Organizing your desk can be one of the most stressful chores of your life, especially if you have a mix of both analog and digital tools that you need to get stuff done. In addition to keeping everything in its proper place, cable management can become a necessity if you don’t want to let your desk look like a jungle. That’s not even considering yet the ergonomics involved, particularly when it comes to the proper monitor height to save your neck end eyes from strain. With so many factors to consider, it might come as a surprise that there could be one product that addresses all three at the same time, but that is exactly what Anker is proposing with its upcoming Docking Station that lets you get work done by getting unnecessary stuff out of the way.
There are plenty of monitor stands in the market today designed to elevate computer screens to a more ergonomic height. Most of these do that and only that, which could be fine if you simply need something that props your monitor up a little higher. The new Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station, however, offers a lot more and helps get most of those pesky cables out of sight and out of mind, allowing you to deal with only the ones that you really need.
As its name suggests, this Anker Docking Station is really a hub of ports, and it definitely has plenty of those to go around. You won’t be lacking USB-A and USB-C ports, but there is also an HDMI port for your computer screen. There’s even a data card reader, so you won’t have to connect a separate peripheral for those one-off SD or microSD cards from cameras and devices. The most frequently accessed ports are placed on the left side of the dock for quick access, while others are hidden beneath the surface to prevent your hands from tripping over them. And as a bonus, there’s a wireless charging pad on the right side that supports most modern phones.
Unlike typical computer docks, the Anker 675 is a stylish accessory that won’t look out of place on your minimalist desk design. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it’s surface can support a wide range of monitor sizes. The curved edges and corners give it an aesthetically pleasing form, which is just the break that your eyes and mind need when dealing with the pressures and stress of work life. Additionally, the empty space it leaves below is a perfect storage space for documents or even other devices that you want to keep within arm’s reach, even if they’re not immediately needed.
Keeping your desk tidy doesn’t always have to be a chore, even with all the cables running to and fro devices. The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station Monitor Stand offers just the right amount of cable management to get these wires out of your hair while leaving some breathing room for the rest of your tools on your desk. Anker’s new product launches on January 30 for $250.
Whether you’re working from home, or in a corporate office, the one thing that’s pretty much consistent in both these scenarios is a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, it’s really important that your desk be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. From a desk mat that charges your phone and hides paper to a USB docking station that has a novel way to keep your desk clutter-free – these ingenious desk accessories are all you need to achieve your desk setup goals!
1. The Tetra Puzzle
Called the Tetra Puzzle, this captivating and intriguing puzzle is a fidget toy for your hands and your brain! This 4-part puzzle joins together to create a rather mesmerizing tetrahedral mass. The aim is to separate the 4 metal pieces as swiftly and as efficiently as you can!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Tetra is a uniquely appealing desk toy that activates your manual dexterity skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial reasoning. The 4 identical stainless steel pieces are designed to lock in only when oriented in a pre-determined pattern.
What we like
Serves as a pretty mysterious and eye-catching objet d’art when not being used
Enhances your ability to focus and explore your mind
What we dislike
No complaints!
2. The Levitating Pen
Much like its name, the Levitating Pen actually does seem to be levitating! It looks as if the pen is suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle. Designed to be a grand writing instrument, the pen features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen rigid and super easy to hold!
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
The pen is super fun to interact with
Quite easy to hold and write with
What we dislike
No complaints!
3. Create
Designed by Naya, Create is the kind of keyboard that will ensure you don’t need any other additional peripherals! It is highly customizable to perfectly cater to every person’s individual self-expression. It eliminates the issue of a cluttered desk, which can often occur when you constantly need to switch between different peripherals.
Why is it noteworthy?
The split keyboard with the customizable form factor and various configurable modules onboard can seamlessly fit into any workflow. Thus, it intends to become a go-to option for casual keyboard enthusiasts and serious creative professionals.
What we like
The keyboard is split and customizable
The creator in you can leverage the convenience of 9 degrees of freedom with the 3D navigator
What we dislike
Some users may find Create more complex to operate than a conventional keyboard
4. The Splitty Pro Gen 2 Lamps
Koncept co-founders Kenneth Ng and Edmund Ng designed the Splitty lamp which was defined by a flat, gently-curving, petal-like head. They went on to revamp the original Splitty design, and create the Splitty Pro Gen 2 lamps – which are a rather modified version of it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Splitty Pro Gen 2 lamps have been updated with quite a few intriguing features – such as saving energy and enhancing the experience of users. The Gen 2 lamps come with more added functionality, such as tunable colors – including a warm 2700K to a cool white 5000K. These colors ensure that the lamps can be adapted and utilized for different uses and functions.
What we like
Features an occupancy sensor, that switches off the lamp if it hasn’t been active for 15 minutes straight
Can be desk or wall-mounted
What we dislike
May not provide sufficient light to work
5. The M/Connect 2
The M/Connect 2 is an innovative USB docking station that promises to keep your desk neat, and clutter-free. This docking station works on the principle that you will rarely remove it, once it’s plugged in!
Why is it noteworthy?
