Product Design – Component 1
By Alex Critchell
Design Brief Currently there are many similar designs of desks and desk organisers. Today office jobs are increasing which increases the demand for cheap, boring desk and desk organisers which are often inefficient. The local Architect firm asked to create an efficient desk with organisers to help architects work more professionally. The client wants at minimum; A desk which fits into the surrounding environment, space for a computer, headphones, drawings, models, an adjustable drawing system and a variety of suitable desk organisers. The client doesn’t want draws. Since my client is an architect the problems I need to solve are: • Saving space for drawings, models, writing and computer • Aesthetically pleasing to suit the surrounding environment • Follow the theme of organic and the practical theme of movement and flow • Needs to be made from sustainable material • Low cost
Product Specification ➢
Aesthetics - It must be organic and use the theme of movement and flow, therefore the design must looked calming and relaxing. The colours of the desk and organisers must complement with each other.
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Materials – the material that I will work with must withstand heavy objects (computers ect..) so it must be durable and tough, and also be sustainable and easily manipulated into designs.
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Cost – My product will be low cost and made from cost effective materials.
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Safety – no sharp edges or wobbly parts. Having smooth edges will also allow the following the theme of the design.
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Features – Room for computers and PC equipment (mouse and keyboard ect..), needs organisers for efficient and neat working space, adjustable height system, big space for drawings and paper work – I will try and fit 3 normal textbook worth spaces (280 X 210) and access from under desk to table top. Implemented light?
Primary Photo Mood Boards
Movement and Flow and Organic – Simple sketch examples The theme that I am using for this design is movement and flow, I want to use this theme because it creates a relaxing atmosphere which allows the client to focus more. Some examples of expressing movement and flow are implementing designs of waves, splashes, organic and plant shapes. I am going to explore some movement and flow themes through drawings that replicate these examples: These drawings are a range of simple sketches that show movement and flow very well.
I like the drawings of the ripples and waves because it shows different ways things can move. The oscillation (back and forth movement) of the waves could be a good starting point in my design
Movement and Flow and Organic – Design concepts from simple sketches Here I did some analysis of the water and ripples and tried to make bigger concepts. I have also annotated what I liked about the designs and also what it could represent. All of these designs have a feature of flow and movement, these will also provide me with directions I could take to improve and develop these designs.
Secondary Research – Different types of organisers
From researching different types of organisers, it has showed me what is similar and different from most products.
Such as, most of these organisers are rectangular and only have squared organisers. From this, I should not make my organiser square or rectangular to keep my product different and unique. Researching these organisers made me decide that I could make an organiser that fits into other organisers or, organisers that have many types of organisers that fit into a shape.
This primary research shows an adjustable desk. The adjustable mechanism works by an electrical motor that spins a metal pole located under the table top. This then
Primary Research – Electrical adjustable desk
Secondary Research – Different ways to adjust height of drafting table These drawings dhow different hand positioning when using the adjustable height. There are various ways of controlling the 3 armed knob. This is an easy to use and cheap way of adjusting heights of drafting table. A similar design could be introduced to my design.
Made from thick solid wood which makes it exceptionally sturdy table for heavy office products.
BACK ELEVATION
This drafting desk has a unique way of lifting the table top. It is done by two heavy poles which holds the weight of the top. It is elevated by the 3 armed knob which slides the pole upwards or downwards.
I started to do research on this desk design, firstly the dimensions of this desk are perfect: - Desk Dimension: 1000mm W X 750mm D X 850mm- 1150mm H The advantages of this desk is the good quality oak finish, 90 degrees tilt orientation, has a 600mm pencil ledge. This allows paper, pencils, pens and other little equipment to be placed on it. The disadvantage of this desk is the drafting table not having any storage space. So when buying this desk you will need drawers for the art supplies.
I love the unique way of adjusting the table top, which I could include in my design. I am going to research more ways of adjusting the table top. These drawings show the table top at the different points in the adjustment wheel.
