Gabriel Reichler

HSMSE

Design and Drafting for Production 2

The Deep Dive

Student Desk Redesign Project Step 1: Define the Problem
An evaluation of the various types of desks found in our school

Chair-Desk Combination

Pros

Compact
Portable
Left- or right-handed armrest
Sometimes has basket underneath
Pen-holding recess in front

Cons

Lack of surface space

Unwieldy to move
Makes loud noises when moved
Unmovable barrier on one side
Basket not large enough for most practical
purposes
Pens easily roll off slanted surface or out of recess

Two-Person Table

Pros
More space to spread out
Two people can work together easily
Can easily be lined up in rows with no spaces
between tables
More people can pull up chairs and share the desk
if working together

Cons
Difficult to move and rearrange
Peoples personal items can be mixed up
Large legs on either side can get in the way

NOVA Desk

Pros
Computer monitor is visible without needing to
occupy space on top of desk
Tray for keyboard
Built-in outlets with easily accessible on/off
switch
Glass surface can easily be removed and put back
for cleaning or replacement (if broken) or for
access to monitor underneath

Cons

Space under desk cluttered limited legroom

Very difficult to move
Bulky
Newer computers are more compact, rendering
this desk design obsolete

 Computer can be locked inside desk for security

Small Triangular Desk with

curved side and basket

Pros

Adjustable legs
Easy to move
Compact
Can be placed together in groups of four to form
tables
Curve forms small armrest-like protrusions on
either side
Two depressions at front edges of desk for pens
and pencils
Basket underneath

Cons

Leg adjustment very difficult

Makes loud noises when moved
Limited surface space
Shift around a lot, making noise
When placed together there are depressions
between the desk surfaces and gaps may form if
desks shift (as they inevitably do) or if desks of
different heights are placed together
Chairs used with them are not adjustable-height
Pens and pencils easily roll out of depressions
Awkward shape
Basket is small
Basket has small openings in back
Contents of basket not visible from above

Drafting tables and lab tables, being specialized, are not included in our project, as per Ms. Carlisles directions.