Design Adaptations

For the most part, I’m a good self-motivator and very much an intrinsically motivated person. But when it comes to focus, I struggle. Perhaps because I have a 3yr old who needs my attention at inconvenient times or because I have too many things on my mind that I want to learn/do. Whatever the reason, I’ve always relied on music to get in the right frame of mind depending on the work I’m doing.

For coding (and sometimes writing) that usually means no lyrics. Instead I reach for the rhythm and rhapsody of movie scores. They are a great alternative to traditional classical music, which I don’t favor as much.

The Pursuit of Happyness

My first and favorite choice. This is such a delightful album, I was hooked immediately. Most of the tracks have a lively pace, but not at all frantic. With an optimistic feel to it, this is a great choice for tackling a challenging project or task you don’t exactly relish. ;)

Composer: Andrea Guerra

The Pursuit of Happyness

The Time Machine

I loved this soundtrack long before seeing the movie (which almost ruined it actually). I even selected the piece “Wish Me Luck” to play while I walked down the aisle when John and I got married. :) Overall the album has a wistful appeal. It’s great working music, though I did uncheck two of the songs in iTunes because they were very jarring to me.

Composer: Klaus Badelt

The Time Machine

Armageddon

For days when you’re feeling particularly enthused about your work. Many tracks have an upbeat, motivating tempo but never to the point of distraction. Some electric guitar compliments the piano and strings in an unexpected way. It’s edgy, in a good way.

Composer: Trevor Rabin

Armageddon

Martian Child

Perfect if you need a bit of soft music to ward off a dull silence. There’s nothing particularly engaging about it – in fact at times I don’t even notice it. That’s the best part actually. There are no sudden screeches or major crescendos. You can put it on and just work.

Composer: Aaron Zigman

Martian Child

Finding Nemo

If you prefer music with a lot of “movement” to keep the pistons in your brain firing, this will do the trick. Simultaneously happy, inspiring, soothing and energetic. I unchecked a few songs for the same reason stated above, but altogether it’s a splendid listening experience.

Composer: Thomas Newman

Finding Nemo

Gladiator

I think Hans Zimmer ranks among the most talented composers of our age, cranking out masterful scores like Pirates of Caribbean (also in my library) and The Da Vinci Code – but Gladiator is my favorite. Giving a sense of empowerment, it’s very affecting yet easy to listen to while you work. The last three tracks in particular make the album.

Composer: Hans Zimmer

Gladiator

Legends of the Fall

Both haunting and lilting, this was a tough choice to feature over two other soundtracks by James Horner that I own (Braveheart and Titanic), which are just as frequently played. But Legends is one of the first movie scores I ever bought and I’ve never grown tired of it all these years. That says something.

Composer: James Horner

Legends of the Fall

Did you like this post? Stay tuned for Music for the Designing Soul coming up next. You might also enjoy the list of music you can work to on design:related. What do you you listen to when working with code? Add your favorite in the comments!