Secondary Research – Efficient Desk Designs This drawing shows the method of adjusting this desk, it is done by pulling the knob down to the one you want. It also shows the storge space underneath the desktop. Which appears when the knob is moved downwards.
This adjustable systems changes the angle/dip of the desk top. This will allow the user to use the desk at a range of heights and angles.
The efficiency of this desk alongside the overall aesthetic is something I want to have in my project. The adjustable slope and height system is very incitive. As when you adjust the height you also have a space for stationary/wires.
Metal framework helps with the overall structure of the design. Having a meta framework allows the outside designing easier as you just need to put wood in front of the frame.
Desk and Organiser Research – Engraved Desk organiser
The idea of integrating the desk organiser and the desk is a good idea. This idea is good because it allows the desk to become efficient and have different usages of the desk organisers.
Dowel Joining Advantages • Dowling is a quick process • Neat finish • No need for extra equipment like screws, nails, etc. • One of the strongest joining methods • Easily done
Disadvantages • The alignment can be hard to get as it has to match up to the dowel to the cavity made in the other piece.
I researched the likely joining method od the back board to the sides. I thought a dowel joining method will be the easiest and cheapest joining method they could use. In my design knowing another joining method could help me attach my design together. A dowel join works by using a wooden dowel and push both sides together allowing the dowel to enter the cavity on the other side. Due to friction this will keep the sides together. This method works really well, and it reduces the messiness of using pva or another type of glue.
The engraved desk organiser element of this design is what catches my eye. The best element about the design is the way it can be removed and switched around to fit the users needs.
Here it shows how the organisers move in the desk and shows the recess and the organisers with the same scale.
Each organiser does a different thing, and can be fitted to any of the wholes in the desk.
Evaluation: In my design I want to create a similar design where the organisers fit the organic theme and follow the design of my desk.
Individual Desk Organiser Design – Including a folding concept
My research of existing small desk organisers are mostly cube shaped. I decided to make the net of the cube which inspired me to have the net as a design.
This has worked well to meet the criteria of my brief. I now need to develop this idea to fit my theme of organic design. I liked the cardboard pivot that I made. It is a simple and effective way to fold my model.
Desk Organiser Research – Slotting Design
https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/03/22/this-cactus-inspired-desk-organizer-uses-a-slot-and-tab-stacking-method-to-adapt-with-your-changing-setup-needs/
Model of Circular Desk Organiser – 3D Printing
Secondary Research - Organiser Designs
The object will be taller The object must be the thickness or than the organiser smaller in order for the design to work
Different shapes slots make the design more interesting
Different view point with a folder or book inside the slot
Friction makes the books and files to be able to stay in slots Front Elevation
Model Idea 1 – Working Organic theme into the Design
RIGHT ELEVATION
LEFT ELEVATION
FRONT ELEVATION
Model 1 -
Development
What can I do to develop this design? • •
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Make it so there is more flexibility with things you can put into the organiser. For example make the design to have components that fit the shape of the space. I'm going to develop this model by new sketches. Make simpler organic designs that slot together this will enable an easier access and not look to overpowering. I can try and 3d print new designs and have them slotting in or stacking up. ill try and do more research on slotting desk organisers. Use a range of materials Try and make a more range of sizes of components this will enable more realistic spaces for equipment instead of random curves which can make equipment insecure in the product.
Views of the desk organiser
Drafting Desk Research – How it works
Sustainable materials and design Drafting table design, gives a variety of ways to use the desk.
Organic desk – provokes the feeling of warmness compared to metal or painted wood. Curved edges and a wide surface of desktop gives a feeling of friendliness and breathable environment. Instead of crammed spaces on the desk.
Draw at the bottom has a smoothing affect. Like it isn’t there, this gives a calming nature to the desk.
https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/01/24/this-wfh-desk-concept-bucks-the-trend-to-offer-some-peace-of-mind/
Desk Research – Organiser integrated design
Woking materials include smaller items like stationary. From looking at the design, the desk organised can get lifted out of the design. This makes a new variety of potential new desk organiser for other working materials.
