Tools I use

What is this?

This is a list of items I use for work, academia, and day-to-day life, explaining how and why I use each. The purpose of the list is to document my processes and reflect on the tools I use for them. I want to critically examine them: Are they the best tools for the job? Am I using them efficiently, or are they getting in the way? Do I really need them? Can I do without them? Writing these things down help me to think clearly about my possessions, and their place and role in my life.

The idea is that anyone can recreate the environment I'm working in from this list—at least when it comes to tools. (If you want to do that?) For me, for instance, if I lose my laptop, I can use this list to quickly set up a new machine.

The table of contents on the left is navigable. It will take you to the selected heading. If you've tried out any of the items listed and have some strong opinions you'd like to share, feel free to hit me up with a message.

Analog

I greatly value the tactile experience of working with analog tools. Not everything can be, or should be done digitally. Here are some analog tools that work for me, broken down into these categories:

• Stationery
  • Pens
  • Notebooks
  • Whiteboard
  • Corkboard
• Books
• EDC
  • Wear
  • Bags
  • Tech
  • Paper
  • Misc

Stationery

Don't you just love hoarding stationery, but never actually using it? Me too.

Pens

Some people can really nerd out about pens. I like to keep it simple. I only have a few preferences when it comes to pens.

• Firstly, it must have a 0.5mm tip. Anything thicker is uncomfortable for me to write with.
• Secondly, I exclusively use black ink, it contrasts better with the page. (And it just looks better).
• I also like pens with refillable cartridges that you can just pop in.

I generally use ballpoint pens. I have used fountain pens in the past, and while they feel great to write with, they require extra care. For theses reasons, my goto pens are these noname pens from Auchan.

Notebooks

Over the years I hoarded so many notebooks I don't know what to do with them. I have about 47. All of them half filled with random notes. They will last me for a lifetime or more. I prefer small top-bound spiral notebooks.

Whiteboard

Corkboard

Sometimes you must go full detective. Lay out the evidence. Connect the dots.

Books

EDC

Thing I have with me every day.

Wear

Bags

Tech

Paper

Misc

Technology

Hardware

Computing

Peripherals

Electronics

Software

Miscellaneous