Product Design A-level Bedside Laptop Holder

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Product DesignA-level Bedside Laptop Holder

• Tahir Rafiq

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Design Brief

• Problem there are a lot of people mainly
  teenagers who use their laptops in bed at night.
  What I have found out about this issue is that a
  number of people have suffered from problems such
  as severe burns, damage to the laptops, and other
  parts which in the long-term can have some
  affects. To this day the main problems for us in
  this world is the greenhouse affect and emissions
  caused by unesccery power usage . For example
  using a room light to be able to view your
  keyboard to be able to type.
• From this problem I will design and produce a
  product that helps in all ways to both humans and
  the planet. What I mean by this is that i make my
  product. Interesting, safe , comfortable,
  adaptable, and most of all environmentally
  friendly I would also use a number of materials
  that are not as used commonly.
• Firstly I would find a client who would be
  interested in the laptop holder. I will also look
  at the different types of materials I can use,
  and a wide number of designs which can be
  questioned by the public to see their thoughts
  and views.
• Researching the current problems, and current
  designs would help me to design a product that is
  not in the current market. The most important
  part is the way that the laptop holder is
  designed by researching it the antrometrics and
  safety of the current holders I will then have a
  clear idea on what to do.

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Problem research Skin damage linked with laptops
http//www.nhs.uk/news/2010/10October/Pages/Skin-d
amage-linked-with-laptop-use.aspx

• Balancing your laptop on your knees could cause
  permanent discolouration of the skin and, in rare
  cases, cancer, warned the Daily Mail. The story
  is of a 12-year-old boy who developed a skin
  condition caused by the heat from a laptop that
  was balanced on his bare legs.
• The condition, erythema ab igne, is also known as
  toasted skin syndrome, and is characterised by
  mottled-looking skin resulting from prolonged
  exposure to heat or an infrared source. Since
  2004, there have been at least 10 reported cases
  of the condition or of burns related to laptop
  use.
• This is a rare condition, but the connection
  between it and laptops has been documented
  several times before. The incidence is likely to
  become more frequent as laptops become more
  widespread.
• The skin damage itself is usually harmless and
  has no symptoms. As reported, there is a chance
  that the condition can develop into cancer, but
  this is a small risk. Simple common-sense
  precautions can remove this risk. The researchers
  suggest using a heat-protective barrier between
  the skin and the laptop (such as the laptop bag),
  or placing the machine on another surface.
•  
• Where did the story come from?
• The study was carried out by researchers from the
  Department of Dermatology at University Hospital
  Basel, Switzerland. It was published in
  the peer-reviewed medical journal Pediatrics.
•  
• What kind of research was this?
• This was a case report of a 12-year-old boy who
  developed a skin condition called erythema ab
  igne, caused by the heat from a laptop that was
  balanced on his bare legs. The researchers also
  carried out a review of the literature on the
  skin condition. Erythema ab igne is indicated by
  discolouration and mottling of the skin, and is
  caused by prolonged exposure to an infrared heat
  source.
• What did the research involve?
• The case report was of a boy who had presented to
  the emergency department with marks on one of his
  upper legs. The researchers also carried out a
  literature search for studies of similar cases in
  a review of the topic. They found that nine cases
  of laptop-induced erythema have been reported
  since 2004, plus one case of a burn produced by a
  laptop.

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Plan Of Action

• To assure my project is kept up to-date. I will
  make a plan on the step by step procedures that I
  will take on board. I have researched in the best
  ways to plan a project and I have realised that
  making a table can be the most simplest way and
  organised.

Project criteria explanation dates
Context and objectives By using the design brief and my analysis , I would then need to plan a time scale Oct 2011
Clarification of problems Research in same products in the market (primary and secondary), research into different materials, to find the most suitable material to use in the manufacture. Also having constant contact with the client. Oct 2011
Development of design proposal Using rough sketches and previous models , also feedback from the client , would help me to design the perfect design that fits the clients needs. Jan 2010
Manufacture Using classical manufacture methods to make my product. Mainly concentrating on machinery the manufacture in huge bulks. Jan 2011
Modelling Using under classed materials and different method to model. Jan 2011
Conclusions client meeting, recommendations Meeting with the client, after each design idea is made to evaluate the design also to make changes if not good enough. Improving the prototypes and creating a product that fits the clients needs. Feb 2011
Evaluation Evaluating the products helps to see where I when wrong and to see the changes that I would make encase I make the product again March 2011
Communication, presentation Communication is needed for both research and designing , for example I would contact the makers of laptop holders, and then I would contact my client to discuss the perfect design, then actually designing. April 2011
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Mood board
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Joints should be tested for excessive weight
held upon.
Based on a original wooden grain effect
The laptop holder should not have any effect from
excessive heat
Bright attractive colour based on options for
the young aged people e.g. Pin for girls, blue
for boys
Not containing loose pieces
Health and safety of manufacturing the laptop
holder.
No sharp edges
All electronic parts should be checked and tested
Can be customized , made to adapt
Equipment for mass or one off production
The reason my actual product will have the
original wooden grain effect is because .I think
it would look most attractable and classical.
safety
Profits gained
colours
The type of equipment needed
Equipment and Cost
Laptop holders
Costs of materials
plastic
pvc
materials
After pvc testing I can see that certain
temperatures affect the polymer. Due to the
laptop heat it would not be sufficient for me to
use polymers for my laptop holding stand.
How much of the similar design is in the market
Shape and size
Wood
Metal
aluminium
How much time and money I would use
pine
Aluminium has a number of helping ways for a
bedside laptop holder such as the main frame
structure that balances out the whole holder
which makes it stand upright.
plywood
Shape should be proportion to a laptop size.
Modern shapes which look attractive
I have chosen to use plywood as one of my
materials for a part of my project. Reason for
this is because it is seen as a less attractive
material to use for purposes like this however .
I would like to take a chance to make plywood
attractive and be able make it more pratical
for use not just for covering up broken windows
etc.
Custom design to be adapted to the room
surroundings
For my project I would use aluminium piping . The
piping would be used for adjusting the laptop
holder . Aluminium is light strong and
attractable making the stand look attractive.
Heat affected , easy to work with? Durable and
attractive. Also to see if its reliable for long
term.
New up to date technologies should be added e.g
mug warmer, extra usb slots
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Client