Omni Desk from Husarska Studio
With rounded oak legs and additional wood accents, it is a minimal and efficient design also including a white desktop surface.
This desk thought about the working environment where under a hinged component it opens up to reveal stored-away cords and power strips for work that needs a laptop.
This design specifically was made to declutter desktops and improve the users working efficiency through integrated storage organisers. This design features hinged apparatuses and storage components. Also a box model under a hinged lid allows for work material to be hidden from the desktop.
Secondary Research - Adjustable Drafting table This drafting table can be adjusted by lifting the wooden stays, this then allows the you to adjust the table top to any height as long as there is a stopper available. I drew more technical drawings of things I have to consider in my design. For instance the spacing joint is needed in order to have a flat table top. The spacing joint also provides as a stability feature when laying flat. Maybe a development I could add is rubber on the top of the joint for a cleaner and better finish.
Models Of My Research This drafting table model was successful. It gave me an insight of the design methods I need to use and new ways to develop this design. What worked well? The adjustable system is a basic but affective way of adjusting the table top.
Shows the angle my table top can go too.
Stopers on the adjustable system.
Development ideas? 1) New ways of adjusting height of the table top. 2) Different size or shaped table top. 3) Possible hiding of the adjustable system (more aesthetically pleasing)
The different view points of the apple allowed me to create forms from the general shape of an apple. I made them into models. I found that curves and semi circular shapes are prominent in my models.
Desk Design – Concept 1 I wanted to make a desk leg design that curved and morphs in weird directions. I experimented with apple skin as it falls unevenly and has a very organic structure.
I also wanted to use a strip of material and curve it into a shape that looks organic. So I used Veneer thin wood which is a thin bark like wood which can morph and bend. I liked this material as it began to form new ideas with curves.
Desk Concept 1 – Leg design
This design concept was inspired by this desk, I wanted a leg design that could curve and hold the load of the desktop and the equipment it needs to hold.
This design worked well, as the overall organic design. I used wood veneer to form the organic shape. I liked using this material as it is flexible and gives a good professional finish.
Desk Top Design 1 – Card Model
Concept 1 – With desk top design
Concept Design 2 – Desk Research
Secondary Research – The Infinity Bench by Carl Svenstedt
I researched this
Experimentation of CNC jointing – Using Plywood Using a mallet I hammered the Y shaped jointing the engrave.
Why did I experiment with the CNC machine and jointing?
CNC machining is used to cut out larger scale objects by a cutting tools which rotate at high speeds. What are the benefits of using CNC Machines? • High Accuracy • Increase in speed and efficiency compared to manual and 3D printing design • Safe to use • Cost affective, using materials smarter and more precisely will make it cost affective due to lower wastage of materials
Evaluation and how I can use this method in my design process? Experimenting and using the CNC machine has allowed me to think of new ways I could join part of my desk together. I also now know that it is easy and the overall presentation looks pleasing. This means I could implement it in my design, for example, making a design for my desk leg to attach onto the sides. I could have a CNC joint like the one above which joins the leg to the side. To then have a leg coming down at an angle.
SketchUp - Parametric Design Concepts
I started off with researching different patterns of parametric designs. This gave me an insight of how I can make it into a desk.
Here I sketched a desk and drew different view points. I wanted my design to start either side of the desk.
The pattern then goes to the top of the desk, then another pattern starts at the bottom. This gave a wave motion with my design.
I did a simple design to get the concept correct. In my next design I want to make a pattern going through the hole desk.
This xray view shows how the desk would look like, with it being hollow on the inside to allow leg room.
On a realistic model, the design will have a 20mm thickness wooden panels with 20mm spacing between.
Second SketchUp design – New Concept
Development - How it will fit together The appropriate depth of laser cut material is 3mm, so I will make the fitting 3mm X 3mm X 3mm
Legs need to be same length as each other to keep stability in the design.
Desktop
This is what the laser cut leg would look like, with the cavity for the desktop to fit in. This leg design curved over the desk top which creates a side on the desk which allows equipment on the desk to now fall off the side.
