Which is your preferred workspace system of the following?

#61

Artbot:

Computer users usually don’t ever have enough USB ports, or they are hard to access. Some kind of built-in hub might be cool, though you have to be very careful about such things. Quality control is a huge issue here, and you don’t want someone returning a whole desk system because a plug or cable is faulty
There will be a 5 port USB hub in the centre under the monitor stand, if you look closely, I think you can already see the holes :slight_smile: Also, I adapted the earlier designed USB module, so this can also provide more USB ports.

There are never enough electrical outlets near a desk, either. Some kind of tray or bracket that holds a standard power strip up out of sight would be clever.
I did not have an actual bracket in my thoughts at first. More integrated power cabling running through the existing cable gutters. So the desk basically has one plug coming out of it, and all the other power management is in the design. But yeah, some additional sockets sure would be good.

If this were used in an office, it would need to have the cables easily accessible from either end of the system (or both ends!)
Well basically if the user takes a look under the desk, all the cables will be there in the above said clamps, but most of them are permanent cables.
I tried to set up this workspace so that all the standard USB cables from keyboard tray to computer, and USB hub to computer are integrated into the design (part of it), so they do not need constant moving about. Of course they will still be regular extension cables, so if it is faulty, you just pop it out from under the desk and replace it.

I have been working with computer long enough to know most of the aggravations by first hand account. That is also what inspired me to try and redesign it :slight_smile:

Pixanaut: Heheh my tutor and me were actually debating that point more early in the project, and he basically said: I think you have to search hard for someone to have an old dentist chair as a desk chair :smiley: Funny you bring that up!

Cobra 6

#62

I also want to add that I absolutely hate slots in desks intended for cords to slip through, absolute garbage and rubbish.

I think giving the option of shelves and backings and what have you is useless, the spacial design always becomes obsolete in a few years because of changing tech, casings, etc etc. IE, I would never by a TV entertainment ‘unit’, USELESS. TV sizes change so drastically. I would rather purchase my own shelving space for on top of my desk, and my own pen holders and the like. That way I can move my crap around freely.

My ideal desk would be screwless, roomy and able to be built without tools. Especially those god awful hex keys. ugh.

What would be cool is to allow the desk not to HAVE to be situated in a corner. IE, the middle should also be able to act as an end. Then if the need arises you can purchases drop in desk extensions for either side. Kind of like kitchen tables.

Another ‘module’ idea for those that need more room for their monitors could be monitor stand extensions. Or simply come up with a way to include within the desk monitor extensions that can be used or folded away when necessary.

And one more piece of food for chewing, is a height variable monitor stand, in the same design as the legs.

I know a lot of these are just opinions, but like all of us, I sit at a desk all day and these are just my wishes.

#63

I am very sorry for the late reply Geta-Ve, I was away most of yesterday:

The slots in my workspace actually are big holes with lids, so easy to work with, so not the really small holes you get in regular desks.

As for the shelves and backings. Sure, you might consider them useless as a user, but that is why they are not included in the standard package, and an optional purchase. That way, you don’t have to buy them if you don’t want to, and you can use your own system for it :slight_smile: That was one of the things I wanted to include in this design from the start.

My ideal desk would be screwless, roomy and able to be built without tools. Especially those god awful hex keys. ugh. I would have to see in how far I could realise that. The add-on modules like the shelves and case are screwless. They are fixed to the wall with a hook system similar to that in stores.

Additional desktop units sounds like a “maybe” considering I revised the leg system a bit in the meantime.

As for the monitor stand, another thing I am lookin into is having the monitors on flexible arms instead of an actual object like this, this also includes the height adjustability :slight_smile:

Cobra 6

#64

The design process has been going a little bit slower the past week, but I am still one. For now I think I have a clear idea of the system to put in. So now I am going to break this design down again, and re-style it to look less like all the other office furniture around :slight_smile:
As you can see, one of the improvements is that it has height adjustable legs now which function electronically. Also, there is a “half” variant, to fit smaller offices, which version does appeal most to you guys?
The wood displayed at the moment is Iroko, I liked it’s grain.

