Ákos Kőműves has spent the last 18+ years building software. He is currently a Principal Software Developer located in Hungary where he is helping startups and product teams build and ship AI-powered software.
He also writes a weekly newsletter for developers where he shares his recent learnings on React, TypeScript, Next.js, and AI tooling.
Twitter (X) → x.com/akoskm
What are the main items in your workspace?
iPhone charging stand: FIXED MagPowerstation ALU
Desk mat: IKEA SUSIG Desk pad, cork
Monitor stand: IKEA SIGFINN
Keyboard: NuPhy Air75
What is the most recent item that you've added to your workspace?
It is a Fixed wireless charging stand that I can use to charge my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. I used a travel charger before, but I couldn’t turn the phone on its side to have Standby mode. It’s nice to have a quick look at my to-do list and upcoming events without unlocking my phone.
What is one change you'd like to make to your current workspace?
It’s the desk.
The coolest photos I’ve seen in this newsletter always featured a desk with warm colors. Currently, I’m using a cork desk mat, which adds some warmth to it, but my next one will definitely be oak or something warmer.
The other thing is its size: 120x70. The depth is fine, but I have just enough space for my stuff. Once I have to take out some bigger items, ie, look through some paperwork, I have to do that on a different desk.
How do you spark creativity?
I create. Most of the things I write, record, or launch are related to earlier experiments, trying out new stuff, or doing work and observing which experiences I can turn into a piece.
Walks rarely spark ideas for me, but they help me get a new perspective or gain clarity when I have too much going on in my head.
And the third thing, which I should do more of because it reliably sparked ideas, was short, 10-minute morning meditation sessions.
What does your typical day look like?
I usually get up around 6-6:30. Between 7 and 9, it’s either some creative work, like writing, or if I’m ready for it, a workout.
9 to 6 is mostly work, including a launch, and if I couldn’t get my morning training in, then a training right before launch.
By 6-6:30 p.m. I finish work, and it’s usually dinner, playing with my daughter, and family time. After 8 p.m., when my daughter is asleep, it’s reading and spending time with my wife.
It’s usually around 10 p.m. when I go to bed.
What do you enjoy most about WFH life?
The efficiency, being with my family all day, seeing my daughter grow up, and being present when she does things for the first time. Small kids grow really, really fast!
With work, I can be efficient with my time.
It’s not that I work at night, so that an office job wouldn’t fit me. I’m a typical morning person and could probably function great in an office 9-5 job. I get up early, and my peak hours are somewhere between 8 and 11.
But not having to commute lets me use the extra 30-60 minutes to fit in a quick training session, spend additional time with the family, or invest in some efforts outside of work. I still get dressed for work, have a separate office in our house, and our new office/gym is in the making!
WFH isn’t easy, but with thoughtful environmental design, you can eliminate the parts that make it difficult. Observe what’s working for you, what is drawing your attention during peak hours, and adjust in tiny increments.
