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A2 Design project - Designers Desk
- Thread starter LERsince1991
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
So I've fixed the drawer runners in and made the drawers which I'm going to line with some red/black faux leather or something.
Next stage is to work out all my electronics and make sure its right so I can then glue it all together and fit the wires and components in.
Going to sort out the metal things around the 3rd of March. I had some quotes but the prices were impossible. I'm off to see a university to help me with some better sources.
P.S. It's really annoying only being able to do a couple of hours at a time because thats the duration of the lessons...
Next stage is to work out all my electronics and make sure its right so I can then glue it all together and fit the wires and components in.
Going to sort out the metal things around the 3rd of March. I had some quotes but the prices were impossible. I'm off to see a university to help me with some better sources.
P.S. It's really annoying only being able to do a couple of hours at a time because thats the duration of the lessons...
Attachments
Glued and pinned it all together except for the top so I can add the electronics.
Bought the speaker wiring.
Bought back box for connection plate.
Ordered custom connection plate with USB B, x2 AUX and 3.5mm Jack which will be comming the end of this week/start of next week.
Screwed the drawers onto the runners so they work now.
Ordered IEC Power socket to fix onto the underside of the desk for the power strip on the side.
Split my thumb open with a hammer
Will upload some pics tomorrow when I get them off my mates iPhone.
I'm starting to put the wiring in tomorrow.
And if anyone could help me source a PDU (Power distribution unit)... The power strip for the side;
Heres the thread I have started for people to help me with the PDU
Bought the speaker wiring.
Bought back box for connection plate.
Ordered custom connection plate with USB B, x2 AUX and 3.5mm Jack which will be comming the end of this week/start of next week.
Screwed the drawers onto the runners so they work now.
Ordered IEC Power socket to fix onto the underside of the desk for the power strip on the side.
Split my thumb open with a hammer
Will upload some pics tomorrow when I get them off my mates iPhone.
I'm starting to put the wiring in tomorrow.
And if anyone could help me source a PDU (Power distribution unit)... The power strip for the side;
Heres the thread I have started for people to help me with the PDU
Split my thumb open with a hammer
Ouch... Sounds like it's worth it though... Getting on well!
Looking forward to seeing further updates
Not sure what photos I have taken... can't really tell much from them but a lot has been done as I've described in the previous post.
Also the custom connection plate came today but I need to wait till the worktop has been painted and finished to solder it up.
Just really the big stuff left.
Paint, Finish electronics and add speakers and dock, get legs made, get perforated metal for equipment platform.
I have been getting quotes just for the perforated metal and its not good...
No pain, No game. I don't mind the odd injury. My design is my life
Also the custom connection plate came today but I need to wait till the worktop has been painted and finished to solder it up.
Just really the big stuff left.
Paint, Finish electronics and add speakers and dock, get legs made, get perforated metal for equipment platform.
I have been getting quotes just for the perforated metal and its not good...
Ouch... Sounds like it's worth it though... Getting on well!
Looking forward to seeing further updates
No pain, No game. I don't mind the odd injury. My design is my life
Attachments
No pain, No game. I don't mind the odd injury. My design is my life
aah indeed... I remember leaving a few blood stains on my A2 graphics project lol
Hello,
I think this desk looks fantastic. Hadn't seen this thread before, but I've subscribed now so I'll be dropping in to see how it's going.
I'd actually be very interested in a desk like this. I've got a desk that is larger than this at the moment, so it wouldn't look too out of place even in a normal home environment. I'd replace my desk with something like this if it came on the market though, because I'd like a little less clutter on the desk, even though it's just a monitor and speakers at the moment.
Also, I feel I should just add that I'm exactly one year older than you.
I think this desk looks fantastic. Hadn't seen this thread before, but I've subscribed now so I'll be dropping in to see how it's going.
I'd actually be very interested in a desk like this. I've got a desk that is larger than this at the moment, so it wouldn't look too out of place even in a normal home environment. I'd replace my desk with something like this if it came on the market though, because I'd like a little less clutter on the desk, even though it's just a monitor and speakers at the moment.
Also, I feel I should just add that I'm exactly one year older than you.
Hello,
I think this desk looks fantastic. Hadn't seen this thread before, but I've subscribed now so I'll be dropping in to see how it's going.
