Before starting my BDes Design Internship, I was tasked with writing about my favourite design object.
The Computer Desk Revolutionised
In the world of modern design and creation, one object has always stood out to me. Daily, I find myself amazed at the functionality, form, and utility of an object designed by carpenter Herwig Danzer in 1998: the modern-day, height-adjustable computer desk. This piece of furniture has become my favourite design object for a few reasons.
Early patents for a height-adjustable desk can be traced back to the 1900s. Early height-adjustable desk models featured a hand crank, allowing users to have the desk at a level of their choice. Fast forward to the late nineties to the early 2000s, the height adjustable desk has exploded in popularity commercially.
Users can adjust the desk to their ideal height for typing, computer, or laptop use. It can also transition into a standing position, which can help alleviate back pain. This type of desk caters towards a market where users prioritise their ergonomic needs heavily with care and precision. The adaptability function helps promote a healthier lifestyle with users on social media documenting themselves placing walk pads or folding treadmills underneath, alternating between standing, walking and sitting during the day, which contributes to better overall well-being, aids in better blood flow and mitigates health risks, that come with prolonged sitting during the day.
Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the heigh-adjustable desk makes it hard to ignore. The modern designs today feature a touchscreen flat panel or textured buttons that allow you to automate and save the users’ preferred height and device charging capabilities. They also have a minimalistic, stylish, sleek, and often described as futuristic design.
Over time, desk manufacturers opt for ethically sourced and eco-friendly materials that can help minimise the desk’s environmental impact. This also highlights a positive change within the design industry as it leans towards eco-conscious design.
Conclusion
Danzer’s design of the height-adjustable desk stands out as my favourite design object for its health benefits, aesthetics, visual appeal and, most importantly, adaptability. Danzer still uses the very first version of his sit-stand desk, created over 26 years ago, to this day!
As a height-adjustable desk user, I cannot see myself not owning this furniture staple as it is a design object that has transformed how I work. It is something that I highly value and have learned to appreciate more with use.
References:
FlexSpot (2024). E1 Standing Desk.
https://staticprod.sys.flexispot.co.uk/dev/trantor/attachments/EF1-800-20.jpg
The standing Desk made famous – XDesk blog (2018).
https://www.xdesk.com/blog/the-standing-desk-made-famous/
The Carpenter’s Early Partnership (2023).
https://www.linak.co.uk/about-linak/quality/the-old-actuators/#danzer
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