M/Connect 2 is designed like a clamp that attaches to an edge of a desk, preferably on the back, with ports above and below the table. The ports that are on the half underneath the desk are for cables and wires that can be conveniently hidden from view. The top half is practically a USB and Thunderbolt hub that provides the necessary ports for more transient devices and peripherals. This part is also modular so that the hub can be removed for repairs without having to disassemble the entire contraption.
What we like
This USB docking station’s solution is to actually split the ports between these two kinds of cables and hide those that don’t change often
What we dislike
No complaints!
6. The Amio
The Amio is an AI desk assistant that will monitor and observe your posture while you’re on your desk working away and give you real-time feedback on it. It’s a boon for those who suffer from bad posture and can’t sit upright for long periods of time, no matter how hard they try. It’s placed on a charging station, but it’s pretty easy to carry around. So you can take it with you to work, or even the coffee shop!
Why is it noteworthy?
The device has an “emotion-based” user interface so it can let you know how you’re doing posture-wise in real-time. It uses a CMOS sensor that can detect your body’s skeletal position and an infrared projector and sensor for depth perception. It can tell you that you’ve got good posture in the past hour but will also remind you to take a break soon.
What we like
If security is an issue for you, you can turn the sensor downwards and enter incognito mode
Helps you maintain a good posture throughout your workday
What we dislike
It’s still a concept!
7. Journey’s Desk Mat
Journey’s new desk mat is everything you could want and need from a desk mat! Designed to be more than just an ordinary desk mat, it has been amped with a wireless charging component that supports Apple MagSafe, which means you can place your iPhone on it and charge it while keeping it super close to you!
Why is it noteworthy?
The charging panel magnetically attaches to the sides of the mat, so you can actually move it to the left for those who prefer to pick up their phones with their left hand. Alternatively, you can even detach it completely and use it as a standalone charging mat. There’s also a groove for compatible AirPods cases, though that might not work with any other earbuds cases.
What we like
The two different layers of materials can actually separate, creating a space to stash loose pieces of paper like single-page documents and sticky notes
What we dislike
No complaints!
8. The UFO Desk Pen Holder
This innovative pen holder looks out of this world, and with reason! It holds your pen and suspends it in mid-air, making it look as if aliens are coming to kidnap your pen. The pen stands upright and straight in the holder, allowing you to easily grab it when you need it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The top of the pen holder is your stereotypical alien spaceship in the shape of a flying saucer. You could put the USS Enterprise or a Star Destroyer, too, but its irregular shape would break the illusion and remove a bit of the eerie atmosphere surrounding this design.
What we like
Adds an element of fun to your workdesk
The saucer provides illumination
What we dislike
It’s not a real tangible product yet!
9. The Light-Up Lamp
The Light-Up Lamp is inspired by a light switch! It was designed to inspire people to get into their ‘work mode’, as soon as they switch on the lamp. It has a rather simple and focused design, without the need for any fancy elaborations, and complex features Light-Up has little focus on changing the amount of illumination on the desk, so no disturbing color changes and odd flickers.
Why is it noteworthy?
In addition to being a productivity-enhancing desk lamp, it is also an excellent table organizer. The lamp body can allow people to hold up sticky notes on it to manage schedules or have the to-do right before their eyes.
What we like
Boosts productivity and keeps your desk organized
It’s an instant mood flipper
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design!
10. The Slope
Designed to be your personal desktop whiteboard with a pen, the Slope is a pretty cool analog writing tool that you can position in between your monitor and keyboard. The Slope eradicates the need for disposable paper products in your everyday routine, enabling you to reduce the wastage of paper!
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from bent steel sheets and is powder-coated so it’s pretty smooth and easy to use as well as giving you a premium dry-erase surface. It is also magnetic so you can attach your whiteboard markers if they’re magnetic. If not, there’s a space at the top to place them as well as space at the back to store your separate eraser. There’s a silicone phone holder if you need to have your mobile device in front of you and there’s also an opening in it so you can place your charger.
What we like
If you’re not using your keyboard, you can slip it under the sloped whiteboard
Smooth and easy to use
Prevents the wastage of paper
What we dislike
You can’t save what you were writing into the cloud nor can you digitize it if you need to save what you wrote
Work from home – what started off as a coping mechanism against the pandemic in 2020, has now transformed into a full-fledged mode and style of working. We’ve been working from our homes for the past two years now, and although some companies have resorted to returning to commercial offices, while others have adopted a more hybrid and flexible model, the one constant in all these scenarios is – a desk. Whether cluttered or uncluttered, you spend the majority of your day on your desk.
You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. I’ve found that adding limited, quality products to my desk setup can amp my productivity immensely. The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. And these accessories by Craighill are the ultimate additions to your desk – whether you’re looking to boost your everyday productivity or relax your mind during your little breaks. From a captivating puzzle that is a fidget toy for your hands and brain to a sleek desk knife inspired by the Japanese kiridashi knives – these desk accessories by Craighill are a must-have for all the workaholics in the house!