...
Also, I feel I should just add that I'm exactly one year older than you.
I'm really hoping tp put it into production after my course
Would be a dream come true. I'm probably going to go into the apple store tomorrow to see if theres any jobs going, meet the manager and introduce my desk too see what he thinks, (if he likes it it might help me get a job there because it shows my ability).1 year exactly? as in its your 19th on 22nd march?
The custom connection plate came today with usb, x2 AUX and 3.5mm.
Also I made the cut out for the IEC power socket and fitted/screwed that in.
Over this weekend I really need to speak to some people and over the next week I need to seriously have made plans for the legs, sheet metal and painting of the desk. Once I know what power sockets are going into the side I will finish the wiring, glue the top on and sand down ready for painting!
Just the big things left really: paint and metalwork (Legs and sheet metal)
Then a few little things little soldering and bit of leather/finishing materials here and there. Not far off
You should add some text to your web page so people from the other site googling for "your name desk" or something similar would get to your web site.
PDF brochure is fairly useless for web siteRanking(i.e.-free-advertising). You can have all the info as web pages with html text and that'll work much better.
PDF brochure is fairly useless for web siteRanking(i.e.-free-advertising). You can have all the info as web pages with html text and that'll work much better.
Thats an idea, but a friend did the website for me so I can't ask to convert the whole booklet to web pages. Its just a small extra to display my product without sending files.
I bought some fake black leather to line the middle and right drawers with today whilst I was in town
Update:
Right I've mounted my ipod dock in and made a little system that makes it removable incase of any worthy update or if it breaks etc...
Tomorrow morning I will be glueing the top on completely so I need to make sure everythings right, once thats dried I will sand down tomorrow probably.
The next thing is to get it painted and everything which hopfully will happen next week. I also need to sort out the legs and sheet metal.
Thinking about it, I'm not far off.
Heres a few pics.
Luke
Right I've mounted my ipod dock in and made a little system that makes it removable incase of any worthy update or if it breaks etc...
Tomorrow morning I will be glueing the top on completely so I need to make sure everythings right, once thats dried I will sand down tomorrow probably.
The next thing is to get it painted and everything which hopfully will happen next week. I also need to sort out the legs and sheet metal.
Thinking about it, I'm not far off.
Heres a few pics.
Luke
Attachments
Coming along nicely!
Obviously it's not going to go through the stress tests of a mass produced piece of furniture - Will you be confident in using it as your desk when your done? Or does that depend on the legs you get? The main structure of the top looks sound enough.
Obviously it's not going to go through the stress tests of a mass produced piece of furniture - Will you be confident in using it as your desk when your done? Or does that depend on the legs you get? The main structure of the top looks sound enough.
Definatley, I am looking to use it as my desk for many years so I'm trying to make a proper job of it, I may replace it one day with the same desk but professionally massed produced, if/when it does get make commercially.
Well since the legs will be made of metal it will definatly be strong enough and very sturdy. The worktop as it is is ultra strong
and relitively low weight.Did some testing of the cables today and temporarily wired the speakers in to give it a go, very nice
a replacement for the radio thats broke in schools workshop atm. Getting a call back with a quote for the painting over the weekend and probably be painted next week.I'm just going to put it as I see it and these are just quick observations
If the table is designed for a designer that uses paper -If the table is designed for a designer that uses a pc -
- There should be the option to tilt the top, most pen based designers still use drawing boards of some sort, plus from an ergonomic standpoint a slanted work surface is generally better.
- Theres no where to attach a wide rule/straight edge or anyway of making the paper straight.
- Theres no option for a lightbox, something that if its aimed at the 'pen' artist is a useful addition - the modular option would be a good idea here. I'm pretty certain the el paper you mentioned doesn't stand up to pressure too well.
- No easy access to pens, paper etc, the drawers are directly in front of where you are sitting which isn't easy access in my opinion - maybe have a lift up flap/well area for storing pens while working. Pulling out a tray seems a little bit poor considering you're aiming this at the design market - using a tray isn't really any different to a generic table is it.
- Nowhere to store large size paper - people work on larger than a3
From a personal perspective I'm not keen on the look of it. It doesn't really look like something I would want in my office. Its also as it stands now impractical for my requirements and I would require more space than I already do.