• For a professional project in production a client
  is most needed .The main reason for a client is
  so I could base my project design upon a problem
  of the age looked at . I could also refer back
  to my client for step by step procedures I take.
• I have decided to use my friend as a client , the
  reason for this is
• He is a friend which is easy to contact when
  needed,
• He works at pc world so he is aware of the
  current trends of sales of laptops and holders.
• He is a teenager , who uses a laptop in bed where
  he finds most appropriate time of use.
• So the client is perfect for my current
  situation.
• This list shows the times where I would make a
  link with my client at different stages of my
  project
• The current problem of my project
• Design viewer
• Questionnaire filler
• feedback on models that I have made
• Interview on the types of designs
• Reviewing on designs and final product
• Customization of product
• Client requirements after speaking to my client
  I have got a list of requirements thats required
  for the laptop holder.
• To have a new and funky design

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Plywood Testing

• At this very minute I am not sure of the
  material that I would use for my project. The
  best material to use can be analysed by testing
  the materials. I have already thought of man made
  material that I would like to use thats plywood.
  However I need to make sure that it would be
  suitable as a laptop holder so a number of tests
  have to be done.
• I already no the brief design of my laptop holder
  and that is that the frame structure itself will
  have a attractive bend style.
• Until this day I didn't no that woods could be
  bent in such a way. I found the best way to bend
  my plywood that was by using a powdered resin
  glue called cascamite. By reading the ingredients
  and researching into them I have found that the
  compounds inside the glue turn out to be stronger
  then the wood bends itself

