1. Thomas Gray Product Design Lv.2 St 20079847
Research Doc.
Thomas Gray
Product Design Lv.2 St
THOMAS GRAY

2. Contents
Page 1 - Brief Page 2 - Overview Page 3 - Orangebox Products Page 4 - Lock 01 Page 5 - Lock 01 continued Page 6 - Breaker Page 7 - Other Designs Page 8 - Bekant Page 9 - Tomasz Adjustable Table Page 10 - Ergonomics Page 11 - Materials Page 12 - Materials

3. Brief
The design of a pull up table, for single person use, which helps support the use of mobile technology devices in informal & collaborative work spaces. The table’s work-surface should be height adjustable, to adapt to different sized users & to facilitate use with a variety of seating types. The submission should demonstrate the practical evaluation of a variety of seating types including sofas & ‘lounge chairs’ which tend to have a lower sit-height. It is desirable for the design to also offer a tilting work-surface to better adapt to different size users, who’s head & neck flexion angles will vary according to their stature and device being used. The table should be easy to manoeuvre into position and to adjust, bearing in mind the potential user group will most likely encompass a wide range of physical ability levels & grip strengths. The design should pay consideration to the quality and feel of its construction & function, with stability & assured positioning of the work surface being key attributes to a successful design. There are a number of existing product solutions already available and Orangebox are looking for entries that demonstrate innovation & differentiation and with this in mind, thorough market research is advised. Materials used in the design should consider durability & resilience alongside environmental impact & cost. The submission should also demonstrate the consideration of design for disassembly & re-use of materials at end of life. Proposed production process methods should demonstrate consideration to likely production volumes with respect to return on investment (i.e. probably avoid processes with inherently high tooling costs as production volumes are likely to be relatively low - in mass production terms). The aesthetic design should pay consideration to the support materials provided by the ID:SR team briefing document which demonstrates ideas around the look & feel of the interior concept of the new BBC building. It might also consider current trend toward biophilic design and the influence of natural materials in the workplace. We recognise that while cost is a key driver in the success of any new design, it can also be very difficult make estimates based upon limited knowledge of a manufacturer’s internal costs (labour, over-heads etc.). However, we will be looking for evidence that cost has been included as a consideration and that market research has been used to help identify an appropriate retail price for the design. Consideration should also be given to any work-place regulations & British Standards deemed relevant. 1

4. Orangebox
Orangebox are an “innovative” company producing a wide range of office-targeted furniture. Orangebox stresses the importance of functionality, along with aesthetically pleasing designs on the website. Several of the products are also multi-use, such as the “Bluff” table, which can be used as “side table or large format feature table”, meaning that it can adapt as the office layout changes, ensuring the user gets as much use out of the product as possible. Some of the products featured are very basic, suiting the more formal office style, whereas certain products are much more artistic featuring unique patterns and styles, flattering a more modern and decorative office. Orangebox recognise and communicate the importance of a good workspace in order to improve the office experience in the “intelligent design” section of their website. I believe this is vital to improve productivity and morale of employees. One of the most notable things about this company is their “Zero Landfill Target”. The website reveals that the plan for this is to clearly identify recyclable materials on the products and to actively recycle in the warehouse. This is very important for the sustainability of the business as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves raw materials, saves energy and reduces cost. The company also stress on their website the importance of adaptability which is, in my opinion, crucial to the success of a business moving forward. This involves the adaptability of the products sold, as discussed above, but also adaptability to the ever-changing market demonstrated by the thorough research featured on their website. For these reason, I believe that they provide a much more long term solution towards office furniture.
THOMAS GRAY 2

5. Orangebox Products 3 “Breaker 02” “Arber-CT03” “Bluff 04” “Lock 01”
“Dune 02”
“Dune 01”
“Elan 01” 3

6. Find out prices
“Lock 01”
The lock occasional table is the only personal use table currently being produced by orangebox.
The main defining feature of this table in my opinion, is the simplicity of the design. This allows the table to merge easily into the surrounding, making it adaptable to various office designs, and also reduces distraction for the user allowing them to concentrate on the task in hand. On the other hand, this design could be interpreted as too simplistic, potentially reducing creativity due to lack of stimulating components.
Another detail of this design is the unusual style of the base. Whilst adding to the simplistic nature of the table, it also provides a key functionality aspect by contributing a large radius around the centre of gravity, increasing stability.
The product also offers great portability, featuring sliders and coasters on the base ensuring ease of movement. This adds to the adaptability of the product, however this time around the users requirements as opposed to the aesthetics. For example, as shown in second picture, the table could be moved to the side of the seated user, working well for situations where social interaction is also involved.
Table:
W-479mm
D-475mm
H-717mm 4