- not suitable for a dual monitor setup
- the height of the keyboard storage wouldn't cater for an ergonomic keyboard like the ms natual range.
- no where to put an a3 or larger printer
- don't think a scanner would fit in anywhere either
- idea of sticking graphics tablet in drawer using cable tunnel isn't the best idea when you want it outside the drawer - cable gets stuck in drawer.
- If its aimed at the imac, why have the speakers, to be of any use they would need to be powered plus as said not ideal placement.
- I'd have concerns over the thickness of the desk, consider your natural ergonomics when using a keyboard at a desk - there isn't a great deal of distance between the top of your legs and your hands/arms.
- if you're aiming at the mac pro then you haven't got any cable runners anywhere near where the pro would likely be placed (down by one of the legs most likely)
- Nowhere for a ups, your metal grid thing underneath wouldn't hold the weight safely.
Another thing to consider when trying to design for 2 or more completely different requirements (pen and pc designers for example) it can make a design worse than whats already out there.
Oh and by the way a bespoke table mentioned earlier is just as much a product as a mass produced one, it goes through the same development process but has a more individual set of criteria to adhere to which are often stricter than those of a mass produced product. You could also argue at this moment in time that your table is a bespoke product as its not being put into mass production.
LeviG I have to agree, I have to say a desk that allows an A3 (11x17) sheet is too small, it must fit an A0 (Arch/ANSI E/E+) sheet without intrusions to the work space, therefore a keyboard/mouse tray is essential. The monitor stand intrudes into the already small workspace, I think it could easily cantilever from the back somehow. My space requirements would probably be at least 4x the size of your design. I must have space to layout drawings.
LERsince1991 I appreciate your design, but I think you're trying to achieve a design that is somewhat an end all solution. The main difference between your design and your desire to mimic apple's product solutions is that, they have solved and are continuing to reinvent their practical solutions. What you've created is in my opinion not very practical for any designer I know of (which reminds me of one of the office managers ordering custom desks for the new office space when she never even picked up an pencil and we wound up with desks where half of our drawings were on the desk or we were working off the floor), you've focused on the aesthetics which is fine but I'm sure most people would agree that functionality is very important.
no
I don't see who this desk is for.
You have all this space, but your monitor is relegated way to the back of the desk. Designers (yourself included, I'm sure) tend to work up close to their screens, not from arms length. I hope the iMac stand (which is really what it is) is removable so when the user inevitably moves their computer forward a foot that shelf can come off. So what is all the space for? The only things that look like they would belong permanently on the work surface is a keyboard, tablet and mouse. If that is the case then why the extra space? Most of the designers I know work with magazines, books, inspirational clippings and notes on their desks, but this desk looks like it hates clutter and is offended by paper. And if not why no space for a printer or scanner? The desk looks like a giant computer only stand, and a bad drawing table. Artists who work with pens and pencils need all the more storage and versatile organization. For a desk that is built for pen and pencil use, why is there not a light table? or something to actually draw on? Or a lamp? Honestly if I had this table and I needed to work for a few hours a day with a pen or pencil, I would tape foam against the front ridge to prevent creasing in my forearms from your "sharp edges" and bring in an angled drawing board so I could actully work on somethign more useful than a dinner table. I'd also build something to keep books and a printer on under the table, and even still it would be covered in books and magazine within an hour, which would make typing and tablet use a total pain. There is also no way I would use the iPod dock to control my music, as its a full arm extension away and tilted away from the user. The speakers would be unusable during working because the user is leaning forward to pay attention to detialed design work would have their ears a good 11 inches in front of the speakers. The sensation you describe as the music playing inside your head is the sounds bouncing all around your room before reaching your ears.
All white tables are nauseating! Working on a white desk happens in 10 min spurts between prolonged spells of vertigo.
I could see this being used by an interior decorator, perhaps...like if you covered it in boxes and swatches.Or a web designer, on an all white space station in a retro future scifi.