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Acrylic Testing
Acrylic has to be tested. The reason for this is
to see the limitations of using pvc for my
project. The way that i would test the pvc is by
using a method of bending and flexibility.
advantage
After taking the heated thermo pvc out of the
oven. I then shaped the plastic into different
forms and shapes to test the flexibility of it.
After leaving the pvc to cool back to room
temperature the bonds fit back into place making
the figure harden and stay into place.
Acrylic is an extremely versatile material used
in the manufacturing of a huge variety of
products--ranging from signage, desktop awards
and desk accessories to internally illuminated
signs, skylights and aircraft windshields. This
material has many attractive characteristics,
including exceptional durability and extreme
optical clarity. Acrylic is also easy to work
with. This allows it to be fabricated into many
different shapes and sizes. One of the easiest
ways to form acrylic is through a process called
thermo bending, which involves heating the
plastic to soften it and then bending it into a
shape to create products such as counter signs,
picture frames, business card holders and display
racks.
On the above picture we can see how each en of
the pvc has been twisted 360 degree around .so
the flexibility test has been passed
The quality of using this material is that it can
be reheated and moulded back into any place.
disadvantage
we can see from these pictures how the pvc has
deformed. I tried my upmost best in bending the
thermal plastic to make it into a leg sort of
design.
By using an clay oven which was set on heat of
150 degree i placed my two different tones of
pvcs in the oven.
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Plywood bending
Powdered resintite is added to water to make a
thick paste. this paste thickens over time so it
has to be used quickly so the oxygen does not
take effect on the paste.
Cascimite is a strong bonding resin that is
commonly used when bonding two or more pieces of
wood together my first step in the plywood
bending testing shows me making up the paste by
adding three parts of cascamite to one of water.
I made a pine holder which is used to test if
the plywood can bend in two ways. By making the
pieces of wood open I placed a hinge to open and
close the holder.
I placed a sheet of plain paper to prevent the
cascamite sticking to the holder. Which would
ruin the test.
After placed in a tight vice the figure is left
to stand for 24hr to keep a strong structure in
place.
Opening the holder we can see a result of the a
disfigured piece of plywood showing that my test
has worked. When removing the stuck on paper a
finish is just needed to complete the test of
using this product.
By using a brush the paste is applied carefully.
Overdoing the plywood would then add layers upon
the plywood giving an unattractive finish.
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Adjustable Leg
The adjustable poles are controlled by two
toggles where the poles can be supported properly.
What i have done in this first picture is that i
have drilled a hole for which the screw would be
able to push against the inner part to hold the
piping together.
For my project i am testing the steel poles.
Where i would custom make them to fit my project
to see if they are compatable. Research shows
that steel piping is best for these situations as
they are dense unlike aluminium which have the
advantage of being light.
To make my laptop holder i caught my idea from
custom made projector holder that i saw in the
food tech room. As we can see the structure is
balanced by a central pole balancing the weight
among four castor.
The high quality, low maintenance steel pipe
systems has caused a noticeable shift in
attitudes toward steel. The distinctive features
of steel pipes are Toughness Toughness
requirements for a pipe is more complex than the
tensile property requirements. The steel pipe
toughness level is specified to guard against
crack propagation.Fittings Properties Fittings
are components of the steel pipe that are usually
of complex geometry and not made from line pipe,
such as bends, tees, flanges, valves and set-on
and set-in forged branches. Flexibility Steel
pipes can be designed and fabricated to any
height and strength, this enables the customer
reduce costs by designing a line for the optimum
structure spacing. Steel structures are also
easily modified in the field, making them easy to
rework.Ease of Installation When compared to
lattice structures, the speed and ease of
installation of steel tubing is a proven winner.
Also, the behaviour of a steel tubing is easily
predicted, while a lattice structure, with its
hundreds of bolted joints, is difficult to
quantify precisely.
After sandint down the rough edges i the sprayed
the steel pipe with black gloss spray.
Spraying was done by holding the pipe on a wooden
stick
Inserting the inner pole and screwing in the
screw to hold the pipes together shows that the
test has worked where i placed heavy weights onto.
This attractive has made me think about using
sprays for the finish on steel piping however i
would consider a chrome finish.
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Plywood Finishes
I now know for a fact that I would be using
plywood for my project , I know this because of
the bending test which inspired me, by looking
from my aim I am after we can see how I would
like to use finishes that are original as so is
the material that I would use. However in many
cases as this project is based mainly on a teen
product colours have to be taken into account
when taken into production. Colours are seen as
moods, usually based on sex of the user. E.g sky
blue for a boy and pink for a girl. I have
decided to test finishes on plywood and on
separate pieces of wood .
I applied a total of two layers on the pieces of
plywood looking for the best result. We can see
hoe the black looks faded out. From this test I
would choose for my final product to be in red if
I used the finish.
The paint soaks into the grain of the wood making
it easy to apply.
The types of paint that I used were a water based
strong coated paint. Reason for choosing this
was because it would be safe and non-toxic to
children. So toddlers can crawl around the
plywood and not be affected.
Acrylic Paint - Acrylic paint is a durable paint
that has pigments suspended in an acrylic (or
plastic) binder. acrylic paints are plastic based
and not natural. However, they come in a wide
range of vibrant colours, are colour fast, easy
to apply and clean up and have no fumes. They can
even be mixed with water to create a "wash" of
paint, Not all acrylic paint is created equally
however! Not all acrylic paint is non-toxic or
safe for toys either! labels show the "AP
Non-toxic" seal. Some artist's paints have
mercury, arsenic and cadmium in them for pigments
.
To get the natural finishes from the wooden grain
i am testing the use of waxes and varnishes. I
would test the bent plywood piece with one side
of briwax which would be put on by coat of
sanding sealer before, then rubbed n with a cloth
following the grain to get a deep finish I would
repeat this procedure 10 times.
Varnish is a common used finish, mainly used for
window sills, staircases, wooden doors. Unlike
briwax the wood soaks up the bonding agent from
the varnish itself, making it easy to apply and
also giving an attractive and dry look mainly,
good for protection against water and rotting of
wood,
The briwax is good for putting on the plywood as
the grain soaks in the properties of the wax,
helping to keep the wood waterproof and also
give it a shine that looks attractive.
After doing this testing I have decided to use
the briwax for a clean and elegant finish. I
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Questionnaire

• The main point of making a product that would go
  into production is to investigate before hand. As
  it is said that everybody has different options
  and views. So what I am planning to do is to ask
  100 people of the public and also students 8
  questions that would help to give an idea on how
  to product the best type of bedside laptop
  holder. However I am aiming at people ages 14. I
  infer that the knowlegde that I will extract for
  the public would give me a great understanding of
  the design.
• 1) Do you have a laptop that you use at night
  whilst in bed?
  
• a) Yes
• b) No

2) If you do use a laptop in bed what do you use
to support you laptop? a)Knees b)Bed table
c)Pillow d)Other
3)On average how long do you use your laptop in
bed? a) lt1 hour b) 1-2 hours c) 2 hours
4)Are you aware of the problems that are caused
from laptops overheating on human contact?
a)Yes b)No
6)What materials would you prefer to have for you
bedside laptop holder? a)All wood design (e.g
pine, plywood, etc) b)All metal design
(aluminium, steel etc) c)All polyester design d)A
combination of all of those materials.
5)Are you most likely to buy a product that
prevents harm to your body and that is
comfortable to use your laptop in bed? a)Yes b)No
7) What type of finishes would you prefer to have
on your end product? a)No finish just
natural b)Wax finish c) Varnish finish d)Paint
finish

• 8) in terms of aesthetics of the bedside laptop
  holder it should be
• A plain and original design
• Straight forward common bedside table design
• New never seen unique design