7. “Lock 01” continued
The portability of the product is also increased by the small surface area of the top of the table. This encourages organisation as it leaves little room for clutter, and also adapts to the increasing use of portable technology in the office and allows for interaction with other recourses and/or people in the room. Despite this, the small work space could be very restricting as there is little room for other frequently used objects, for example mobile phone and cups/mugs. This could increase frustration for the user and therefore reduce productivity.
As with a majority of tables, this product is a fixed height. This reduces cost of production as less components are used, increasing financial accessibility for a wider user base. This, along with all other fixed-height tables comes with some draw backs. One being that it is unable to adapt to personal preferences of height potentially increasing discomfort for the user, reducing productivity. It also limits the type of chairs which can be used alongside the table, as certain heights would be almost impossible to work from potentially adding expense to the company buying the tables/chairs.
The final key component of the table is the arched stem. I believe this is a subtle artistic feature as it isn’t necessarily a common feature of tables, making it unique and recognisable. I also think this increases functionality as it allows user to sit close to the table without obstructing legs and/or chair.
Price exc VAT 5

8. “Breaker”
The Breaker is one of several “occasional tables” that orangebox produces and comes in two separate sizes. There are also two different table top styles to chose from (pictured) which come in a range of materials and finishes, such as reinforced glass. The key feature of this table in my opinion, is that the entire product (glass topped version) is 99% recyclable. The importance of which has been highlighted prominently in the media in recent years. As discussed in the beginning of this document, recycling reduces raw materials consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and landfill. This reflects the companies high regard in designing for disassembly and their consideration for the impact of their products on the environment. This product is produced in two different heights; the smaller at 357mm and the taller at 730mm. The option of different heights allows the buyer make their decision on which height best suits their needs. For example, the larger table would make an excellent work space or meeting table. In contrast some users may prefer to use a lower surface to work from, and having that flexibility towards the user preferences will increase the comfort of the user is, therefore likely to improve work productivity. The breaker also comes with the option of a circle or square top. I think that the square and circle surfaces would fit in to different office environments uniquely. In my opinion, the circle surface would offer a more open, communal work space, encouraging communication and interaction between users. On the other hand, the corners on the square surface exhibit a clear divide from where one work space is to another, psychologically creating the feel of a more personal working area. Unlike “Lock”, this product offers a larger work surface, allowing the user space to place several small objects such as mugs, notepads and phones on the surface. There is also the added benefit of being able to spread work out on the surface, however the reduced ability to move freely could encourage the user become static at their desk leading them to distraction, which could potentially have a negative impact on work performance.
Table:
D-800mm
H- 357mm
Table:
W-1000mm
D-1000mm
H-730mm
THOMAS GRAY
Price range £ £473.20
exc VAT 6

9. Other Designs 7

10. Ikea “Bekant”
Bekant is one of many adjustable desk that Ikea produce. The desk comes in a range of colours; Black, white and oak veneer just to name a few. One of the most striking features of the desk is its ability to change height with just a push of a button. This quality allows the desk to be used with various different chairs, letting the user to sit in the chair they find most comfortable to work from. With the user at their most relaxed, an increase in work productivity may be seen. The adjustment can be made at a push of a button, providing the user with the instant ability to change the height of their work surface with minimal effort. A sign on the desk in store states that “If you switch between sitting and standing when you work, you will feel and work better” (see picture). Another quality this desk offers is the large work surface. This has many benefits; one being that the user has enough room to place laptop, mobile phone, A4 documents etc. With this amount of space it allows the user to have an uncluttered work space. This has been proven to reduce stress levels and minimizes distraction. In addition to this, the space also gives the user the option to move their laptop/computer closer or further away from them. This could prevent eye strain and increase flexibility with distance from keyboard to the edge of the desk; The NHS recommend sitting 4-6 inches away from the keyboard to reduce wrist tension (Source One issue I have found with this desk is that due to its large nature it would be quite difficult to move around in an office. This could reduce communication between work colleagues which may lead to decreased distraction, however this could also result in less creativity being exhibited as feedback from colleagues is essential for development of ideas.
Desk:
W-800mm
D-1200mm
H mm
Price £495 inc VAT 8