I'm sorry homie, your drafting and craftsmanship are clearly excellent, but this absolutly screams "B.A Thesis!". It actully looks physically painful to use. And come on take "unique aesthetics" and "unparalleled engineering" off the site, its a basic school desk/imac accessory with ikea styling, that's kinda mainline to be calling unique and unparalleled. And unitalicize "todays" technology. And get the Macbook on the stand out of the image, it looks beyond unusable as if you want the user to rest their plams heavily on the computer and their elbows while they try to type. And the mere fact that you needed an stand for the laptop because it didnt look right with the laptop on the table is a huge problem.
I'm sorry, at first I was like, he's obviously a talented student trying his best, but....yeah, it's just not usable unless you are a far sighted, web only, digital only, paperless, penciless single iMac user, with highly calloused forearms, no prefernce for music quality endlessly deep pockets and lacking a good kitchen table.
That said, you'll prbly get a good mark and a way better job than myself by the time you graduate. So enjoy
Oh and one more burn, sorry....but Novanta is the perfect name for this piece because it is SO 90's!
I don't see who this desk is for.
You have all this space, but your monitor is relegated way to the back of the desk. Designers (yourself included, I'm sure) tend to work up close to their screens, not from arms length. I hope the iMac stand (which is really what it is) is removable so when the user inevitably moves their computer forward a foot that shelf can come off. So what is all the space for? The only things that look like they would belong permanently on the work surface is a keyboard, tablet and mouse. If that is the case then why the extra space? Most of the designers I know work with magazines, books, inspirational clippings and notes on their desks, but this desk looks like it hates clutter and is offended by paper. And if not why no space for a printer or scanner? The desk looks like a giant computer only stand, and a bad drawing table. Artists who work with pens and pencils need all the more storage and versatile organization. For a desk that is built for pen and pencil use, why is there not a light table? or something to actually draw on? Or a lamp? Honestly if I had this table and I needed to work for a few hours a day with a pen or pencil, I would tape foam against the front ridge to prevent creasing in my forearms from your "sharp edges" and bring in an angled drawing board so I could actully work on somethign more useful than a dinner table. I'd also build something to keep books and a printer on under the table, and even still it would be covered in books and magazine within an hour, which would make typing and tablet use a total pain. There is also no way I would use the iPod dock to control my music, as its a full arm extension away and tilted away from the user. The speakers would be unusable during working because the user is leaning forward to pay attention to detialed design work would have their ears a good 11 inches in front of the speakers. The sensation you describe as the music playing inside your head is the sounds bouncing all around your room before reaching your ears.
All white tables are nauseating! Working on a white desk happens in 10 min spurts between prolonged spells of vertigo.
I could see this being used by an interior decorator, perhaps...like if you covered it in boxes and swatches.Or a web designer, on an all white space station in a retro future scifi.
I'm sorry homie, your drafting and craftsmanship are clearly excellent, but this absolutly screams "B.A Thesis!". It actully looks physically painful to use. And come on take "unique aesthetics" and "unparalleled engineering" off the site, its a basic school desk/imac accessory with ikea styling, that's kinda mainline to be calling unique and unparalleled. And unitalicize "todays" technology. And get the Macbook on the stand out of the image, it looks beyond unusable as if you want the user to rest their plams heavily on the computer and their elbows while they try to type. And the mere fact that you needed an stand for the laptop because it didnt look right with the laptop on the table is a huge problem.
I'm sorry, at first I was like, he's obviously a talented student trying his best, but....yeah, it's just not usable unless you are a far sighted, web only, digital only, paperless, penciless single iMac user, with highly calloused forearms, no prefernce for music quality endlessly deep pockets and lacking a good kitchen table.
That said, you'll prbly get a good mark and a way better job than myself by the time you graduate. So enjoy
Oh and one more burn, sorry....but Novanta is the perfect name for this piece because it is SO 90's!
Bad Day?! :S I don't have time to respond to that comment properly though...
Actually I have time to say this... The "unique aesthetics" and "unparalleled engineering" are correct. You have no idea the amount of attention to detail I put into my work. It will be professionally finished with an acrylic based paint which is extremely durable, The metal work will also be done by professionals. The finished build will be seamless, and worthy of perfection in terms of quality. The worktop is also extremely strong and doesn't bend even the slightest when its holding its own weight up.
Come on 'IKEA'!?
Thanks for the input but I am perhaps offended at your level of understanding.