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Questionnaire Conclusion

• The whole idea of doing a questionnaire is to
  find out what the current views are of a
  certain product. So after handing my
  questionnaire to the public and my client I
  have decided to conclude all the information. The
  information that I have gathered from these
  questions would help me to conduct ideas for my
  deigns.
• Question 1 the fist question that I asked was
  ne o the main and most important question that
  was to find out how many people actually use a
  laptop in bed. I found out that more then 3
  quarters of the people I asked actually use a
  laptop in bed . This information tells me that
  the future product that I will make would entitle
  to the use of people.
• Question 2 it is obvious that people do use
  their laptops at night however I had to find out
  the ways and positions that people use their
  laptops in. so the second question was based on
  finding the technique, I found that the majority
  of people actually use their knees for support
  of their laptop. This alerted me as I already the
  no the consequences of using the laptop in this
  manner. After finding this information I
  defiantly now that some type of holder is needed,
• Question 3 time is a major issue as there
  would be no point of making a product that the
  users would use at the minimum so I have decided
  to ask the average use of laptop in their beds. I
  found out that the mass majority of people use
  their laptop between 1 and 2 hours a night .
  From this data I now no there would be a common
  use of a laptop holder.
• Question 4 I have decided to ask everyone if
  they new of the conditions caused by using your
  laptops on your knees to see what their current
  views and to also make them aware of the
  consequences of what could happen by over use. I
  found out that more then 3 quarters of the people
  dont know what happens when over using.
• Question 5 after making everyone aware of
  what the consequences were of laptop burns . I
  then asked the people if they would buy a product
  to prevent this serious problem that could occur
  from the laptop. I realised that 99 of the
  people were interested in a product that
  prevents the problem. It is alarming how a
  product would do good in the open market.
• Question 6 it is always best to ask what type
  of materials are best to use as an option, this
  would show me how the public and client would
  like their product and also the features that
  they may like. before asking the question I
  inferred that most people would like a mix of
  materials and this was surely the outcome.
• Question 7 finishes on a product is seen as
  the most crucial procedures., as this is the one
  thing that the buyer has control over to keep the
  product up-to-date. I can see how a natural
  finish of bri-wax would look most attractive .
  This is what the public have chosen

15
Product Analysis laptop stand
Ergonomics Anthropometrics We can obviously see
how the laptop holder has its positives in
adjusting for different angles. However these are
the only positives of the design itself that
relates to the ergonomics. I cant see any way of
comfort for the user . As you would obviously
have to sit up and use this stand. There is no
way of laying on a bed and having in front of
you. These are the limitations of the product.
The main negative point about this product is
that is not originally designed but by the use of
different products that you can buy and then put
into one.
This laptop holder is a clear example of the ways
that ideas evolve around current products. What I
mean by this is that the current design of the
laptop holder is held the same features stand of
a video recorder.
Video recorder stands are very good due to the
fully adjustable feature that they have. To make
the laptop holder position fully adjustable the
final product is made from an aluminium plate
where the laptop would be placed on, and also
held by Velcro straps. The laptop plate would
then be connected to the main joint of the
aluminium stand.

• The way that these laptop holders are
  manufactured would be in a number of stages.
• The aluminium plate is designed to hold all sorts
  of laptops where the sizes vary from big to
  small.
• aluminium legs made to keep the laptop stiff and
  not sturdy when the laptop would be at a high
  height.

