Is There a “Right” Number of Spaces?

Written By Hun Kim

Last updated 4 months ago

There's no right answer to this question. It depends on your individual work style and needs. Some people prefer managing by current project units, while others divide and manage personal work and company work separately.

Remember, in Arch a Space isn’t just a label; it’s a core tool for lowering cognitive load.

What Makes Arch Spaces Different?

A Space acts as a visual filter that slashes context-switching costs. When you see tasks in the same color, your brain instantly clicks into “that mode,” letting you focus faster and deeper. This goes beyond simple organization: it lets you scan your calendar at a glance and quiet the mental noise.

Therefore, we don't recommend using just one Space or using No Space without any designation.

Comparing Pros and Cons by Number of Spaces

2–3 Spaces (great for beginners)

Why it works

  • Easy mental split (e.g., Work / Personal or Deep Work / Collaboration / Personal)

  • Colors provide instant cues, keeping cognitive load low

  • “Day Theming” boost: blocks of the same color deepen immersion

  • Quick filtering when you only need one context

Starter ideas:

  • 🔵 Deep Work + 🟢 Collaboration + 🟡 Personal

  • 🔵 Work + 🟢 Personal + 🟠 Learning

4 + Spaces (Once you’re comfortable)

Upsides

  • Finer-grained control for complex workflows

  • Clear project or client separation

  • Sets firm boundaries in a busy environment

Watch-outs

  • Too many colors can overwhelm

  • Decision fatigue: “Which Space does this belong in?”

  • Schedule regular cleanup or consolidation

Example Setups

Knowledge Workers (2-3)

🔵 Work 🟢 Personal 🟡 Side Project (optional)

Entrepreneurs / Product Managers / Freelancers (3-4)

🔵 Client A 🟢 Client B 🟡 Business Development 🟠 Personal

Students (2-3)

🔵 Study 🟢 Personal 🟡 Career (optional)

Power Tips

  1. Day Theming : Assign a dominant color per weekday (e.g., Monday = blue for planning, Tuesday = green for execution).

  2. Use Filters : Overwhelmed? Toggle on a single Space and work in one context only.

  3. Expand Gradually : Start with two, add more only when a clear need appears.

Start Small, Grow If Needed

Arch lives by “Less but Better.” Kick off with just Work / Personal and feel the impact of Time Blocking and visual filtering. After a few weeks, add new Spaces only if they make your today view clearer.

The goal isn’t a specific number. It’s opening your calendar and instantly knowing what matters now. If a quick color scan flips your brain into the right gear, you’ve nailed your Space setup.