I think many of the same points have been brought up numerous times, and haven't really been seriously considered. I don't know who this desk is for either. It's a bespoke desk, but one that isn't made for anyone in mind, and that's the problem. It certainly doesn't seem that way.
I think this desk is designed for the fashion conscious. That's it. It doesn't mean this desk is bad, or that it doesn't have a market. It's just that your market isn't the one you initially intended.
I have checked this thread since I posted with my suggestions, but had not bothered replying because I don't know what to say. I think you'll get a good mark for the effort, but if you're designing this desk for designers, perhaps you hadn't taken the recommendations in here seriously enough and just considered what YOU thought it needed.
Every time you address someone's suggestion (even ones that have been repeated), you give a reason why it can't or shouldn't be done. Well if those things can't be added to your desk, then why should a designer buy this desk? It seems like you're more concerned about exploring the possibility of mass producing this desk, talking to Apple about it, etc, when there have been a number of faults and exclusions repeatedly mentioned in this thread.
You're not Apple. You can't sell an expensive product lacking basic features and get away with it. Perhaps market it as a nice desk for people who don't have needs, but want to keep things organised.
I think this desk is designed for the fashion conscious. That's it. It doesn't mean this desk is bad, or that it doesn't have a market. It's just that your market isn't the one you initially intended.
I have checked this thread since I posted with my suggestions, but had not bothered replying because I don't know what to say. I think you'll get a good mark for the effort, but if you're designing this desk for designers, perhaps you hadn't taken the recommendations in here seriously enough and just considered what YOU thought it needed.
Every time you address someone's suggestion (even ones that have been repeated), you give a reason why it can't or shouldn't be done. Well if those things can't be added to your desk, then why should a designer buy this desk?
It seems like you're more concerned about exploring the possibility of mass producing this desk, talking to Apple about it, etc, when there have been a number of faults and exclusions repeatedly mentioned in this thread. You're not Apple. You can't sell an expensive product lacking basic features and get away with it.
Perhaps market it as a nice desk for people who don't have needs, but want to keep things organised.Cheers,
Well the inital plan was to keep it as my own, perhaps take it to uni but I will have to see, I may not be able to fully afford it, I would have liked to take it to uni but I probably won't have space. I either leave it in my room at home and use it for 6 months or so before uni... or if possible I may sell it, depending on the finished quality and function which should be of a high standard.
Abstract Ok thanks, I will look into the previous comments and possibly reply with more reasons, I won't have time at the moment though.
I fail to see any product on the market that matches this though, obveously I don't know if theres better bespoke furniture but they would only be suitable to a single person.
I have to do an evaluation of the desk once I have built it over the half term in a few weeks or so, I will identify any problems there.
Edit: Designers are the hardest people to design for.
It's made by the OP for OP (who IS a designer), and people who think like him.
The OP didn't said it's a desk for everyone. Some people might think like him, some people won't.
Things can be massed produced, but still for a specific market. i.e. Apple computers.
The OP didn't said it's a desk for everyone. Some people might think like him, some people won't.
Things can be massed produced, but still for a specific market. i.e. Apple computers.
Someone's got their panties extra bunched up?
Apple computers aren't for everyone either. Guess what, some people do like to waste their time "optimizing" their computer instead of using it, or complaining about something when they can't make anything better.
He did ask for criticism and suggestions, so yes, I'm more than entitled to say something, even if I don't try to make one better. If this was your product, and you didn't ask for comments, then fine. I'm still allowed to hold an opinion though, and if you posted a thread about your product, I'd still feel free to criticise all I want. If you don't want criticism, keep it private.
I'm just glad the OP can take criticism better than you can regarding his own product.
And I was more concerned with the fact that several suggestions were overlooked despite being mentioned in the middle of the design stage (pre-production). I never said the desk wasn't useful, or of poor quality. A lot of effort has obviously been put into creating a desk that's right for the OP, and perhaps that has to be considered as well. Whether it's ever mass produced or not, he'll be the one who has to use this desk.
He did ask for criticism and suggestions, so yes, I'm more than entitled to say something, even if I don't try to make one better. If this was your product, and you didn't ask for comments, then fine. I'm still allowed to hold an opinion though, and if you posted a thread about your product, I'd still feel free to criticise all I want. If you don't want criticism, keep it private.