11. Dwell “Tomasz adjustable rectangular side table clear”
The “Tomasz adjustable table” is one of Dwell’s attempts to match a table with any living room. As we all know no sofa/chair is the same and everybody has different preferences to where and what height they want to work from, this design hopes to solve this. Much like “Bekant” this table is height adjustable meaning the user can raise/lower the table to their hearts content, until they find the perfect height for them. This would allow the user to be at their most comfortable position, decreasing discomfort may lead to more work being produced due to the user being less stressed. Again like “Bekant” the adjustment can be made at a push of a button, giving the user the peace of mind that they can change working height without to much effort. This table has a much smaller work surface much like orangebox’s “Lock” table. A benefit of this is that it promotes organisation, leaving little space for clutter. With no room for unnecessary objects and space at a premium only essentials would have space to fit on the table. I believe this would reduce distraction as only items that are needed for the task in hand would be on the table, thus less items to get distracted by. Due to the small nature of the table it offers great mobility, as it comes with sliders on the base helping with ease of movement. This adds to the adjustability of the product as it allows the user to move around the room, without having to worry about working in an uncomfortable posture.
Table:
W-450mm
D-300mm
H mm
Price £199 inc VAT 9

12. Ergonomic Research
Adjustable desks can be used to support an operator’s work.
Key Aspects:
Placement of objects should be considered to avoid movements that prolong periods of muscle contraction.
For heavy work, the table can be at a height that allows good leverage for lifting and moving objects.
For precision work, the desk height can be higher than normal because this work will involve small movements and the worker will need to focus closely on the workpiece.
When standing at a workstation, movement is important so that blood does not pool in the legs. Installing anti-fatigue mats can help distribute the weight of the body from the feet to the floor mats.
When designing an adjustable sit/stand work desk, the placement of height adjust mechanism should be considered, to ensure the user is not staining when adjusting the height.
Adding a laptop/computer to adjustable desk these points should be thought about.
The screen should be at the user’s eye level.
The interaction between the height of the monitor and the user’s eyes is complex because of interdependencies between seat height, monitor height, user height, etc.
Source
( erenceguidewhitepaper.pdf) 10

13. Materials
Stainless steel contains chromium which gives this alloy its unique resistance to corrosion and stainless properties. This metal has several useful advantages:
Does not require a finish so reduces delivery time of stainless parts, thus minimising potential dispatch time of final product.
The alloy has an excellent fatigue and impact resistance, therefore allowing the product to withstand use for several hours at a time.
The metal maintains bright and shiny after years of use, meaning the product would look newer for longer.
One negative is that this material uses more energy during machine processes due to their hardness, increasing cost and potentially bringing the product out of a certain price range.
Brass is an alloy, which is made up from copper and zinc. This metal has a range of benefits:
Has a low melting point making it easy to cast, this allows slightly more complex shapes to be machined.
Brass parts are easy to machine, thus decreasing the production time.
The metal has a unique gold colour, therefore it is more visually pleasing and identifiable.
Brass parts don’t always require a finish, increasing production time and reducing cost.
Aluminium is a metal that is extracted from bauxite. This material has a number of useful properties:
Lightweight metal, meaning that the finished product will be easier to carry/move.
Can be anodised to make the structure stronger, making it less resistant to corrosion.
Anodising aluminium allows colour to be added, meaning the product can be tailored to an office.  
Aluminium is easy to machine, allowing for more complex shapes to be produced. 11

14. Materials
Oak is a hardwood that has many modern uses such as flooring, home wear etc. This material offers some great properties:
The wood comes with an attractive natural colour, giving the desk an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
This hardwood is strong and durable, meaning the desk will last a considerable amount of time without showing its age.
One disadvantage is that it is hard to work, this would restrict the designs that could realistically be produced.
Walnut is another hardwood, with many uses for example furniture, fine carvings and musical instruments. The benefits of using walnut are:
The wood can be easily worked, so my designs wouldn’t be as compromised as would with using oak. Also planes, sands and takes finishes well.
Walnut has excellent durability, meaning that the desk would last a sufficient amount of time and aging well in the process.
It is a resilient material as it is not prone to warping, but can be subject to light shrinking.
Cork is an interesting material, that has many uses including wine stoppers, insulation and floor tiles. Its properties include:
Cork is a very lightweight material, meaning it would add little weight to the desk aiding mobility.
Cork has a unique texture being soft to the touch, this could allow for a unique and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Cork is compressible allowing pins to be pushed into it, this would allow the user to also user their desk as a bulletin board. 12