Yesterday I mentioned that I was starting a new workflow.  By that I mean a new way in which I process working using the desktop and file system.  I started with the desktop.  My new desktop now looks like this.

I created the wallpaper using Photoshop and a few different paper textures from Bittbox.  I like wallpapers that don’t distract the eye.  I also decided to go with a desaturated look so that the icons would really stand-out.  If you want a copy of the wallpaper you can download it here.

Next I added a dock using the free ObjectDock from Stardock.  This really is an incredible piece of free software (a plus version is available for a small price).  Many people make a mistake when they install ObjectDock by adding too much eye candy (the vendor enables much of it by default).  I kept the colors and animation to a minimum.  The purpose of a dock is not to dazzle your friends but to allow you to quickly launch applications and shortcuts.  Below is a close up of my setup.

I then moved on to creating my logical hierarchy of folders.  I came up with the following.

I’m thinking of ditching the “Action Required” folder as I’m not sure I really need this.  The action require concept comes from the book Getting Things Done (GTD).  The way I work most of my incoming items come through e-mail and not as stand-alone files.  Here’s a basic run down of each folder:

• Design: For fonts, images and other design related assets
• CCV: Pretty obvious… for all work related to CCV (this is one of the major folder structures)
• Research: For products and technologies I’m playing with for future projects.  Right now it has stuff like motion detection, facial recognition, Blueprint CSS, etc.
• Side Work: For the little bit of work I do on the side for other churches and web sites I’ve made for friends.
• Ministry: This is for the ministry work I do in our neighborhood and at the elementary school.  Since it’s not directly related to my position at CCV and is done after hours I like to keep it separate.
• Action Required: already discussed this one….
• Read This: For links and files I run across during the day and don’t have time to read in the moment.  Right now it has a Before and After guide on presentations, a PDF from Apple on AD integration, etc.
• Downloads: The default downloads folder for Firefox
• Blog Stuff: For blog ideas I run across in the day but don’t have time to post.
• Personal: All the other stuff I work on at home.  Birthday invites for the kids I make, family tree stuff, etc.

I created matching icons for each directory to make things coordinate well.

I also modified to Vista Explorer Favorites (on the left) so I could quickly jump to the folders as required.

I now have two new rules before leaving each night. 

1. The desktop must be clean.  All files in their place. I still use the desktop as a resting place for files I’m currently using (like collection files for attaching to an e-mail).  But each night it must be empty.
2. My inbox must also be empty.  I’m using the concepts of GTD here well now.

I’m still working out how I store all of this physically on my home and work machines.  I’m trying to come up with a way that I can keep the same folder structure in sync across home and work (minus stuff like the personal folder at work).  I think I’m close, but still have a few bugs to work out.

Let me know your thoughts… see any ways to improve this?  What ideas can you share from your own system?  Do you have a system?

This entry was posted on Monday, June 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 pm and is filed under Leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.