I'm just glad the OP can take criticism better than you can regarding his own product.
And I was more concerned with the fact that several suggestions were overlooked despite being mentioned in the middle of the design stage (pre-production). I never said the desk wasn't useful, or of poor quality. A lot of effort has obviously been put into creating a desk that's right for the OP, and perhaps that has to be considered as well. Whether it's ever mass produced or not, he'll be the one who has to use this desk.
I have just followed along with this thread. And have to say that I agree with the criticism you have been giving. This is a nice desk, but its pretty much tailored to one person. That being said, I don't think its stopping other people for liking it or buying it. Buy as a designer, no I wouldn't be interested in the desk myself. Things have been pointed out, speaker placement, though nice wouldn't be that effective. The desk length puts the monitor quite far away from the user and would require a 24" screen at the minimum not to get swallowed up by the actual size of the deak. If you are a drawing based designer, yes I need space to hold tabloid paper, rulers, straight edges, tools basically. And the draws would work for some but not exactly all of those types of things. I agree that this desk has seemed to have had minor design changes from initial posting, concepts, into production and finishing.
Please OP, as a designer, don't get so offended by a critique. People here have raised very good points about designing a desk for the "designer." I see some great constructive feedback passed up here on this thread alone. I don't want to jump to the conclusion that this isn't a desk for a designer, but really, there is nothing that stops this from just being a desk. and mass produced. That may have been a big goal of yours as well. But from the designer aspect, its not that appealing to me as well for most of the same reasons abstract has pointed out.
That aside, it looks like a lot of hard work and i think the final product is going to turn out great. Its still a good desk that would sell. Enough people here have taken interest already. Good work. hopefully this wont offend you so much as the last guy.
Edit: Designers are the hardest people to design for.
Yep and considering your brief is to 'cater for all a designers needs' and several of the people who have commented regarding the design are designers (myself included). If this was to marked purely on this aspect then it would in my view probably fail, however by targeting the more consumer market it may be more suitable but it still has issues from my perspective. It probably suits 'YOUR' needs very well but don't assume your requirements are the same as everyone elses.
If you intend to take industrial/product design at a university level you will soon find out that what you thought was a good design at a-level often is not a very good design in the univeristy/real world. You will have such a huge leap in your understanding of design in the first year of uni (most of the tutors still do design freelancing) that you will wonder what your a-levels were for in some areas.
@consultant - making one product doesn't make you a designer and the op said 'Well for my last year in college I am designing a desk thats aimed at other designers but also is suitable for other parts of the market' in the very first post so it was aimed at more than themselves.
Ok I have a bit of time after a stressful day :S didn’t even have lunch or a single break because I needed to be in the workshop.
I will try to respond to some of the issues that were brought to my attention.
Once I have started building the legs I will look into coming up with a solution to combat the uneven floors problem which would result in a wobbly desk if the base bars were used. This would defiantly be something I will investigate and I'm sure the solution will be quite simple.
Spillages - I have made the iPod dock completely removable and therefore replaceable if any damage or spillage happens. It may be possible to ovoid this with a sort of lid which I will investigate.
Heating in central drawer - I don't believe heating would be a problem but many people have commented on this issue. Once I have completed the desk I have to evaluate, make changes and test the product. I will 'load' up the middle drawer with alot of equipment and a digital thermometer to measure the heat. I do have about 3 fans and some heat sinks lying around that are designed for computer cases so I could see the impact these would have on the heat. I will also look into alternative ways to minimize heat.
Tilting top - I had many designs and concept in the early stages for tilting table tops but decided against them in the end for many reasons. Off the top of my head I will try to explain. Firstly the tilting work surface isn’t as simple as it may seem; yes it would be possible to get the work surface to tilt but how will the paper be held in place and what stops pencils etc.. rolling off the top. I would need a sort of lip at the ‘bottom’ or front of the work surface. This would seriously get in the way when the tilted top isn’t being used and affect the ergonomics. It’s not comfortable to have a thin block under your arms. The gaps in the worktop would be impractical for any use. The worktop is only 12mm which is very strong as it is well supported but when broken down the strength may be affected. The gaps in the worktop would also be bad for spillages and could mean that everything in the drawers get soaked.