Legs adjustable from 40cm to 1 and half metres.
Made from light aluminium pipes
Conclusion Personally the only attractive look I
like about this design is that it looks modern
with the use of great thought material, aluminium
this is good because it is light to
transportation would be compatible. However the
over all design and structure is just a
camera/videocam holder making it an old theory
as it is currently used for other purposes the
only thing that has been made from originating
production is the laptop plate and the elastic
straps that keep the laptop in place.
Personally I like the idea of this design and
looks stable and very adjustable but I wouldnt
like to use it for myself in bed as . There is a
sense of hard structure which doesnt look
atractive, however I can see how anyone can set
this up and store away into different places.
Aluminium plate designed in such a way that the
laptop stays cool and easily ventilated
Style and function There is ability of using the
laptop from inclining and declining. Usually
helps for viewing and typing methods. The
original colour of gunmetal grey has a good
affect as it seems original. Limitation of this
would be when aiming for teenagers they would
most likely prefer a number of themed colour
choices which suits them.
Thermo plastic made handles to prevent absorbent
of heat that comes of the laptop. This is
positive link on the design. As this is what
prevents the melting of the handle.
Elasticised straps to keep the laptop in upright
position and prevent it from falling. So this
design clearly shows how sizes of laptops are
taken into account.
16
Product Analysis bed type laptop stand
I find this product a well designed and most
adaptable compared to a lot of laptop holders as
anyone can use it, with the site of the table it
self. This product is priced at 29.99 and can be
delivered to your door, with no setup techniques
as it comes as a folded piece
An original finished wooden bed laptop holder
and dinner table, is adaptable and easy to carry
around table. Valued at 30 it is seen as good
value for money with its handle and briefcase
carriage box.
Ergonomics and anthropometrics Ergonomically both
designs are attractive in their own way as the
pine table is more natural. And the acrylic and
steel table is more adaptable to the user,
making it anthropometric comfortable to the
users.
As we can see the laptop is on a angle where it
is easier to use when in bed it is also durable
and well designed, and at the same time it has
the natural look. That is fairly attractive.
Manufacturing processes finishes On the left
the disability table is manufactured in batches
where the table itself is thermo set acrylic
which would be made through excursion where it
would be moulded into shape. The piping for the
structure is rubber coated steel keeping the
structure strong and durable. Drop mechanisms are
made to help the table swing into place and fold
away. so there are three main stages in
manufacture for the product. That would be to
get the materials then to make the polymer into
shape. Then the steel piping to cut and bed, then
drilling holes which would be done by a machines.
This laptop table has its own main use for people
with disabilities, or those in wheelchairs. It
is light due to the use of light materials,
making it adaptable , strong and at the same time
adjustable in a way making it flat and easy for
storage.
Personally I think that both these designs new
good in the sense of compatibility and
transfer as they are both easy to store and move
around. I wouldnt use any of these designs for
my ideas as they seem to common, however I would
be using a natural finish with a natural
material pine.
Versatile Rolling Table - Laptop Table -
Wheelchair Table Over bed Table - Versatile Pivot
Tilt Over bed Table - Wheelchair Table -
Rolling Laptop TableThe mast of the table pivots
and can be locked in one of the three positions
from flat on the floor to 90 degrees.The pivot
feature allows the table top to be positioned
closer to individuals in a bed, sitting in a
chair or wheelchair, or folded for storage
It is also a bonus to have other functions that
the laptop holder can do, books are seen as the
most used activity in bed.
17
Product Analysis bedside tables
Firstly the reason why I have done research on
both standing /bed laptop stand and a bedside
table is because I have already decided to
collaborate these together making a never seen
design which I cannot find out in the market,
making my design new and unique.
Design and anthropometrics The overall design of
this laptop stand has two main functions one is
clearly to hold a laptop which is adjustable
only up and down as the limitation of this design
is that it cannot swivel all the way around I
will make sure my laptop stand function is able
to be adjusted in all directions making is easy
and adjustable for the user. Overall the stand
it self is not attractable due to its main
structure which is seen as a bond of metal work.
The finishes used on this product is rubber
based for protection. Preventing strain it has
the adjustable function with a twisted knob.
Same type of steel legging material as what you
would find on computer tables. The t shape at
the bottom is commonly used for stability of the
whole structure preventing the laptop falling off.
Overall I am pleased with the function of the
holder, and the design of the bedside tables so I
will keep in mind the designs and finishes used,
as my aim is for a surreal design I have decided
to bond these two together and making it extra
safe and fully adjustable at the same time.
Manufacture and materials It is very important to
choose the materials that you would use when
making a product like this. You have to think
about the overall structure of the design itself
. As we can see by both side tables here they are
surreal with they crooked looked legs, so it is
important that the materials chosen are strong
enough to hold the heavy weight that is on.
Mahogany is used for both theses side tables,
with different coats of finishes.
I have always liked the old fashioned surreal
design of tables , especially of those that look
unstable. For example these thin crooked legs
look like they are about to snap with the weight
that would be put on.
Here again a surreal design that looks like it is
made out of cast iron, however it is actually
mahogany with a black varnish paint.
18
Product Analysis primary plywood
Plywood is used in a number of situations mainly
of those that are less professional, for example
if a house window was broken plywood would be
used to prevent air coming in and used as a
substitute until the window is there to fit. So
it is pretty obvious how plywood is not seen as a
attractive wood but more of a cheap DIY job.
Now since I would like to make my laptop holder
more of a unusual surreal design which is one of
a kind. I have decided to use plywood in my
design I do not now what function the plywood
would have but that it would be used in the
structure of the product.
They plywood has been bended by a mould which has
left it in the curved bend useable to go over
legs and to place a laptop over it. It is a good
design but not practice enough as you have to be
in one position which would cause strain to the
user. Practical and light would describe this as
a whole as manufacture would be really easy and
cheap by the use of a single mould but would need
time to settle. I infer that two sheets of 6mm
plywood have been joined by cascamite and put
into a mould that bends. This lap stand costs
20 I would say it is over valued and many people
would not buy this due to its functioning
I found this following table in my 6th form
library where we use it as a coffee table and a
laptop table. Am happy with the design as it is
ergonomically situated and finished with a
natural varnish.
This design clearly shows how attractive the
plywood looks and also shows how the stability
of the stand. the light material of plywood helps
to bend into different shapes.
The manufacture stages that occur in this product
is three stages. These are that cutting of
the material then bending and then the finish.
The manufacturing system would be in a batch
manufacture as it would be more worthwhile as
there would be a high demand for this product,
valued at 35 it is worth the money however you
would see these in libraries rather then in your
bedroom where you can only stand up to use or
even sit down if you have a high chair.
The whole structure comes as a piece this means
that the laptop stand has been bend in a couple
of different stages where the plywood would be
bent. This product fits in the client
requirement, however it would not help in the
function of keeping the laptop cool. The design
is funky and upto dat making it unique and
modern, however I wouldnt see many people buying
it as it is valued at 50
19
Ergonomics Anthropometrics
The term "ergonomics" is derived from two Greek
words "ergon," meaning work, and "nomoi,"
meaning natural laws. Ergonomists study human
capabilities in relationship to work demands To
reduce the risk of injury we could follow the
ergonomic principles -All work activities
should permit the worker to adopt several
different, but equally healthy and safe postures.
-Where muscular force has to be exerted it
should be done by the largest appropriate muscle
groups available. -Work activities should be
performed with the joints at about mid-point of
their range of movement. This applies
particularly to the head, trunk, and upper limbs.

