The latest project from UGMonk is a beautiful walnut card-holder, with a simple, yet well-designed to-do system.
“We always seem to think we can get more done in a day than what’s actually possible. The physical constraints of the Analog card force you hone in the few important things to tackle each day. No more endless lists or productivity guilt.”
Put simply, this is a to-do list desk companion with pre-printed index cards. However, behind the minimal design, is a thoroughly researched approach to getting more important things done, with fewer distractions.
As an avid bullet journaler, I see a lot of similarities to the Bullet Journal System. Using the bullet points to reflect on the days work, and ‘migrate’ the information to the next card is one tenet of the bujo system that works very well.
PICTURES
Reference card
Checklist guide and insight into the three dots on the top right.
Dot-Grid layout is on the back of each card for notes and sketches.
One issue with the heavy paper is that it soaks up fountain pen ink and feathers. I would stick to gel/ballpoint pens and pencils.
DETAILS
Price $79 (Cardholder and 3 months worth of cards)
Pack of 50 Cards - 35 Today, 10 Next, 5 Someday
Card Holder Dimensions - 6.25" x 3.55" x 1.15"
Card Dimensions - 3″x5″
Paper - 100# smooth uncoated paper
Metal card cover with magnetic closure
Ugmonk also has a travel case available for $32
UGMONK
I have been backing Jeff Sheldon’s projects for years and he continues to make better and better products. He moves forward from each Kickstarter project and doesn’t look back so when his inventory is gone, it is really gone. He also curates some amazing products on his site that you can find here.
INTERVIEW
Jeff was very kind in getting back to me this past week when I was bothering him with a few questions that I had and thought I would share them with you:
1. What led you to use notecards with this productivity system?
I find the physical constraints of the 3x5 cards helpful to limit how many tasks I can have on my to-do list each day. I also like the portability of the cards and being able to easily write notes or quick sketches on the back.
2. What is your background and how did you decide to begin designing and producing products.
I grew up with a passion for art and making things. Even as a kid I would spend hours building things with cardboard and whatever I could find. Later I transitioned into graphic design and fell in love with designing t-shirts. That's what led me to launch Ugmonk back in 2008. I've slowly grown Ugmonk over the past 12 years and expanded into other workspace objects like Gather and Analog, all centered around the same idea of combining form and function.
3. Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from all over. I feel like it's a mashup of Scandinavian and Japanese design as well as industrial designers like Dieter Rams and Charles and Ray Eames. Really inspiration comes from everywhere, whether it's being out in nature, exploring a new city, or browsing through old design and architecture books.
4. How did you come up with the name Ugmonk?
It was kind of a happy accident. When I launched Ugmonk in 2008 it was just supposed to be a little side project, so I didn't think too hard about names. I wanted something unique and started googling URLs that were available. "Ugmonk" happened to be available (which was just something we made up and didn't have any real meanings) so we went with it. Now 12 years later, it has become one of the best branding decisions we ever made. If you google the word "Ugmonk" there are 120,000 results that all point back to us :)
5. Any new products in the pipeline we can start to get excited about?
I'm working on some additional Analog accessories that I can share much about yet. But I'm excited to continued building out the system and seeing how people adapt Analog to their workflow.
SUMMARY
With desk real estate always a premium for me, I find these cards fit nicely into my layout. They quietly do their job reminding me to stay on task throughout the day. As I mentioned before, Jeff doesn’t restock many of his Kickstarter items and this is one that I recommend getting in on the pre-order price before it goes up!
I paid for the Analog system and did not receive anything in return for this review. My thoughts are my own.
Cheers,
MIke
