Digital clutter starts with the computer desktop itself. I have observed many people wasting endless time and effort to find a specific file or folder on their desktop.
Not only a productivity killer but desktop clutter is a source of constant disruption and mental fatigue too. You start with one task, e.g., open last month’s invoice to check a number. Then, you overload your brain with dozens of unrelated signals: “Oh! the ticket for the plane … Did I download the boarding pass as well? Don’t forget to take a socket adapter for the laptop charger! I must prepare the slides soon, time is running out. Hm … I need a haircut as well … Oh! the photo for the blog post … I need to publish it next week … Here is the ebook I downloaded a month ago … I still need to find the time to read it …” But you only wanted to check last month’s invoice!
Scientific studies emphasize that clutter, physical or digital, can negatively affect your ability to focus and process information. I was not aware of the term “desktop zero” until recently but, apparently, it is a trending buzzword and expert tips suggest different approaches to quit the habit of a cluttered desktop.
I have been practicing a “clean desktop” policy for many years now, before even hearing about “desktop zero”. This is how my desktop normally looks like:
Yes, it is only a “Recycle Bin” there. Which is more often than not empty as well. Why am I doing this? I need to do a lot of focused and concentrated work, alternating with short calls and status meetings. I fully enjoy being fully focused on the current task at hand cutting off any distractions. Anything placed on my desktop and not related to my work is sooner or a later a mental distraction for me. Now, in case you wonder, the auto-hide taskbar (of course!) includes a pinned shortcut to my files and frequently-used applications.
As an additional point, a clean desktop saves me a lot of embarrassment in those cases that I quickly need to share my screen over a call or a colleague stops by to discuss a challenge over my screen.
Needless to say, the clean desktop is a natural extension of my decluttered physical workspace. Is this combination problem-free? Surprisingly, not always. In open space work environments (I am not a fan of them), people sometimes think that the desk being so clean is actually free for them to use! Thankfully, there is always someone nearby to say “No, it’s Art’s spot“.