When linking my design ergonomically I have found
the average sizes of bed from floor to the top
of the bed this would hep to keep the laptop
level to the bed making it easier for the user.
Keeping the user in upright position preventing
any strain.
The human measurements that I would take into
account are those that link with the use of the
laptop holder that would be the sizes of the
hands and average body sizes so the adjustability
can be how the user would like it best.
The study of Anthropometrics (human measurement)
is concerned with the physical sizes and shapes
of humans.  Of particular interest are the
differences between and among different
populations (men vs. women, Northern Europeans
vs. Japanese). Anthropometrics literally means
man (anthro) measurements (metric).  It is the
measurement of the size and proportions of the
human body, as well as parameters such as reach
and visual range capabilities.  Accurate data on
height, weight, limb, and body segment sizes are
needed to design items ranging from clothing,
furniture, automobiles, buses, and subway cars to
space shuttles and space stations. 
Anthropometrics enables us to properly size
items, including system interfaces, to "fit" the
user.
20
Materials research
From looking through my research I realised that
it would be best to use a combination of
materials for my besides laptop holder. This is
by Referring back to my questionnaire. So the two
main materials to research on is pine, steel
piping.
Pine Originally pine comes from trees which has
no needles or leaves, the softwood consists of
growing preferences, where the tend to grow
quick and tall unlike hardwoods which take a
longer time. The best part of using these type of
trees are because when taking a tree out you
would have to replace the tree with three other
trees. When passed through the swami to be cut to
size it is decided for which size it would be
for purposes. Such as shelving, decking Pine is
used for a number of things from huge buildings
to small kitchen forks.
physical properties The yellow pine is heavier
then the usual shelving pine, it is stronger and
harder which makes it a strong material for a
laptop holding stand, properties inside the pine
make it decay resistant however it has to be
maintained with oils and waxes/varnishes.
appearances The grains are uneven along the
timber piece making it original and attractive
the feel of the pine is strong, which doesnt
lead to splinters or any problems when running
your hand along it.
Working properties The softwood is a easy
material to work with and to mould into
different shapes. I would use pine for my project
keeping in mind the knots that would be on the
pine which has to be avoided, preventing this
would help to keep my product less chance of
being damaged. I find pine as a easy going
material which is fully functional in most
situations.
Uses There are so many uses that is mainly of
different purposes as structural timber or wall
sheets for homes, other uses such as boxes ,
crates and baskets. A main use for pine is on
boats where a waterproof paint is applied to the
boat.
Is pine environmentally friendly Where there is
one tree taken three more are planted so it is
pretty obvious that pine is always there to grow.
It is easy for pine to be used over again
depending on the quality of the pine.
physical properties There are different types of
steel as they do not all have the same
properties. This is due to their elements used in
the manufacture. Alloys are made from the
mixture of steel and other elements. The way that
alloying is done determines the physical
properties such as hardness, flexibility ,
ductility. It is flexible as steel can be
moulded into any desired shape. It also has the
lowest strength to weight ratio compared to any
other building material.
Steel By extracting the needed raw materials
from the earth. The three main materials that
are used are iron ore , coal and limestone after
placing these three ingredients into a furnace
where the temperature is at 1600oc for a long
time after is produced a molten pig iron from the
iron ore. The quality of the pig iron is not
good enough for commercial use so by adding a
carbon structure you make steel. This is done by
a basic oxygen furnace the steel then casts into
a thick or thin slab to be sold.
Working properties It usually depends on the
thickness of steel , it is usually difficult to
work with steel if you do not have the proper
machinery to cut it. Joining the metal can only
be done by welding or oxy-acetylene welding.
Plasma and laser cutting are another type of
method that could be used to cut the steel.
Appearance Steel usually ahs different types of
surfaces and textures, depending on the purpose
of the steel when manufactured. Alloys usually
have a good finish which is mainly shiny and
attractive. Usually buffering is used to give a
smooth and shiny finish to steel.
Is steel environmentally friendly We no the way
that steel is mined from the earths crust, it
creates an eyestone environment where the
material is mined, which will destroy the natural
landscape of the area. Apart from this steel is
environmentally friendly as 90 if not all the
steel can be recycled without losing any physical
properties in the process. This reduces the
amount of material needed to be extracted from
the earth therefore reducing its overall impact
towards the environment.
Uses There are so many multipurpose functions
that steel has in our everyday lifestyles
ranging from cookware we use to cook our food, to
important scientific instruments such as scalpels
and retort stands for instance.
21
Costing
It is clear how all businesses aims and reason
for sales is for profit, mainly based on the
value of the product of sales. Profit is worked
out from the amounts of money spent from
making the product costs involving travel
manufacture and materials, excluding wages for
the workers. Before manufacture of a product,
designs and plans have to be made , so there
would be a guaranteed profit making from the
manufacture of the product. If there is a small
amount of profit or no profit there would be a
loss to the organisation making all the time
planning and machinery used a waste of money. So
now we no the aim of the project, I need to
decide what parts of the laptop holder I have to
take into consideration to get the best outcome.
I infer that the most investment/cost would
start from the materials that have to be bought.
I have made it clear that this project will
officially only have one product for the outcome,
but then again if there was a chance of
manufacture I would have different calculations
that would be different as the materials would be
cheaper in bulk orders.
Altogether there are some stages for the costs,
as each part has its own costing values, for my
laptop holder there would be two stages 1)
Material and components This consists of
materials such as the plywood , steel piping ,
pine shelving, that is needed for my project.
Other components needed like screws and other
components that are needed to assemble the
structure together, to solve the cost problem I
would buy some cheap components and materials
however they would be good enough condition and
would look attractive, making the money
worthwhile as the finished product would be
reasonable. I have already decided that I will be
using the schools resources such as screw and
other small components , however I will purchase
my own pine and hard materials. 2) Manufacturing
costs Like all manufacturing sites the consuming
cost's the machinery needed for the production
and the appliances used such as the electricity
and time, rent of the factory. I have diced to
use the schools facilities costing me nothing, as
I am not going to do a mass production just a
plan for a mass production with a one off
piece.
The following table shows the costs that this
project cost me and the supposed sale price which
was evaluated at a classic furniture shop.
Material/Component Purchase location Price Total RRP Profit
Plywood for legs 100cm/100cm 3mm Sky Diy Halifax 4.00 16.50 45 28.50
Shelving Pine 150cm/100cm BQ 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
Aluminium pole Fitting Sky Diy Halifax 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Plywood for laptop stand 40cm/30cm 10 mm Sky Diy Halifax 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Laptop cooler unit eBay 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50
22
Summary of research
Research Where I obtained information How its helped
Design brief I have always found the problem of using a laptop . I researched on the affects of laptops that backs up the reason on having such laptop holders. By using strong past evidence of excessive laptop use. By having a design brief it helps me to base my whole design and mentality of the project on one goal that Is to make a bedside laptop holder that prevents problems, and adapts to the user
Brainstorms on laptop holders By giving me a clear understanding and idea what contents my laptop holder would have, such as the colour and different qualities that my laptop holder would have. Each point links to a idea or criteria that has to be investigated. An understanding of what types of things I have to research into which helps me to go creative and think of different methods to obtain a good design.
Laptop mood board the current market sales of laptop holders and what types of materials and colour contrasts are out there. All the pictures were searched from the internet, covering the whole page with these pictures to give a idea of different designs. This has helped me to get a feel and understanding of what is out in the market at the current moment, a clash of colours and funky designs helps me to look at when designing my own product.
Product analysis To view different types of design categories' and what ways are used for manufacture, giving me an idea of what the current market has to offer for the problem. Looking through catalogues and use of internet and booklets. The product analysis helps me to analyse current products and pick different parts out of them that would help me design my own type of laptop holder. Partially to make it look unique as a never made past product.
Questionnaires Best way of finding what people like at the minute, and what they would like to have for materials, etc Obtained by making questionnaires and handing out to the public. A phenomenal helping part of research as I realised what people new about the current market and that they didnt no of the risked caused by using a laptop at night.
Materials After doing the questionnaire I researched on the materials that I would be using , such as plywood aluminium piping and pine. All researched from internet. I no for sure that the materials I have chosen through the use of research has really helped me to design my product as i can see the strains and constraints of the materials and how they would adapt to my target and client requirements.
Testing To help with plans and ideas I had to test, which helped in many ways, mainly tested on the materials I would use and were thinking of using. Testing helped me to realise what methods and what materials to use for my project. And the limitation of some of the products to use.
Anthropometrics ergonomics Best way for fitting of my laptop holder and other parts to make the laptop adaptable and usable by the right age group. Also with the use of the right materials. Helped in the sense of making my design more safer and adaptable to the average bed size and to make it more comfortable for the users.
Scales of productions I obtained various information to they types of productions that are done at industries, by looking at the different methods of productions. Researching and various ways on contacting the organisations were done. This part of researched helped me to see what ways I could make my product a step by step build process which can be done y anyone.
Computer aid and manufacturing These days there is a high chance that most products are manufactured through the use of cad/ cam . I looked around and even made some of my designs with the use of cad. Latest technology and precision computer techniques gave me good drawing of my design and what it would look like when in manufacture process.
Cost Researching the current expenses for similar products by researching through the internet and other places such as a catalogue , I have also found the amounts of profit made by different ways of sales. Helped me to look at the current price tags and to aim to make a target for myself, as I now the different types of costing that occur in manufacture
23
Specification