1. Craighill Tetra Puzzle
The Tetra Puzzle is a mesmerizing and captivating puzzle that is literally a fidget toy for your hands and your brain! It is a 4-part puzzle that comes together to form a tetrahedral mass. The goal? Separate the 4 metal pieces as fast as you can! The Tetra is a uniquely appealing desk toy that activates your manual dexterity skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial reasoning. The 4 identical stainless steel pieces are designed to lock in only when oriented in a pre-determined pattern. Similarly, they can be removed only a certain way, making the puzzle challenging the first couple of times, and then fun and fidget-worthy after. When you’re not playing with the Tetra, it makes for a pretty mysterious and eye-catching objet d’art that you can place on your desk.
Click Here to Buy Now: $63$98 (20% off and an additional 20% off with exclusive coupon code “YANKO20”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
2. Craighill Match Striker
Created from solid cast iron, the Match Striker is everything you need to ensure your incense and candle lighting rituals go as smoothly and effortlessly as possible! It functions as a sturdy, dense, and dependable anchor to create the perfect spark. Despite its immense functionality, it comes packaged in a small and compact form, allowing you to place it in any corner of your desk, without it consuming too much space. The exterior of the Match Striker features an intriguing and deep knurling pattern, which provides the necessary amount of friction you need to light a matchstick, with the simple flick of a wrist. However, the Match Strikers only works with strike-anywhere matches, which do not come along with the product. The matches will leave some residue after being used, but that can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth!
Are you someone who always loses their keys, or simply has no idea where their keys are placed? Don’t worry, this issue is way more common than you think, even if people don’t like to own up to it. For those constant key misplacers, Craighill has the ‘Closed Helix Keyring’. This simple and minimal keyring does its job quite excellently. It features a helix-shaped wire with turned end-caps, which allow you to securely and safely store your precious keys. You simply unscrew the knurled side to add or remove your keys. The knurled ends ensure that your keys are always securely attached to the ring, completely eliminating the risk of losing them. The keyring comes in three variations as well – stainless steel, brass, and Vapor Black PVD on stainless steel.
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and I wholeheartedly agree. A pen gives you the ability to create worlds, concoct sagas, and transcend through time and space, without moving a muscle – except the ones on your arms. And such a majestic tool does deserve an even more majestic form and packaging! The Kepler Pen is an exquisite writing tool, whose exteriors give due justice to its immense functionality. You can use the stunning pen to write a poem to your lover or note down your grocery shopping list if you’re in the mood for something less romantic. Whatever it may be, the Kepler Pen is the perfect product to accompany you in your writing duties. Measuring 5″ L x 0.3″Ø, and weighing 2 oz, the Kepler Pen is available in three variations – stainless steel, brass, and Vapor Black PVD coated stainless steel.
This beautiful desk knife instantly grabs eyeballs, and demands a place on your workdesk! Designed to be a multipurpose cutting tool that fits snugly on your desk, ‘the Desk Knife’ is inspired by the Japanese kiridashi knife. The Japanese kiridashi knife is an iconic hand-forged utility knife that is regularly used for woodworking, bamboo crafting, whitling, marking, and more. The Desk Knife borrows the kiridashi knife’s stunning form and structure but in a more contemporary and modern manner. Measuring 5.25″ x 5/8″ D, and weighing 4.5 oz, the Desk Knife is lightweight, elemental, and super satisfying to use. The sleek and menacing knife comes in three variations – solid stainless steel, solid brass, and solid stainless steel with a Vapor Black PVD finish. You can pick the version that suits your personal taste, and the aesthetic of your desk!
We humans sit on a spectrum going from fans of minimalism to lovers of maximalism. Some people get their sense of zen from having decluttered spaces, others gain their sense of personal belonging from decorating their space with things that define who they are. We’re here to say that we support both forms of individualism! Whether you love the idea of Scandinavian Minimalism or workspaces filled with objects near and dear to you, you’re going to absolutely love this selection of nifty desktop accessories! The list includes minimally-driven desktop organizers and tabletop toys, productivity tools like reusable notebooks and brain-stimulating fidget objects, as well as some rather fascinating picks like a stainless steel puzzle that is deeply engaging and a keyboard used by the influencers of the tech world. Take a look at the selection below… you won’t be disappointed!
1. Levitating Pen 2.0
Forget about writing in zero-gravity, this pen is designed to challenge our traditional ideas about pens and their behavior. Seemingly suspended in its holder at a 23.5 degree angle, the Levitating Pen itself is a grand writing instrument. The pen holds a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, with its ridged design making the pen easy to hold when in use. When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
NOOE’s tabletop gear does a pretty remarkable job of using minimalism to ‘spark joy’ and get you excited about working. The 5-piece workspace kit, known as Config 01, features a laptop stand, mobile stand, stationery organizer, wire organizer, and a ‘desk rug’ for your keyboard and wrists. All the products are sustainably built using only walnut wood, anodized aluminum, and vegan suede. As a result, NOOE’s Config 01 collection looks like a Nordic-inspired visually cohesive set of productivity-enhancing tools that boost your focus while keeping your desk clean, minimalist, and just drop-dead gorgeous! The laptop and mobile stand elevate your gadgets at the perfect height and angle, with bent aluminum sheet supports and wood-block bases. They’re complimented perfectly by the stationery organizer and ‘wire governor’ which help you declutter your desk while displaying your pens and pencils, and keeping wires accessible yet hidden from view. Finally, the desk rug, made from vegan suede, provides the perfect tactile touch to the experience, keeping your wrists cushioned while preventing your keyboard and/or mouse from scuffing your table’s finish! The only work setup company to win a Red Dot Award, all of NOOE’s products are made in small batches to reduce waste, and are designed to be recyclable.