Design as of now, before the restyle:

Joep

#65

Or you can go with this idea, how desks should have been designed for humans since the beginning, we are kind of built to walk, not sit all day, working, even using a wacom is not difficult on these type of desk setups.

http://www.trekdesk.com/Treadmill_Desk_Videos.html

#66

I do certanly like the originality of the concept, and I see how in some cases this would work. But I sincerely doubt that you could do accurate modelling/drawing/sculpting while walking on a thread mill. I I am walking my handwriting goes downhill already, and I have to stand still to write properly. I imagine this to be about the same.

Still as I said it is original, and useful in some cases :slight_smile:

Cobra 6

#67

You’re getting better.
But I’m still worried about the static and shape in your design.
Do you need to screw the wall parts into a wall?
I like the design much more without the two dark wall parts.
I’m not sure, but it looks that the keyboard will still fall down on my bosom every ten minutes, something is missing there that it can’t happen.

:wink:

#68

Well, in this design the wall parts are attached to the vertical rods you see under the desk, as well as sliding over the desktop a bit(there is a groove in the wall to fit the desktop) This gives double vertical stability.

The keyboard tray has an anti-slip coating (darker area) to prevent anything from sliding off (to an extend, about 45 degrees or less).

Glad you think it is improving, and as I said I will now start to restyle it. So the walls might as well be gone in the next version and replaced with another system :slight_smile:

Cobra 6

#69

Actually, this is no concept, they are quite real and available, you can even DIY these things. Fret not, you can disregard your doubt on being able to model/sculpt/etc…, I have had my treadmill desk workstation for over a year now, and as a texture/shading/lighting/modeling artist I have had no problems doing this work, I only use a wacom, and I am at my treadmill desk right now;). The setup is not for “exercise”, since your walking at a slow pace, its just to not be idle all day, you actually feel better and more energized at the end of the day.

Most people at my studio had the same doubt until I let them jump on, they quickly got used to it, like I said, humans are built to walk, not sit 40-50+ hours a week, plus all that sitting time on the couch after work. I would suggest at least making your desk height adjustable:lightbulb, so if someone really wants to they can slide a desk treadmill under it…and avoid the guaranteed future of the wall-e humans. Plus with more and more studios (in the US at least) dropping health care, its just another reason to make the desk tread accessible. I would guess half or even more of the readers here will, in the near future, be getting some news of diabetes or the likes from there doctors, sad but a true future:scream:. The movies link I posted above shows other companies that purchased them for workers, they said they had doubts about it before also, then quickly change their minds after trying it.

Eeek, cubes! well another random company/ non-studio from the looks that has them.

#70

That is quite an impressive sight:) My workspace will be height adjustable so I think even now you can already put a treadmill under it, hidden feature perhaps! Thanks for that explanation, I did not think you would be able to work properly while walking like that…

I am honestly somewhat curious now as to how this would be myself, heheh.

Cobra 6

#71

For anyone that is a serious audiophile or musician as well as a CG artist, most of these designs won’t work. Proper speaker placement and listening position is extremely important in any room, and if you plan on listening to music at your desk at all, you’d want a wider opening that does not block the direct path from the speakers to your ears. If you only use headphones then it doesn’t matter. If you only use cheap multimedia speakers placed on your desk, then it also doesn’t matter.

#72

After a while of redesigning: here is the new design based on the former system. The modules, Tiltable input device tray, height adjustability (optional system, and cable management are still there, but in a redesigned jacket to get rid of the old sterile and industrial look.
Two new additions to this design are a shelve system which also functions as a wall if needed. Shelves have metal in them so the user can use ordinary fridge magnets to put stuff up.
Another feature is a rotatable “whiteboard” area on which the user can write/sketch anything he or she wants. It can also be used to hold small meetings. The centre is static so there is a place for people to put their drinks/phones etc.

Colour detail has been added, but only subtly along the edges. In the final version the user will be able to choose custom colours if required.
The screen sizes in these renders are 24".

Tell me what you guys think.



ps: Please don’t mind the environment, this will be changed for the final visuals later on.

Cobra 6

#73

A flat down whiteboard surface is going to get used as a surface for puttin things on, within a week or so, the user will get annoyed at getting board marker on the bottom of whatever objects they put on it, including the elbows and forearms of their white-sleeved shirts. <Sexism> The guys wife will be twice as pissed off when she has to wash them when he gets home</Sexism>

It also sticks out so much, that the compulsory “get 3-4 guys around the screen to see something” requirement has just been removed

#74

Agreed.

