Riggid: a laptop stand that facilitates flex workers to work ergonomically

Abstract

This graduation project is about the development of a laptop stand that aims to allow flex workers to work ergonomically without losing the flexibility of their laptop. The graduation project is started with an entrepreneurial focus. The intention is therefore to to bring the product to the market. Currently, 11% of all work related illness in the Netherlands is expected to be caused by MSD (musculoskeletal disorders). As flex working is showing a rapid growth over the past ten years, the increase of laptop use for work is expected to increase as well. Since it is difficult to work ergonomically correct on a laptop (i.e. the screen and keyboard are attached to each other, forcing the user in a unnatural position while working), MSD complaints among workers are expected to further increase. Based on a literature study and online research a set of guidelines is determined for an ergonomic posture and workplace. These guidelines largely defined requirements for the laptop stand. A survey among 225 students is conducted to determine the magnitude of the problem and why current solutions are insufficient in preventing or curing MSD (musculoskeletal disorders). Four qualitative interviews gave additional insight in the underlying problem. These studies showed that over 60% of participants at least sometimes experience physical discomfort during laptop use. Yet, only a small number of people actually use ergonomic tools like laptop stands. The main reason mentioned by respondents is that it takes too much effort and time to transport and setup an ergonomic workplace. Existing laptop stands do not tackle this problem as they seem to be designed with only the product in mind rather than the complete user journey. Therefore, the goal was to design a laptop stand that makes it easy for users to work ergonomically, without losing the flexibility and appearance of a laptop. As the design of a laptop stand that focuses on solving the issues found was already started during Build Your Startup, the product development during this project mainly focuses on the detailing and optimization of the product's USPs: integration between laptop stand, keyboard and cover in combination with an automatic lifting system that allows users to work ergonomically within 20 seconds. For each component of the laptop stand iterations and design decisions are discussed. One of the key features is the integration of a spring-damper system that smoothly brings up the laptop stand to the required height. Secondly, a front grip keeps the laptop in place and gradually adjusts to the position of the laptop when changing the height. Thirdly, a simple slide mechanism allows users to lock and unlock the laptop stand so it can be safely transported. The final design can be seen in figure 1. A functional prototype is built to validate the assumptions during the design phases. Based on the prototype, the design is evaluated on the requirements as determined by the research studies. Executive summary Graduation report // pag 5 Due to the entrepreneurial basis of this project, there was an opportunity to join the course BPC (ID4315-16) which resulted in valuable feedback with regards to branding and positioning. Based on these results, a proposal is written for the brand DNA of Riggid; the company as started during BYS (ID5659) by Thomas Zwart and Igo Boerrigter. Based on the brand DNA, important aesthetic qualities are determined and tested in a survey. The laptop stand should look reliable, professional, premium and stylish. The survey showed promising results and valuable suggestions regarding customisation of colour and materials and small adjustments regarding the geometry of the product. Overall, the laptop stand is not yet ready for production as some requirements have not yet been met. The most critical steps forward will be the fine-tuning of the spring-damper system, doing ergonomic and usability tests with users and additional development towards the cover and aesthetic aspect of the design. However, during the project it was managed to fit all required components and functionalities within only a 10 mm aluminium casing, delivering full proof of concept and providing a clear way forward.