Click Here to Buy Now: $356$505 (22% off and an additional 10% off with exclusive coupon code “YANKO10”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
3. The Tetra Puzzle
Craighill’s puzzles make playing Wordle and Newton’s cradles look like yesterday’s news… With the remarkable all-metal design and their sheer geometric wizardry, Craighill makes some of the most sophisticated tabletop toys that stimulate the senses and the mind. The Tetra, for instance, is a tetrahedral puzzle made using four identical interlocking stainless steel pieces. You’d think it looks pretty straightforward, but pick it up and fidget with it and you’ll realize how far from ‘easy and intuitive’ it actually is. Fidgeting with, disassembling, and reassembling the Tetra requires a fair deal of focus and attention, as well as a probing, exploratory mindset. “It pushes your boundaries — if only a little bit — and invites you to learn something new”, say the makers at Craighill. The Tetra comes in two variants – brushed stainless steel and a PVD-coated black. It’s designed to last a lifetime and provide endless hours of meditative peace and focus while you play with it, and joy while you watch others try and figure out the magic behind its assembly!
Click Here to Buy Now: $63$98 (20% off and an additional 20% off with exclusive coupon code “YANKO20”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!
4. Keychron K8 Pro
An ergonomic wireless keyboard with the soul of a gaming keyboard, the flagship Keychron K8 Pro boasts a uniquely comfortable and intuitive typing experience. The K8 Pro sports double-shot PBT keycaps that wonderfully guide the fingers, and a specially-crafted internal design featuring a layer of sound-absorbing foam and a silicon pad that help cushion the keycaps as you type to create just the right kind of ASMR-worthy clicking sound. The keyboard comes with QMK and VIA support right out of the box (which means you can reconfigure the keystrokes to suit your personal needs), and Bluetooth 5.1 that allows it to connect to as many as 3 devices together and swap between them (with native support for Windows, Mac, Android, and even iOS devices). For the avid gamer, each Keychron K8 Pro comes with customizable south-facing RGB lights that illuminate your board. You’ve even got the ability to use the wireless device in wired mode (to eliminate lag), as well as the possibility to easily hot-swap every key with almost any 3-pin/5-pin MX-style mechanical switch. The K8 Pro comes with an ergonomic, finger-loving design that can be height-adjusted to positions, and an impressivel 4000mAh internal battery that gives it 100 hours of use (depending on the RGB backlight brightness and flashing pattern). Go ahead and add this one to cart… MKBHD, Unbox Therapy, and Dave2D did!
You may recognize the Limbo Top from that final fleeting scene in Inception, but here’s something that’ll surprise you – this top pretty much defies reality with its ability to spin for more than 4 hours continuously! Holding the Guinness World Record for spinning continuously for more than 27 hours, the Limbo Top is a fidget toy that’ll warp your brain and make you wonder whether you’re in a dream. The truth, however, is that the top is immaculately designed with a silent motor hidden on the inside. Powered by a rechargeable 3.7V battery, the motor provides the right amount of angular momentum to keep the top spinning for hours without submitting to the powers of friction. Each top comes with a precisely machined design featuring a stainless steel base that allows the top to spin smoothly on any flat, polished surface. The top itself comes in both machined aluminum and titanium variants, and even though the Limbo can spin on any flat surface, you can even grab a special disc-shaped base for your top to spin endlessly on, while you ask yourself if you’re stuck in a dream!
The Revov Tray Box is the ultimate organizer to keep your desk effortlessly tidy and clutter-free! If you’re someone who is always falling prey to a cluttered desk or losing your precious stationery or tech accessories then this tray box is the product for you. It makes organizing your everyday tools as effortless as possible. The lid has sections machined to fit objects of a particular size. This makes it easier to know what to put there, so you won’t have to waste precious time making that decision every time. Pretty soon, it will be second nature to put your glasses, AirPods case or keys in those sections, so they won’t have to end up lost in uncharted territory ever again. Interestingly, the lid actually floats a little above the lip of the box, which is positioned in place with the help of strong magnets. You simply need to give a slight push to swing the cover away or to put it back into place.
The award-winning stilform INK pen is celebrated as the most successful fountain pen in crowdfunding history! And it is back in its minimal, delightful glory with a few tiny tweaks to upgrade it. Featuring its signature cylindrical style, with two flat edges running length-wise to prevent it from rolling, and of course, its iconic magnetic cap, the stilform INK is the fountain pen to end all other pens. The clever magnetic cap subtly self-aligns as it snaps to the pen, owing to the multiple hidden neodymium magnets, that ensure the cap fits perfectly. Built from machined titanium, the pen doesn’t use any glue or plastic in its construction. In fact, its titanium body boasts an added Diamond-like Carbon Coating to make its surface finish completely scratch-proof! Each stilform INK pen comes impeccably crafted and assembled in Germany, in a variety of anodized colors for the aluminum variant and in DLC black for the titanium variant. Designed to be the best version of a pen, Stilform enthralls with its simplicity.
