Patrick Morgan is a designer and the creator of Better by Design, a newsletter sharing pragmatic strategies and tactics for designing high-leverage software.
Over the course of more than a decade, he’s helped companies like Leo Burnett, American Express, and Fastly craft category-leading brand and software designs.
Newsletter → betterbydesign.cc
Twitter (X) → twitter.com/itspatmorgan
LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/itspatmorgan
Part home office, part recording studio — Patrick's space features Yamaha HS5 audio monitors, a Shure SM7B on a boom arm, and acoustic panels that tie his setup together.
When the design work is done, the real instruments come out. A Fender Stratocaster, Taylor GS Mini, and Roland RD-800 share the walls with a full set of acoustic treatment panels.
A designer's desk done right — Dell UltraSharp 4K flanked by Yamaha HS5s, a Shure SM7B on the boom, and a tan leather desk mat tying it all together.
Southern California has its perks. When the weather calls, Patrick takes the MacBook Pro and AirPods Max outside — no commute required.
Patricks’s outdoor setup is complete with an outdoor table, fire pit, and just enough SoCal sunshine to make any workday feel less like work.
Pat was previously featured in edition #219 of Workspaces. This is his updated workspace in 2023.
Workspace items
Apple Macbook Pro 14"
Logitech bluetooth mouse & keyboard
Fender American Stratocaster
Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar
Roland RD-800 digital piano
Software
Substack - Newsletter publishing
Figma - Design
Notion - Workflow & databases
Super - Publishing my personal website via Notion
ChatGPT - Writing & coding buddy
Loom - Recording video tutorials
Readwise Reader - Saving articles for inspiration & note taking
YNAB - Staying on top of my finances
What is the most useful item in your workspace?
The sit/stand desk. It keeps me moving, lets me clamp on things like my speaker stands and mic arm, and provides a nice amount of space to toss extra gear besides my computer when I need it. It's not sexy, but it's a workhorse, that's for sure.
What does your typical daily routine look like?
I'm currently taking a sabbatical from client work, so right now I just try to 1) make something (design, writing, music, etc...), 2) go for a run and enjoy the Southern California outdoors, and 3) spend some time with friends. It's an intentionally chill life, for the moment.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Though I started making my own half-caff blend to make sure my habit doesn't give me the jitters.