• Target Audience My product will be targeted
  towards the people of ages 12 years old both
  genders because my product can be made for either
  a boy or a girl as all laptop users are both
  sexes. By having a client I will find out if
  they like/dislike the designs and ideas, the
  information that I gain from my client would aid
  me in my ideas.
• Cost after looking at the similar current
  products out in the market I can see that many of
  the products are in the same price range. The
  prices are ranged between 30. The material that
  I have found for the product is shelving wood.
  And the use of third party product costing
  approximately the total amount of 18 and selling
  for the price of 40 making a good profit. This
  includes the finishes which are used for the
  final product.
• Size by looking at the current products out
  there and taking into account the size of an
  average laptop I have decided to make limitations
  on the size of my product. So by taking into
  account the measurements of bed side tables and
  also laptop holders I would have to mould them
  together to make the perfect calculations for it
  not to be too big or too small. So the bedside
  table would not be no bigger then 500mm and 400mm
  wide. This would make my product adaptable to
  anyone with a bed. However the limitations are
  that it may not be able to adapt to those beds
  which are more then half a metre in height.
• Weight altogether the weight may be an issue in
  many ways of the weight of a laptop that would be
  placed on the laptop holder . The way that I
  would go around this issue is to make my product
  compatible and stable enough to hold the laptop
  in different angles. In terms of the weight of
  the laptop holder I would use materials that are
  light to hold and easy to amend into place. So
  product would be bought as it is as apiece. So
  there is no need for construction when bought as
  a product. Due to the use of plywood and shelving
  pine the whole product would be light and able to
  move around.
• Aesthetics my product is designed for comfort
  and easy use ability. It is obvious that all
  laptop users would use this product if you intend
  to use their laptop at night. Researching into
  the average sizes for laptops/ net books used by
  people I would, use this information for the
  sizes and designs of my product. The way that I
  would make my product best for the client is to
  make a way for the laptop to be used without the
  user having the laptop on their legs , so the
  laptop would be supported on a polyester stand
  which can change positions on a tilt. The use of
  briwax would give the pine and plywood a natural
  attractive finish.
• Environmental issues the Environmental issues
  in relation to my product, are that firstly I am
  using plywood which is made from a lot of scrap
  wood put together to make a thin layer of wood
  used for less attractive products. Therefore me
  using this for my product shows how I am using
  reused wood for a purpose that will eventually
  look attractive. The other part that would make
  my product environmentally friendly is the use of
  a led light which stops the user having the light
  on so the keyboard can be seen. However the
  briwax that is used may effect the environment
  when recycling however the use of varnish would
  affect animals or humans if consumed.
• Function with this product there is three major
  functions, each which help in their own type of
  way. The bed side table has its function in the
  way of being used as every bedside table would
  be used to store objects. The other function is
  the laptop holder part itself which helps the
  user to change positions to adapt to their
  comfort
• Safety the safety issue taken into account in
  this product is the overall design of the laptop
  holder. I would even out the sizes of the corners
  making it as smooth as possible preventing any
  hard to a human in contact. The pole itself that
  would hold the laptop would be polished and
  rounded off at the top prevention of metal
  chippings harming the skin. I would also make
  sure the finish that is applied on the wood has
  soaked into the wood preventing any objects to
  slip off. All parts are nontoxic , which have
  been checked.
• Materials The main material I will be using is
  plywood which can be difficult to use at times,
  due to its overall density and structe as it can
  give you splinters if mishandled. I am going to
  also use pine for the base of the side table.
• Durability My product will have to be strong
  enough to withstand pressure when the is a laptop
  and excess weight ontop.
• Manufacture the one off product would be made
  insuch a way that even if I decided to make it
  again I would be able to manufacture it in a
  quick and easy followed method. I would also make
  sure the parts that I use can be bought again, so
  I could remake if needed to be.