In an era where distraction has become the norm, Analog promises to help you focus and get more productive. Analog is a physical companion for all your digital tools, and as its name signifies, it makes productivity ‘analog’ and simplified. It helps you prioritize and focus on the most important tasks at hand while eliminating the need to keep checking your phone and getting engulfed by a vortex of endless notifications. You basically physically copy down your tasks, providing yourself with a tangible, and distraction-free view of what you need to get done for the day. You can easily customize and tailor the system according to your working style. Once you’re done noting down your tasks for the day (Today), for the next few months (Next), or for the rest of the year (Someday), you can smoothly slide the cards into a wooden holder. You can always move the unfinished tasks for the day into the Next section, and prioritize them for tomorrow without any guilt!
If you’ve ever grappled with the dilemma of having and storing loose coins, the organizers are usually functional, until now! This humble coin bank comes with a uniquely sloped top to ensure the coins fall right into the hole, making it as easy as just dropping the coins and watching them slide in. When it’s time to collect those coins, swivel out the magnetic lid to easily access your change. The wooden lid provides a warm compliment to your desk. Use this to store any tiny product lying around your desk while clearing out the clutter ever-present on our desks!
Designed by Rocketbook, the Rocketbook Pro is meant to be the last notebook you’ll ever need! The reusable notebook promises to be the upscale high-end notetaking companion you’ve been looking for. The Rocketbook Pro boasts modular ‘Page Packs’ that can be swapped out using a magnetic spine. This system allows you to access different kinds of pages – lined, dot-grid, and a combo of both, as and when you like. Equipped with a premium, scratch-resistant hard cover, a lay flat design and a Pilot FriXion pen, the Rocketbook is ready to organise your workspace. The Rocketbook Pro’s patented technology enables you to erase all your notes with a little water. The notebook also comes along with a companion app. An embedded NFC chip automatically opens the app and lets you scan your notes, and transfer them to the cloud destination of your choice – whether it’s a client’s email address, Google Drive or Slack.
In 2020 our lives changed completely, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed what was considered the ‘norm’, and created new norms that molded the way we lived. One of these new norms is the work-from-home culture, and it has continued well into 2022. We’ve been working from our homes for almost a year now, and although we have adapted to it, it can be quite a bore at times. I, for one, am always looking out for options and ways to spice up my work-from-home routine. And I’ve found that adding new products to my desk setup can amp my productivity immensely. The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home office. From a USB docking station to keep your desk cable-free to a desk mat that charges your phone – here’s a collection of interesting, super functional, and productivity-enhancing desk accessories that promise to be the best work-from-home investments of 2022!
1. COMM
COMM offers a touchscreen display that shows the different functions. The main functions are as follows: sharing information, reporting, expression of emotions, mutual understanding, and idea suggestions. Your home work environment can “feel” more like a real office with this simple device designed by South Korean designed Eunjeong with Fountain Studio.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can update your computer or maybe by a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace. The goal should always be speed and efficiency when it comes to working so in the area of communication, you must find a better way how to send messages across to a different party. The COMM is a concept device that can help people communicate from home. It’s a simpler way to send and receive messages, give feedback, and deliver what needs to be done. The result is increased work efficiency, especially with the angled screen for more comfortable viewing when sitting down.
What we like
Helps improve creativity and productivity by showing the information you need sans any distraction
Better than a smartphone or tablet, as it eliminates the temptation to check other apps
What we dislike
Limited compared to face-to-face communication, but still not too bad!
What do you think?
2. M/Connect 2
Humanscale’s M/Connect 2 works on the principle that not all of these cables and USB devices aren’t created equal. Some are rarely removed once they’re plugged in, like power cords, monitor cables, and even wired keyboards.
Why is it noteworthy?
M/Connect 2 is designed like a clamp that attaches to an edge of a desk, preferably on the back, with ports above and below the table. The ports that are on the half underneath the desk are for cables and wires that can be conveniently hidden from view. The top half is practically a USB and Thunderbolt hub that provides the necessary ports for more transient devices and peripherals. This part is also modular so that the hub can be removed for repairs without having to disassemble the entire contraption.
What we like
This USB docking station’s solution is to actually split the ports between these two kinds of cables and hide those that don’t change often
What we dislike
No complaints!
3. Journey’s Desk Mat
Journey’s new desk mat includes a wireless charging component that supports Apple MagSafe tech, meaning that you can place a compatible iPhone or any Android phone that supports the Qi standard to charge it while keeping it within arm’s reach.
Why is it noteworthy?