Sharp edges – I have made all the edges sharp originally for sake of design. I then rounded off ever so slightly the front of the top so the force on the users arms are eased over a larger surface area. Even the slightest curve would make a large difference. I avoided a large curve because it would degrade the design. I may look into a sort of thin leather padding or something similar to help the pressure but I would first like to test how effective the curve has.
Monitor stand – The monitor stand is a separate component which doesn’t have to be used. It is not fixed to the worktop. Many people would use this but some would prefer to either leave a KB and mouse on the worktop or use the drawers to hide it away. It isn’t fixed so it can be moved around freely depending on the user’s preferences. It can also be moved if working on very large media, the desk is then just about big enough for A1 paper if preferred.
Drawing board – I would really like to look into the possibility of making the desk compatible with straight edges which would then be a sort of drawing board. Of the top of my head I could route out a groove into the side and maybe the back which would fit some straight edges, maybe even make a sort of converter which is pretty universal meaning any straight edge could be attached.
Light box – A light box can be added, I have made plans to sit a sheet of EL paper into a housing which attaches flush into the worktop but because I can’t afford to add the light box both in terms of time and money, I will not be integrating this in my prototype but will definitely look into again if I make another one.
Dual monitors – This is a known issue and I do use dual monitors myself. I could possibly look into having a way to attach a dual monitor bracket which would allow even 3 or 4 monitors depending on the bracket. Although some monitors heights can be adjusted, maybe the monitors can be adjusted to fit each other’s height.
Scanners & Printers – The size of the desk would cater for a scanner or printer but if the user wanted to place an A3 scanner and printer then they should allocate a separate part of their office for such devices. This is just common sense as I fail to see anyone that would use up a whole ‘work’ desk for such devices. But yes, a printer/scanner can be placed, there is enough room.
Graphics tablet – I suggested the middle drawer to ‘store’ the graphics tablet only, when the user wants to use the tablet they can remove it from the drawer and plug it into the hub on the monitor stand, if they then wanted to use it regularly I would recommend just leaving it plugged in and placing on the worktop. This isn’t a problem.
Ergonomics – I have researched the ergonomics and I believe this product would be comfortable in terms of dimensions. The monitor may be a bit far back but I will have to test this issue.
Strength – This worktop is surprisingly extremely strong. I rested the left and right sides onto two other desks in the workshop and it easily supported its weight without bending at all. I even pushed down on the desk and there was still no movement. I would go as far as to say I could even walk on it, but I won’t be testing this. I may look into a computer model that would be able to test the strength at an approximate value or even doe the calculations myself. The strength comes from the interior structure, it relies on the compressive strength of the MDF and is very rigid because of the layout, the angles and thicknesses of the MDF and the fact it is all bonded together as well as pinned. It is more than capable to use in a real life studio in terms of strength and sturdiness.
Thanks, I hope I have covered everything that has been stated as issues.
Back to the build!
Luke.
P.S. I have covered all this and more, formally in my coursework folder which counts in at 68 Pages and will probably end up being 70. Then theres the 'other' coursework where we log the build and respond to external evaluations and user testing etc...
I will be studying architecture at uni, which is the most challenging design course. I will ofcourse learn a huge amount as I have in A level. Considering the 'usual' product at A level are such things as handles, lights, displays for maps and flower pots, I wanted to push the boundries which I believe I have, whether or not I get credit for this is doubtful but I don't design for grades, I do it for myself. I will always push the boundries and limitations to exceed expectations throughout my life... I can't wait for uni
I will try to respond to some of the issues that were brought to my attention.
Once I have started building the legs I will look into coming up with a solution to combat the uneven floors problem which would result in a wobbly desk if the base bars were used. This would defiantly be something I will investigate and I'm sure the solution will be quite simple.
Spillages - I have made the iPod dock completely removable and therefore replaceable if any damage or spillage happens. It may be possible to ovoid this with a sort of lid which I will investigate.
Heating in central drawer - I don't believe heating would be a problem but many people have commented on this issue. Once I have completed the desk I have to evaluate, make changes and test the product. I will 'load' up the middle drawer with alot of equipment and a digital thermometer to measure the heat. I do have about 3 fans and some heat sinks lying around that are designed for computer cases so I could see the impact these would have on the heat. I will also look into alternative ways to minimize heat.
