Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

bbc.co.uk

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

41–46 of 46 posts

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#41

Post by bsbechtel »

Geee wrote: post #21

As a developer, I find it hardest to focus when I don't really have anything clear to focus on. On the other hand, if I have clearly specced small tasks that need to be done, it's quite easy to focus on those, even when there are distractions. If I hit a roadblock or realize I have to re-plan something, that's the moment when I usually lose focus. Also, I'm not good at focusing in the design / planning stage, if the…

That's funny, I have the hardest time focusing on a long list of small, simple 'todos' than working on design/planning for projects. I've always assumed everyone else is more or less similar in this regard, even though experience tells me otherwise. It's refreshing to hear someone actually state this.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#42

Post by stronglikedan »

Geee wrote: post #21

As a developer, I find it hardest to focus when I don't really have anything clear to focus on. On the other hand, if I have clearly specced small tasks that need to be done, it's quite easy to focus on those, even when there are distractions. If I hit a roadblock or realize I have to re-plan something, that's the moment when I usually lose focus. Also, I'm not good at focusing in the design / planning stage, if the…

> Sometimes, though, not actively thinking about something let's the brain sort everything out, and the right solution kind of emerges on it's own.

This is the only thing I miss about cigarettes. Myriad solutions came from cigarette breaks. I know that other types of breaks work just as well, but it was just something about that specific type.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#43

Post by chestnut-tree »

This link might be useful to a few. It's one hour of audio (and video) of birdsong. If you need some calming background audio to block out external noise, this might help:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05ttkx2

If you're not in the UK, someone has also uploaded it to YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNDtIwNLbao

It's part of a BBC season of 'go slow' TV programmes inspired by Norway's 'slow TV' concept.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#44

Post by acveilleux »

stronglikedan wrote: post #42
Geee wrote: post #21

As a developer, I find it hardest to focus when I don't really have anything clear to focus on. On the other hand, if I have clearly specced small tasks that need to be done, it's quite easy to focus on those, even when there are distractions. If I hit a roadblock or realize I have to re-plan something, that's the moment when I usually lose focus. Also, I'm not good at focusing in the design / planning stage, if the…

> Sometimes, though, not actively thinking about something let's the brain sort everything out, and the right solution kind of emerges on it's own. This is the only thing I miss about cigarettes. Myriad solutions came from cigarette breaks. I know that other types of breaks work just as well, but it was just something about that specific type.

Maybe it was the enforcement mechanism (the chemical need basically) that made sure that sufficient breaks were taken? I notice the smokers at work have 2-3 breaks throughout the day every day while the non-smokers basically don't have any breaks. Maybe because they're worried they'll look like they're slacking off while the smokers don't care, they have a physical need to attend to?

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#45

Post by gurkendoktor »

dublinben wrote: post #17
wslh wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> There is an obvious solution for at least part of the problem, isn't there? Not without spending a lot of time configuring applications. Now I find Android more difficult to configure than Windows Advanced Server. For example, in the past Twitter only notified you about tweets for you, then they started to play with the discovery stuff and send you all kind of tweets that may interested you. Sure, I can go to the c…

Apps that you don't install can't bother you with notifications. The solution to your problem is readily apparent.

Even iTunes(!) posts "now playing" notifications by default nowadays. It's not trying to be useful, it's just a "look technology" demo. If you don't want to mess around with launchd, you have to disable these pointless interruptions for each new Mac app that you install.

It's possible to silence all your devices, but even then it still affects the people around you. It's like insecure defaults - yes, you can RTFM and fix all the things in the house, but I wish I didn't have to.

Re: Losing focus: Why tech is getting in the way of work

#46

Post by philippeback »

weavie wrote: post #28
philippeback wrote: post #22

I am using Focus@Will a lot. Works for me.

Interesting. I tried it and didn't notice any improvement over any other music. How much do you think is caused by the actual music and how much do you think is because you have invested some money into improving your focus and so your brain now has a greater incentive?

Because with the other music it doesn't happen. Their price point is insignificant and is not doing a placebo effect. Some channels do nothing, and bother me. Uptempo High Intensity is what works best.
Post reply on HN