The charging panel magnetically attaches to the sides of the mat, so you can actually move it to the left for those who prefer to pick up their phones with their left hand. Alternatively, you can even detach it completely and use it as a standalone charging mat. There’s also a groove for compatible AirPods cases, though that might not work with any other earbuds cases.
What we like
The two different layers of materials can actually separate, creating a space to stash loose pieces of paper like single-page documents and sticky notes
What we dislike
No complaints!
4. The Slope
The Slope is a “personal desktop whiteboard with pen” that you can slot right in between your monitor and your keyboard. So yes, it is simply a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard but instead of being on your wall or on the side, it is right in front of you and angled in such a way that it is perfect for your list-making or reminder-listing writing needs.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from bent steel sheets and is powder-coated so it’s pretty smooth and easy to use as well as giving you a premium dry-erase surface. It is also magnetic so you can attach your whiteboard markers if they’re magnetic. If not, there’s a space at the top to place them as well as space at the back to store your separate eraser. There’s a silicone phone holder if you need to have your mobile device in front of you and there’s also an opening in it so you can place your charger.
What we like
If you’re not using your keyboard, you can slip it under the sloped whiteboard
Smooth and easy to use
What we dislike
You can’t save what you were writing into the cloud nor can you digitize it if you need to save what you wrote
5. Otis
This modular rack for your desk setup can be used in a standing position or hung from the desk underside too. The choice purely depends on the kind of available space and the use-case scenarios. The transition between different work modes can be easily adapted by the removable tray system which makes this desk organizer a must-have.
Why is it noteworthy?
Otis provides flexible customized spacing that helps you organize and categorize things. Making it much easier to access things. Sure, drawer organizers are an option, but they don’t always fit right, waste space, and add to the clutter in the long run. Otis solves this with movable dividers to maximize usable space.
What we like
It can even be used as a desktop tray to keep things handy to switch between different tasks
This desk tower rack is crafted out of powder-coated steel and has perforated detailing
What we dislike
No complaints!
6. Modular Design Accessories
Obviously, Legos are the inspiration for this set of Modular Design accessories for your work area. Not only will they brighten up your space because of the colors but it also aims to give you a sense of play even as you’re working or studying.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various devices can be used on their own but can also be assembled together in various combinations in case you feel the need to mix it up and add some fun to a space that’s normally just associated with tasks and work.
What we like
Some of the other accessories or modules are shown in the product renders include storage boxes where you can put small plants and also those cute minifigs of various characters
What we dislike
No complaints!
7. Blazo
Many people try to be smart by buying multi-functional products or modular furniture that can be arranged and used as needed. Sometimes, the combinations make sense, but other times you can also be left scratching your head. This desk fan, for example, looks almost ordinary, that is until you flip the switch on to shed some light on matters, literally.
Why is it noteworthy?
At first glance, Blazo looks like an electric fan attached to a camera gimbal. The design for this unconventional arm and the stand was apparently an educational globe. The Blazo’s fan can swivel up and down 360 degrees, and it can also rotate 360 degrees so that no direction is left unreached. That does mean that the lamp can also point in the same direction, though you’ll probably want to keep the fan steady in that case unless you were aiming for a makeshift light show.
What we like
Blazo runs on a rechargeable battery, and using the lamp alone can make it last for 8 hours
What we dislike
No complaints!
8. Wobbler
Wobbler is a product concept for a penholder that looks the way it sounds. It’s a thingamajig to hold your pens and other small pieces of stationery and supplies. But instead of being stable and actually stationary, it wobbles around in order to amuse or distract you
Why is it noteworthy?
The cylindrical part that looks a bit like an hourglass is where the pens are placed. It’s transparent so you’ll still be able to see the various colors and designs of your pens, scissors, or whatever long office item you want to put there. There’s also space underneath that to put paper clips, staple wires, rubber bands, or other small items you want to keep nearby.
What we like
There’s a section underneath that opens up as a small storage compartment to put erasers, small staplers, and other small items
What we dislike
No complaints!
9. The Hanging Desk Organizer Set
Many productivity gurus advocate having a proper place on your desk, even for more “transient” objects that come and go. Some have a tray, a literal inbox, or even a basket, but those often take up precious space that could be used for more permanent things. They’re also a “one size fits all” kind of thing, so you can’t really use them for anything else or even arrange their parts unless you opted for a modular bin. The Hanging Desk Organizer Set solves all those problems by hanging over the edge of your desk and giving you the freedom to rearrange it to suit your needs.
Why is it noteworthy?
As with many seemingly magical modular systems, the secret to the rack’s trick is magnets, very strong magnets. The rack itself is made from sturdy steel and doesn’t actually have any distinct markings on its own. It looks like a square root or radical symbol, where its short flap sticks to the edge of your desk without screws or magnets. The V-shaped space is where you can place things like magazines, letters, files and folders, and more. You can even hang your book over the highest edge as a makeshift bookmark in case you need to quickly pause what you were reading.
What we like
Intuitive organizing
Magnetic cable holder
What we dislike
No complaints!
10. The Madang Set
Madang is a collection of desk accessories that take inspiration from Korea’s forgotten traditional games, bringing an element of fun to some serious productivity tools.
Why is it noteworthy?