The sides fit into the theme of the design which is why I like the design and want to develop it further.
I'm going to attach the leg onto the desk, this joint is very strong which improves the capability of my design. There will be 2 legs on this desk, one either side of the desk front design.
Hollow space for leg room
Now exploring the way the singular parametric design on the desk front can be easily fitted onto the desk. A way I wanted to do this was use the same technique as joining the desk to the sides, and to implement it to each side of the design. Shows the area where I would use pva glue or a blob of hot glue to stick the pieces to the desk front.
Desk organiser in graves
Left Side Elevation These white boxes show the connection points to the desktop and the sides.
Parametric design
Here I've expanded the sketch to show the way it binds to each other. I think this method is very realistic and is the most appropriate method to use, to make the connection between the individual pieces and the main front body. Right Side Elevation
Prototype 1 – Desk Front Evaluation: Methods of construction: • • • •
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I first designed this desk front design on SketchUp, this gave me a rough look and estimate on scale and aesthetics. I then exported it into 2d design, which then made it a more clearer picture. There are 46 pieces overall which would be laser cut. Laser cutting was an easy option for me to do, it is an easy way of cutting smaller and larger number of precise pieces out. I also laser cut a rectangular backboard to the pieces with lines engraved showing where to put the parts onto it. Before sticking the design onto the board I decided to sand half of my design and leave the other half. I did this to see what it would look like aesthetically. My result from this is that the sanded pieces give off a more natural wooden texture and style, whereas, the non sanded parts showed the curves better. The sanded also took a lot of time, so I think non sanded is the better option. The individual pieces are then stuck onto the backboard with pva glue. I left a 3mm gap between each piece which gave an equal spacing throughout the design. After all pieces were glued on, I began to think of ways I can develop this design and things I did wrong and what can work better.
What worked and didn’t work? Worked: • The overall design worked, the parametric aesthetic looks good • Laser cutting was easy to create and produce • Pva gluing was easy to do, and created a good sturdy design with minimal problems Didn’t Work: • Sanding didn’t work – took to long and the pattern doesn’t look appealing • The scale is wrong – the overhang part of the design was meant to extrude out further. I also didn’t scale the height to width ratio correctly, previously, the board was longer with more pieces which carried the parametric design further down the front of the desk. This made me cut off the design shorter to make it work. Development ideas: A idea I could explore is having all of the design to extrude over the desk, this will make the design easier and more efficient. By decreasing chances of the user accidently rolling or knocking things off the desk.
Final Framework Design – Adding Parametric desk front
These views show the framework which will attach the parametric design to the desk front.
Right Elevation I've zoomed into the corners of the sides to show the viewpoint of a person looking at the desk.
Left Elevation
It also shows the finger joint that will be connecting the sides to the framework.
Final Design – Desk and Desk Organisers
Evaluation – Final Desk Design Overall, I am pleased with my outcome, I managed to CNC my desk and have 3D printed desk organisers that can slot in and out of the desk. this desk is 460mm in width and 540mm long. The overall quality of my desk I am personally proud of. I designed this desk to be organic is structure. I believe I have completed this task. My desk front shows a natural curve which flows to the corners. The sides also follow this pattern as it flows to the floor. My design has also achieved the usages of efficiency. Efficacy was one of the key components to my design whereby I wanted to make an easily, simple desk organiser and a contrasted complicated desk design. I feel like I completed this task in my design brief. I also have made it from a sustainable resource, wood, which also checks off the sustainability task on my design brief and specification.
Evaluation – What worked and what didn’t work My design had a few flaws and here im going to explain how I could improve and what I did well.
Worked well • Overall design concept of organic forms. • CNC manufacturing • Desk Organiser design • Desk organiser’s form • Aesthetics • Ergonomics of my desk
What could I improve on • Scale of my desk to desk front slots ratio • Desk organiser scale, came up smaller than anticipated • CNC accuracy for joints