MODBOX
desk organizer
for students
Scope
In the subject “Tangible and sensorial interaction design”, we chose to make a desk organizer for students. Our group, consisting of four interaction designers, wanted to help students hectic lives by creating something that is adjustable, and will help them keep their work space clean.
Alot of our earlier projects focused alot on digital solutions, so for this project it was especially important for us to look at material, and sizing. Material use was important to us, as different material can affect how ergonomic a product is, but also how different material choices affect sustainability.
We chose to use the “Design Thinking Process”, as this method is very iterative, and focuses on empathy with the user. As this subjects main focus is for us to learn about ergonomics, building empathy for the user and their needs is a big part of understanding the course. Therefor, the “Design Thinking Process” fit this project the best.
Tools
We used Figjam to sort our insight, and do some ideation. For the prototype we used Adobe Illustrator to make the design, and Epilog Laser cutter for the cutting of materials. And our handle was created using Prusa Slicer.
Method
Empathize
Define
Prototype
Test
Ideate
My contribution
We started looking at ergonomic measures and materials. I held an interview with the universitys ergonomist, and she gave us insight in what she focuses on for the employees desks. I also did interviews with students to see what they needed, wanted and had trouble with when it came to their workspace. And we had a workshop with five users for ideation, where I fasilitated together with another student.
From our finds we created an empathy map, and an affinity diagram. We then sorted the finds into a MoSCoW priority matrix, where we used the insight from the interview with the ergonomist, as a guide for prioritization.
We also created two personas to represent different needs and challanges for our user group. After this we did user tests on different types of handles, and ranged them depending on ergonomic measurements as well. Before we continued prototyping in low fidelity into mid fidelity.
*Affinity diagram with categories we ended up with from the interviews
Too much
stuff
Previous
experiences
Wishes and
needs
impact
Sort school
articles
No big
containers
Affect
*Some of our sketches after we got input through the workshop.
*Early prototypes in carton and lego.
The solution
Our solution was created based on a mixture of the two prototypes shown above. We created a mid fidelity desk organizer, made out of MDF plates, and PLA for the handle.
Inspired by the lego, we created a pattern beneath each element that would make it easy to move, but difficult to knock over. We then tested the prototype as a whole, and got insightful feedback which we would apply if we had more time. Some of these feedbacks were wishes for other modular pieces, and the opportunity to choose modules and create their own set.
THE STUDENT IS PRESENTED WITH A MODULAR DESKORGANIZER
PLACE YOUR BELONGINGS AND GO ON WITH EFFICIENT WORKING, IN A TIDY WORK SPACE
THEY BUILD IT UP WITH THE PARTS THEY NEED, AND FROM WHAT THEY WANT SORTED IN THE FRONT AND THE BACK