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The "Extend" project showcases a study table made from seasoned birch wood and perforated metal, designed for aesthetic appeal and functional versatility. With chamfered edges for easy lifting, it accommodates a laptop and accessories, offering dual compartments. The design evolved through user testing to ensure stability and usability for left- and right-handed users. The project emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail, focusing on ergonomic solutions for workspace optimization.
User testing
The dimensions of the perforated metal top was decided upon to accommodate a 15" laptop and allow the user to comfortably use a mouse on the flat wood base.
Making the design symmetric allows a left or a right handed person to use the table without any hindrance.
User testing
After a couple of iterations and some user testing, I realized that the perforated metal sheet was too flimsy to hold a 15" laptop, then I decided to split it up half way and slide it through a groove made in the wood base, which made sure there was enough tension in the metal sheet to hold the laptop and segregate the storage into two compartments to store the laptop and the accessories separately.
Edge detail
The wooden base was champhered on either sides using a router at an outward 45 degree angle to accommodate easy lifting using the finger tips, even when placed on a flat surface.
Edge detail
To give the study table a more appealing look, Black and white Heavy duty nylon thread was used to knit along the edge of the perforated metal top also cushioning the sharp edges
Process
Starting with a clean slate...first deciding upon the right size to easily carry, I chose to use seasoned hard birch wood - a solid wood board (24" long 12" wide) and Wrapping a perforated sheet at an angle to accommodate better visibility to the user and create space for storing a laptop and few accessories.