, I hurt my foot from wearing slippers....oh the joys of working remotely.
After many years of denial, I finally Pitched a Tent
I used to be obsessed with my Apple wireless magic mouse and keyboard. Once I started experiencing pain, my doctor insisted I make a change to something more ergonomically correct. Sure I would miss the beauty and simplicity of my shiny white Apple products, but I wouldn't miss the pain. This goes to show why UX is often times more important than UI!
The Kinesis Freestyle 2 for Mac allowed me to pick up right where I left off with my Mac shortcuts. It includes a customizable tent and split feature so you can adjust to fit your needs.
Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard w/ VIP3 Lifters for Mac (9" Separation)
Mouse versus Tablet: The million dollar question
I belong to a slack community of designers all over the world and we often talk about this topic. I can't count how many hours I've spent watching youtube videos on Wacom tablets. If you're primarily focused in UX Research, maybe it's not as critical. As a Product Designer, I do it all.
I suggest you test the way your arm feels holding a mouse versus holding a pen. My arm feels much stronger with the pen, therefore, after testing many solutions, I finally ordered a tablet. I currently have a Wacom Intuos. If you prefer a mouse, I recommend a Logitech MX Master 3 (designed for creatives).
Wacom Intuos Wireless Graphics Drawing Tablet with 3 Bonus Software Included, 7.9" X 6.3", Black with Pistachio Accent (CTL4100WLE0)
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse - Graphite
If you have any ergonomic tips or tricks, I would love to hear them. Contact me directly.