Background:

During the pandemic, I wanted to make my home workstation more ergonomic for my monitor, so I implemented technologies to organise my cluttered devices and cables.

Research:

My research focused on:
1. Custom monitor desk stand options.
2. Manufacturing materials, focusing on recyclables
3. Modular design to customise and expand
4. Stand-integrated cable management
5. Device support by incorporating chargers within the stand.

Solution & development:

My research revealed numerous options for monitor stands on the U.S. and Scandinavian markets, but not only are customisations expensive and may not meet my needs, but they all lacked cable management. I ultimately decided to create my own.

I discovered a fine piece of Malaysian Oak salvaged from a damaged table at a local Upcycle store. I negotiated with the supervisor for permission to use their facility and equipment to sand, prime, and polish the item.

With my recently acquired skills in Autodesk Fusion 360, I had designed numerous stand iterations until I came up with an ingenious concept of routing the cables through the oak panel of the stand. This also enabled me to place my wireless chargers flush with the stand’s surface, resulting in an innovative piece of furniture.

Using the precise blueprints I created in Fusion 360, I resized the oak panel and applied various woodworking techniques, including sanding, beveling, joinery, priming, painting, and polishing. Ambient lighting was used to complete the piece, and the result was stunning.

TAkeaway:

I enjoyed understanding the fundamentals of digital building, rapid iterations, professional workshop tools, and the use of digital plans to streamline the process. I also considered industrialising it if I wanted to sell it globally as a custom product.