Some of the associations are almost direct, like Juldaligi, a wrist-stretching tool that is like a miniature form of a traditional Korean tug of war. A multipurpose tray’s dividers and containers make it look like a Sabang chigi playground that children would use in yards. A magnetic clip holder that looks both like a UFO and a hat is a nod to the Jeonlip hats used in a whimsical game of Sangmodoligi. And what better way to embody a see-saw-like game than with a clip that mimics that movement?
While some people will insist that they need to “lively” desk to keep them from getting bored to death, few will argue that a cluttered space is a poison to productivity. Unless you have perfect memory, remembering where your tools are hiding under which pile of paper is sure to eat a few seconds or even minutes of your precious time. It doesn’t take much to suddenly find yourself surrounded by clutter; just a few misplaced pieces of paper or tools is a surefire to get started. Simply placing things in their designated spots can help prevent them from overrunning your desk, and this modular and reversible desk mat gives you that simple organization system for your phone, earbuds, and notes, and it does so in a stylish manner that accommodates people with different tastes and dominant hands.
Admittedly, not everyone probably needs or even uses a desk mat, but not because they simply dislike it. Most mats simply provide a flat patch of material, usually rubber or fabric, that serves no other purpose other than decoration. Some do help prevent keyboards from sliding off, and some even extend to accommodate a mouse, but that’s pretty much it. Some might even see them as wasted space since you probably can’t use the rest of the mat’s area for anything else.
Journey’s new desk mat addresses those limitations in two important ways. For one, it includes a wireless charging component that supports Apple MagSafe tech, meaning that you can place a compatible iPhone or any Android phone that supports the Qi standard to charge it while keeping it within arm’s reach. The charging panel magnetically attaches to the sides of the mat, so you can actually move it to the left for those who prefer to pick up their phones with their left hand. Alternatively, you can even detach it completely and use it as a standalone charging mat. There’s also a groove for compatible AirPods cases, though that might not work with any other earbuds cases.
The desk mat itself is more than just something to place things on top of it. The two different layers of materials can actually separate, creating a space to stash loose pieces of paper like single-page documents and sticky notes. All you need is to peel off the top layer from the “free” edge and quickly place a temporary note that you’ll need to work on later without it taking up precious space on your desk in the meantime.
One side of the mat is made from plushy felt, while the opposite is made from premium water-resistant vegan leather. You can easily switch between the two at any point by simply flipping the mat over. Whether you’re going for a classic leather look or prefer a more cushiony surface for your wrists, the ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat will deliver a handsome desk accessory that also helps keep your desk a bit more organized to boost your productivity.
As someone who loves combining digital and analog elements in my workflow, you’ll even find my desk filled with my laptop, tablet, various notebooks, and of course the ubiquitous sticky notes. So you might say my workspace can become a little cluttered. While this works for me (well at least most of the time), there might be people who would prefer a less messy space and go more minimalist. While just using your desktop may be the key, there are still times when you need to write down things and normally, stick notes are the way to go.
Designer: FluidStance
But if you want to try and eliminate more disposable paper products in your life, there are tools out there trying to help you declutter. The Slope is a “personal desktop whiteboard with pen” that you can slot right in between your monitor and your keyboard. So yes, it is simply a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard but instead of being on your wall or on the side, it is right in front of you and angled in such a way that it is perfect for your list-making or reminder-listing writing needs.
It is made from bent steel sheet and is powder-coated so it’s pretty smooth and easy to use as well as giving you a premium dry-erase surface. It is also magnetic so you can attach your whiteboard markers if they’re magnetic. If not, there’s a space at the top to place them as well as space at the back to store your separate eraser. There’s a silicone phone holder if you need to have your mobile device in front of you and there’s also an opening in it so you can place your charger.
If you’re not using your keyboard, you can slip it under the sloped whiteboard so you can have space to eat or for your other stuff while taking a break. It’s a simple enough thing to use although I would prefer it if there was a way you could save what you were writing into the cloud or if you could digitize it if you need to save what you wrote. But as an analog tool, it’s something interesting for the desktop users out there who have a separate monitor and keyboard.
We don’t have infinite space on top of our desks, no matter how much we wish we did. More often than not, we have to choose and compromise on what we put on top to fit everything that we need or want. That’s why modular or multi-functional desk accessories have become more fashionable and in demand recently, to help reduce those compromises that we have to make. Not everything go well together, of course, so it’s not always possible to mix two things together. It can be sometimes ingenious, however, when products turn out to be more than meets the eyes, like this cylindrical device that functions not just as an attractive table lamp but also as a container for pens, pencils, and other writing instruments.
Designer: Rahul G M
At first glance, one might mistake the POD lamp for a smart speaker, albeit one with a wooden main body and a translucent top. It would have been a safe assumption to make, given how many smart speakers have hopped on the design trend started by the Amazon Echo. The inspiration for POD, however, is a little bit more mundane, designed after the tiffin-style lunch boxes prevalent in India and other Southeast Asian countries. And just like those food containers, it hides its treats inside.
