What is your role at Daedalus?
Lead Designer
What’s your day-to-day like at Daedalus?
I am typically switching between a few hats most days. It can be a range of doing actual design work in the user interface (UI), user experience (UX) or industrial design (ID) disciplines or it is managing projects comprised of those and our other disciplines and making sure we are doing the best work we can for our clients.
If I’m really lucky, I get to work in our shop and get dust all over the nice clothes I made the poor choice of wearing that day. However, most of what I do is done at a desk in front of a computer, although I do spend a bit of time up and about talking and planning with the other folks regarding project tasks and strategy. Sometimes I’m just up pacing about to help me think, which I’m sure amuses/annoys those around me (but at least I’m not as loud as those software guys!).
… and how has this changed with WFH (Working From Home)?
My hat wearing remains the same and has not really been hampered all that much from being at home. I actually get to work much earlier because I have no commute, so I feel like I have a more relaxed and productive day because I’m not spending an hour of it changing zip codes. I was lucky enough to score the LAST set of business level headphones and mic at BestBuy right before things shut down, which has made many things much easier (the mic control right on the cord is a life saver when the UPS guy rings the doorbell and makes my dog lose its mind). When building something or 3D printing something is required, it is just a quick trip in and out of the office. Sometimes I have the tools and materials I need already at hand so being able to achieve the physical aspects of product design has not yet been the limitation I had feared. So far, so good!
Where is your home office?
Smack in the middle of our dining room table.
What is your favorite part about your WFH setup?
Light level. My primordial ancestors must have been cave dwellers because I like it dark and punctuated only by the spark of warm, comforting task lighting. Our main office is “bright and cheery” which makes me feel the opposite of cheery and more akin to being exposed in the wide open and about to be jumped by a leopard. I also get to have the classical music station on all day which helps immeasurably (although, I have to admit I miss hearing those software guys across the room).
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The challenge has mostly been replacing the ability to walk a few desks away and have a conversation with other people on the project teams. The workaround has been more video calls and A LOT of instant messaging. Let’s just say I have gained a whole new appreciation for the efficient communicative value of emojis. 😕
Any helpful WFH tips?
Laptops are warm and inviting to our feline friends. Close your laptop before breaking for lunch to prevent your heat-seeking-house-panthers from sitting on your keyboard andddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