The whiteboard table in your design is a novel idea, but one that has never been done for a reason. Always being conscious that my sleeves are being inked would drive me nuts.

I like the rotating shelves/magnet board idea… just don’t put any hard drives on those shelves… lol

Aesthetically, the neon green trim doesn’t work at all. Try a forest green (to compliment the wood grain surfaces) if you have to use green at all.

JMHO

#75

>> i think it’s getting better. i would prefer to change the board on the leftside into a bulletin board made of cork or something so that you can post some notes, reminders, etc.

>> as for the green colour: black will be fine but if its bio-luminescence type of effect that glows in the dark then thats ok.

>> the whiteboard type of rotating table is a good idea where you can sketch and draw something. but as mentioned already, it’s not user friendly for those who usually wear long sleeve. perhaps, remind the user to use short sleeve polos instead?

>> some table drawers can be very useful.

>> lastly, the feet. definitely i will make it metallic either painted metal, silver looking or stainless.

#76

The whiteboard could have a sheet of plexiglass (with a small space separating the) on top of it… Then cut a ‘slice of pie shape’ out of the plexi and that would be the spot you write on. You could either rotate the plexi or the whiteboard, like a color wheel.

#77

Like the new Design.

The displays are a bit far away and it doesn’t look like you can bring them closer to the eyes. Maybe work a bit more on the display holding system, make it a touch more flexible.

I would like the rotatable “whiteboard” if it were a waterproofed touch screen surface, so you wouldn’t have to mess around with markers. But I really like the idea and it’s functions.

#78

Thank you for the feedback guys! :slight_smile:

I do understand your expressed concerns with the whiteboard area and staining your sleeves, and that is one of the reasons why it is a “separate” island instead of the actual work surface you spend your day at (keyboard/tablet/mouse area). The other system to prevent this is the rotating mechanism, so one can rotate his/her drawings away from the area one might need to work on.

Pixanaut: The plexi sheet is something which I doubt would work in that sense, because if you put something on it will warp and touch the actual whiteboard area when you rotate. Also it beats the system that anyone anywhere can put info down, because you would have to do things in turn.

I am trying to think of another way to keep the functionality (analogue, so no digital replacements) without limiting the usability in that sense. I do see the potential problems with the current set-up.

As far as the shelves are concerned Pixanaut, they are not magnetic by themselves so one could place HDD’s on it :slight_smile:

I will change the green because indeed it is a little bit too neon hehe, will play around with that.

Thepineman: The cork is a nice idea actually, but the reason why I did not consider it was that it is a material that damages relatively easy when used for longer periods. However, I might be able to combine it with the existing shelves, maybe on the bottom of each shelve, and having the top the existing material.

Drawers is something I will look into since you mentioned it, see if I can integrate them into the current design.

MeleseDESIGN: I will work on the monitor arm system some more, however in this state, the screens can easily be brought forward. Only the main support at the vertical column is static, the rest is rotatable. In the current state, you can see that the arms are bent “backward” , but they can be stretched out forward to get the screens closer. However I played around with it, and I think I can extend the arms a little bit more to give the user more freedom.

Thanks again for the feedback, if anything else comes to mind, please do tell :slight_smile:

Cobra 6

#79

Here is an update:
-I have changed the green to a more subtle and less neon colour.
-Added two drawers under the whiteboard to store stuff in.
-Added an extra section to each monitor arm so it has a bigger area of movement
-Changed the height of the backplate to go around the design at the same level, a part from the area near the input device tray.
-Changed the colour of the legs to metallic, like all the other construction details

Any thoughts? :slight_smile:



ps: textures are a bit warped on the bottom, will make new UV’s for that.

Cobra 6

#80

ill be honest, you are still over complicating it , i would never buy a desk like that for my daily work , it seems something out of planet pa`tang . Your trying to reinvent the wheel here mate , speaking on my professional activity ( game art ) wich i have a computer, 2 monitors, keyboard , mouse some wires and a wacom a desk is more than enough , that one even for home use is very unpractical .

ITs a cool design , but not practical at all.