Tilting top - I had many designs and concept in the early stages for tilting table tops but decided against them in the end for many reasons. Off the top of my head I will try to explain. Firstly the tilting work surface isn’t as simple as it may seem; yes it would be possible to get the work surface to tilt but how will the paper be held in place and what stops pencils etc.. rolling off the top. I would need a sort of lip at the ‘bottom’ or front of the work surface. This would seriously get in the way when the tilted top isn’t being used and affect the ergonomics. It’s not comfortable to have a thin block under your arms. The gaps in the worktop would be impractical for any use. The worktop is only 12mm which is very strong as it is well supported but when broken down the strength may be affected. The gaps in the worktop would also be bad for spillages and could mean that everything in the drawers get soaked.
Sharp edges – I have made all the edges sharp originally for sake of design. I then rounded off ever so slightly the front of the top so the force on the users arms are eased over a larger surface area. Even the slightest curve would make a large difference. I avoided a large curve because it would degrade the design. I may look into a sort of thin leather padding or something similar to help the pressure but I would first like to test how effective the curve has.
Monitor stand – The monitor stand is a separate component which doesn’t have to be used. It is not fixed to the worktop. Many people would use this but some would prefer to either leave a KB and mouse on the worktop or use the drawers to hide it away. It isn’t fixed so it can be moved around freely depending on the user’s preferences. It can also be moved if working on very large media, the desk is then just about big enough for A1 paper if preferred.
Drawing board – I would really like to look into the possibility of making the desk compatible with straight edges which would then be a sort of drawing board. Of the top of my head I could route out a groove into the side and maybe the back which would fit some straight edges, maybe even make a sort of converter which is pretty universal meaning any straight edge could be attached.
Light box – A light box can be added, I have made plans to sit a sheet of EL paper into a housing which attaches flush into the worktop but because I can’t afford to add the light box both in terms of time and money, I will not be integrating this in my prototype but will definitely look into again if I make another one.
Dual monitors – This is a known issue and I do use dual monitors myself. I could possibly look into having a way to attach a dual monitor bracket which would allow even 3 or 4 monitors depending on the bracket. Although some monitors heights can be adjusted, maybe the monitors can be adjusted to fit each other’s height.
Scanners & Printers – The size of the desk would cater for a scanner or printer but if the user wanted to place an A3 scanner and printer then they should allocate a separate part of their office for such devices. This is just common sense as I fail to see anyone that would use up a whole ‘work’ desk for such devices. But yes, a printer/scanner can be placed, there is enough room.
Graphics tablet – I suggested the middle drawer to ‘store’ the graphics tablet only, when the user wants to use the tablet they can remove it from the drawer and plug it into the hub on the monitor stand, if they then wanted to use it regularly I would recommend just leaving it plugged in and placing on the worktop. This isn’t a problem.
Ergonomics – I have researched the ergonomics and I believe this product would be comfortable in terms of dimensions. The monitor may be a bit far back but I will have to test this issue.
Strength – This worktop is surprisingly extremely strong. I rested the left and right sides onto two other desks in the workshop and it easily supported its weight without bending at all. I even pushed down on the desk and there was still no movement. I would go as far as to say I could even walk on it, but I won’t be testing this. I may look into a computer model that would be able to test the strength at an approximate value or even doe the calculations myself. The strength comes from the interior structure, it relies on the compressive strength of the MDF and is very rigid because of the layout, the angles and thicknesses of the MDF and the fact it is all bonded together as well as pinned. It is more than capable to use in a real life studio in terms of strength and sturdiness.
Thanks, I hope I have covered everything that has been stated as issues.
Back to the build!
Luke.
P.S. I have covered all this and more, formally in my coursework folder which counts in at 68 Pages and will probably end up being 70. Then theres the 'other' coursework where we log the build and respond to external evaluations and user testing etc...
I will be studying architecture at uni, which is the most challenging design course. I will ofcourse learn a huge amount as I have in A level. Considering the 'usual' product at A level are such things as handles, lights, displays for maps and flower pots, I wanted to push the boundries which I believe I have, whether or not I get credit for this is doubtful but I don't design for grades, I do it for myself. I will always push the boundries and limitations to exceed expectations throughout my life... I can't wait for uni