Enhance your workflow and boost productivity using this versatile tool
As a manager that is pulled in many different directions and never quite feels like there are enough hours in the day, I'm always on the lookout for gadgets that can help me streamline workflows and optimize productivity.
Recently, I discovered the Elgato Stream Deck, a device that has turned out to be surprisingly awesome at relieving some of those intangible burdens sitting in front of a PC .
What is the Elgato Stream Deck?
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| The Elgato Stream Deck |
The Elgato Stream Deck is a compact, USB-powered device that features a grid of customizable LCD keys - real, actually pressable, tactile keys. The hardware is complemented by the software, which enables users to program the keys with various functions, create multiple profiles for different tasks, and organize shortcuts within nested folders for easy access.
Variants
The stream deck comes in 3 sizes, a "mini" with just six keys - probably too few keys for most people, the regular size with 15 keys, which is the one I have, and an "xl" with 32 keys. Whilst I have the 15 key variant, and it is the most popular, it's fair to say that I (and I read this same opinion from others people, too) may end up picking up the larger "xl" version. The whole advantage of the product, after all, is that you have functionality at the touch of a single button, but sometimes you end up creating sub-folders of functions because, for a given context, you want to access more than 15 functions, so you end up still having to remember how to 'navigate' through to where the function you want is, and this does negate some of the advantages of the stream deck.
Originally it was designed for streamers and gamers, the Stream Deck has proven a surprise hit with working professionals, offering a powerful combination of hardware and software to optimize workflows and boost efficiency.
Microsoft Teams Integration and Third-Party Plugins
One of the great features of Stream Deck is its support for third-party plugins, which allows for integration with a wide range of applications. Elgato hosts an "app store" for plugins where users can easily browse plugins by category, popularity etc., and install them with a single click,
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| The stream deck software showing a simple drag-and-drop interface for button configuration |
Recently, Microsoft released a first-party plugin for Microsoft Teams, enabling direct access to common Teams meeting functions. This integration allows users to handle meetings more effectively, with buttons for actions such as muting or unmuting the microphone, turning the camera on or off, sharing screens, and raising or lowering hands. This has been a really nice addition to my workflow, helping me stay engaged and focused during online meetings.
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| The configuration of my stream deck during a teams call |
Smart Profiles
Smart Profiles are a clever feature of the Elgato Stream Deck, enabling the device to switch profiles automatically based on the application currently in use on your computer. This adaptive functionality helps maintain an organized interface, ensuring that only the most relevant shortcuts are accessible for the task at hand. I have set up profiles for all my commonly used apps, teams, office, word, excel etc
By doing this, the Stream Deck will automatically update its display, providing access to the shortcuts and actions most relevant to your current activity. This feature greatly enhances productivity since, surprisingly as I said earlier, I found myself "running out" of keys and wanting the larger stream deck xl model.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Elgato Stream Deck has really made a serious quality of life improvement in my day-to-day work. By providing support for third-party plugins, customizable shortcuts, and streamlined task management, this device has genuinely allowed me to work more efficiently and stay focused on delivering results for my team and our projects.
No one needs a stream deck, there is no functionality that can be triggered by a button press on it that couldn't be configured through a mouse click or a keyboard shortcut, but its value really lies in the incredible simplicity of having an actual physical button with a picture on it that shows what it does, the ease of use that brings is genuinely delightful.
If you spend a significant amount of time sat in front of a computer, and you are looking to up your productivity game (and have around $150 dollars burning a hole in your pocket), I recommend giving the Stream Deck a try.