The two different materials of the lamp also correspond to its two main parts. The wooden part serves as the base and container, hiding the battery that powers the lamp on top. This battery also serves as a weight so that the POD doesn’t wobble or tip over, even if there’s nothing inside. The battery can be charged through wired and wireless methods, allowing it to be carried and placed in whatever location on the desk is more convenient.
The lamp part is connected to the base using steel arms that slide the top up and allow the lamp to be set at different angles. This can be useful when trying to shed some light on a specific part of the desk, though it won’t be as effective as a directed spotlight. The material also diffuses the light into a softer glow, which might not be bright enough for some people.
Lifting that lamp also reveals the empty space inside with enough room to hold a dozen or so writing instruments, from pencils to pens to other long tools. While this design is arguably useful for any kind of person, it is even more beneficial for artists, designers, and writers. This way, you can have a convenient place to store your tools while also having a lamp that could illuminate what you’re working on.
The POD lamp’s design isn’t exactly striking, but its appeal comes from the simplicity that belies its hidden functionality. The smart and efficient use of space allows it to combine two things that are almost unrelated but are essential on any worktable. It’s not going to fit everyone’s needs, particularly those who need a brighter lamp or those who have dozens of pens, but it’s bound to serve most people well, especially those who have limited space on their desks.
When you spend a lot of time on your work area, you need to surround yourself with things that can amuse or delight you in the midst of the long to do lists and endless emails. I like placing random, cute, and unique stationery pieces or decorations just so I have something nice to look at and sometimes, they’re useful too. Of course you need to take a break every once in a while from work so sometimes you need to have something to “play with” that’s not a screen.
Designer: Arundhati Malkhede
Wobbler is a product concept for a penholder that looks like the way it sounds. It’s a thingamajig to hold your pens and other small pieces of stationery and supplies. But instead of being stable and actually stationary, it wobbles around in order to amuse or distract you. It actually looks like a lamp with its circular and cylindrical design but instead of lighting your desk, it’s actually keeps your office or school stuff organized.
The cylindrical part that looks a bit like an hourglass is where the pens are placed. It’s transparent so you’ll still be able to see the various colors and designs of your pens, scissors, or whatever long office item you want to put there. There’s also space underneath that to put paper clips, staple wires, rubber bands, or other small items you want to keep nearby. There’s a section underneath that opens up as a small storage compartment to put erasers, small staplers, and other small items.
There’s a weighted bottom that keeps the entire thing from toppling over even as it wobbles. But if you want to keep it steady or if it’s becoming too heavy, you can remove the ring from the top and use it as a stable base. The product renders show various colors and color combinations so you can also get a splash of color on your desk, aside from the wobbly design. I’d like to add this to my collection of unique desk knick knacks even if I might eventually get dizzy from all the wobbling.
Productivity guru David Allen of GTD fame once said that our minds are for having ideas, not holding them. That’s why many such gurus advise jotting down thoughts as soon as they come so as not to lose them just as quickly. Blank sheets of paper, preferably recycled, are great for this purpose. They encourage free-form notes, are ubiquitous, and are available almost anywhere. Having a stack of such paper on your desk, however, can quickly become an organizational nightmare unless you have dedicated space to keep them within arm’s reach. That’s the exact problem that the UPRIGHT paper and pen holders try to solve in the simplest yet most elegant way, keeping sheets of paper nearby without turning your desk into mayhem.
The designers at idontknow.tokyo are big fans of having a stack of clean paper nearby, ready to receive their inspired musings and sometimes incoherent ramblings, not to mention a phone number or two in an emergency. While that might be great for productivity, an unbridled stack can be a horrific organizing experience when left unchecked. Sheets can fly around, get knocked off the pile, and even curl at the edges. That’s not to mention how they can eat up precious space when laid flat on a desk.
That’s why they designed these minimalist paper holders that try to hit two birds with one stone. It can hold as many as 500 sheets of paper at a time while still leaving space to place a pen or pencil on its foot. The holder’s nearly perfect L shape was precisely designed to be able to hold that many sheets while still making it easy to pull out a single piece from the bundle.
There is an air of beauty in the paper holder’s extreme minimalism. A single sheet of stainless steel is carefully bent to that calculated shape and then powder-coated in black to add a matte texture that offers something to delight your fingertips. Only a small iron rod holds the piece upright, and you can tighten or loosen its screw to adjust its angle. That also makes it effortless to assemble or disassemble the desk accessory when you need to stow it away for transportation.
The paper holder comes in portrait or landscape orientations to fit your preferred working environment or available space. A portrait paper holder is perfect for lists or notes written on pads, while a landscape design is more suited for making diagrams or reading wide-spread material. Although specifically designed to hold A4-sized paper, the sleek holders can be home to almost any paper-based material, from magazines to letters to open books. Whatever it is, it may be able to find a home on your desk with this paper holder.
Clutter begins when things aren’t put in their proper places or, worse, when they don’t have a proper place at all. Having paper nearby to take down notes is one thing, but keeping them from being lost is another. With these minimalist paper holders, you can keep all those notes together, within view and within reach, helping to organize not just your desk but your mind as well.
