User-Centered Ergonomic
Redesign of School Furniture

Project Guidelines

Complete an Industrial Design Capstone project that integrates the knowledge and skills I have gained and is a culmination of my studies at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

Problem Statement

Redesign the middle school student's desk and chair to enhance ergonomics, allowing for adjustable features that cater to individual needs and promote better posture.

Project Timeline

9-months (or 3 semesters).

Project Discovery

Ergonomic Furniture for Office Workers

Researched traditional office spaces and found that ergonomic solutions existed, and were typically designed to promote healthy working conditions for employees.

Typical Furniture for Middle Schoolers

Based on my experience and research with K-12 environments, I noticed that few ergonomic solutions are used in classrooms. Most furniture for students prioritizes durability over ergonomics.

Idealized Furniture for Middle Schoolers

The few ergonomic furniture options that do exist for students are not easily scalable or practical for most classrooms.

Hypothesized Problem Statement

Middle school students require ergonomic and adaptable desks and chairs to have a more inclusive learning environment.

Industry & User Research

Chair Ergonomics Guidelines

Researched the science of an ergonomic desk and chair setup.

Found how angles, curves, and heights could either negatively or positively affect a person’s comfort while sitting for extended periods of time.

CDC Age Group Heights & Weights

Researched and noted the height & weight ranges for the middle school age group.

Used this data to adjust ergonomic requirements for adults to fit middle school students.

Surveyed Students

Distributed Survey using Google Forms

Distributed a survey to students at two local middle schools and high schools to understand student demographics & classroom needs.

Analyzed Survey Responses

Analyzed survey data from 630 students to identify patterns and pain points.

Survey Results

It was determined, based on the survey results, that the new desk and chair designs needed to focus on increasing students’ comfort while sitting.

With a secondary goal of increasing students’ comfort while reading.

Quotes from Students: What would they change?

“I would make the TABLETOP HIGHER, add an area for storage, and put in edges or grooves to prevent ITEMS FALLING or rolling off of the desk.”

“I would make the DESK LONGER and more COMFORTABLE CHAIRS.”

“If I could change my desk I would make a SOFT EDGING around to so it would be better to write.”

“I would make the DESK LONGER and more COMFORTABLE CHAIRS.”

“More table space, ADJUSTABLE LEGS for height.”

“I would like a STANDING DESK because I’m tired of sitting all day.”

“I would make the DESK LONGER and more COMFORTABLE CHAIRS.”

“More COMFORTABLE CHAIRS.”

“I would make it flat, either ADJUSTABLE or have different sizes, and MORE DESK SPACE.”

“It needs to be lower.”

Observed Middle School Students

Documented key observations through photography:

Chairs are uncomfortable so students sit on their own feet
Writing on the desk causes uncomfortable posture
Desk storage is underutilized, and it impedes student leg room
Students are constantly moving to get comfortable or expel energy

Synthesized Research into Design Goals

Create cost-effective, ergonomic, functional, and scalable work-spaces for students in classrooms.

Key Features:

Chair that ensures proper posture and comfort
Desk top shape that fit today’s materials
Improve reading comfort and posture
Flexible space between chair and desk
Functional storage

Tested & Refined Initial Prototypes

Built cardboard versions of desk, chair, and shelf to assess scale.

Refined the models throughout testing, adding a mobile shelf/wedge and wooden chair with block bottom of various heights.

User Testing of Prototypes

I observed 5 students using rough models to evaluate ergonomics and scale.

Confirmed the wedge enhanced reading comfort.

Feature Sketches

Chair Profiles

Desktop Shapes

Shelf Options

Desk Leg Designs

Evaluating Desktop Shapes

Tested how school supplies fit on 6 full scale, cardboard desktops to determine which shape best accommodates students’ needs.

Developed Scale Models of Designs

Created scale models to refine aspect ratios and structural integrity.

Resulting in a design direction that I then refined in CAD.

Refining Design Features in CAD

Explored how design features refined aesthetics or enhanced functionality.

Explored Adjustable Desk Mechanisms

Considered Electric Standing Desks

I realized a traditional electronic standing desk wouldn't work in most schools due to insufficient outlets at each station.

Investigated Mechanical Crank Option

Explored a mechanical crank mechanism but found it too heavy and cumbersome for common uses in a school setting.

Internal Manual Pneumatic Pump Solution

Determined that an internal manual pneumatic pump could be installed in each leg, allowing students to adjust desk heights by pumping or releasing air pressure.

Internal Manual
Pneumatic Pump

1 - Air Pump

2 - Air Tube

3 - Pressure Tube

4 - Stainless Steel Piston Rod

5 - Piston Packages

6 - Seal

Designer Consultation

Consulted an Industrial Designer at Campus Outfitters on materials and manufacturing process, which helped refine the design into a realistic concept.