The Ultimate Home Office Setup: Must-Have Purchases for Instructional Designers
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As an instructional designer, having a well-equipped and efficient home office is essential for productivity and creativity. Whether you're designing engaging e-learning courses, creating interactive multimedia content, or collaborating with teams remotely, having the right tools can greatly enhance your workflow and overall work-from-home experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the must-have purchases that can transform your home office into the ultimate space for instructional design success!
High-Quality Laptop or Desktop Computer: Investing in a reliable, high-performance laptop or desktop computer is the foundation of your home office setup. Look for a system with sufficient processing power, ample storage space, and a dedicated graphics card to handle multimedia tasks seamlessly. Consider your specific software requirements and opt for a computer that meets or exceeds those specifications. I am currently using an older Lenovo ThinkPad, but here are some newer versions of the ThinkPad.
Dual Monitors or Ultrawide Display: To maximize productivity and efficiency, consider adding dual monitors or an ultrawide display to your home office setup. This allows you to have multiple applications, documents, or web pages open simultaneously, making it easier to reference materials and work on different tasks simultaneously. The extra screen real estate provides a significant boost to multitasking capabilities, streamlining your workflow. My set up includes two Monitors by ViewSonic attached to an adjustable dual monitor stand.
Dual HDMI Adapter: An instructional designer often needs to work with multiple displays or connect their computer to external monitors for extended screen real estate. A dual HDMI adapter is a valuable tool that allows you to expand your workspace and connect two HDMI displays to your laptop or desktop computer. Because my laptop has a USB C port, I use a USB C to Dual HDMI Adapter.
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: Enhance your comfort and mobility by opting for a wireless keyboard and mouse. These devices provide freedom of movement, eliminating clutter and cable limitations on your desk. Look for a keyboard with a comfortable layout and responsive keys, allowing for smooth and effortless typing. Consider features like backlighting, multimedia keys, and customizable shortcuts to optimize your workflow. Pair it with a wireless mouse that offers precise tracking and ergonomic design to reduce wrist strain during extended use. I personally like Logitech’s wireless keyboard and mouse combo, and have gone through several pairs.
Extra-Large Gaming Mousepad: While primarily designed for gaming enthusiasts, an extra-large gaming mousepad can be a valuable addition to the home office setup of an instructional designer. These oversized mousepads provide a large surface area that accommodates both your keyboard and mouse, offering several benefits beyond gaming. I’m a simple gal, so I prefer this all black Amazon Basics Large Extended Gaming Computer Mouse Pad.
Desk Power Strip: A desk power strip is a crucial accessory for any instructional designer's home office setup. With the increasing number of devices and peripherals we use in our work, having easily accessible power outlets is essential. A desk power strip brings convenience and organization to your workspace, allowing you to power and charge multiple devices simultaneously. I have upgraded from holding a power strip onto the bottom of my desk with two thumb tacks to this mounted Desk Power Strip with USB drives.
Designing a functional and efficient home office is a crucial investment for instructional designers. The must-have purchases outlined in this blog post can elevate your productivity, comfort, and creativity, enabling you to deliver exceptional e-learning experiences. Remember to customize your setup based on your specific needs and preferences, and continuously evaluate and update your tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of instructional design.