24
Design
When looking at this design I would value it at a
price of 30 evaluating it at this price is due
to the use of materials which I wide with the
use of both wood and metal. As we know oak is a
hard wood and is more expensive due to the
length of time needed for the completion of the
wood.
,
Solid oak table with privacy draw.
Looking at the laptop holder below we can see how
simpleness has taken it terms. I can see people
with a low budget on a laptop stand . However
that is the reason why I have designed such
product to aim at those who would not be willing
to spend a lot of money but to still get the
advantage of safety but not the comfort fact
unlike the rest.
When looking at this design I get a feel of
modernism. I can see this product being in
someone house that is new, with the latest
technology's and gadgets.
Cooling unit
Steel legs joints which can be adjusted up and
down
the overall structure of the laptop stand shows
how surreal and unique the design actually is. We
can see how I have actually taken into mind about
the type of material that I would use that is
plywood, where I would shape the bottom and
laptop table attachment to be like a quaver.
This gives a natural and insufficient feel of the
actual design. However I think this is a good
thing as it has just came into fashion again,
This product would sit on your knees whilst in
bed with a low comfort mode, but still has fans
implanted at the bottom to keep your laptop cool
there is a jell wrist rest where you would
prevent any strain to your body when using the
stand. There are inbuilt speakers for loudness.
Overall this product would have many uses if it
was out in the market where the aim would be
reached by the buyers. I am thinking about adding
some of the characteristics from this design into
my final design however I do no t no what I would
choose to use as of yet. The valued price for
this product would be 10-15 hence the
material/design
Bent plywood
Altogether evaluating this product I would say it
has a unique sense to it and I would like to make
a product like this however the challenge I would
face is the shaping and use of oak.

• The way that I would manufacture this product
  would be in 5 different stages
• Making a mould for the plywood that would be bent
  into shape.
• all materials would be cut into shape, and sizes
  at the same time I would mix cascimite to apply
  to the plywood.
• I would then make the drawer where the laptop
  would sit on.
• Assembling all the parts together next with glue
  and other bonding agents.
• For the last part I would apply the finishes
  which is varnish and briwax for the oak/plywood.
  And to buffer the alloyed pole.

They type of material that would be used for this
product is acrylic and would be made in big
batches. Making it easier for the manufacture
this was if such design was in the market.
25
Design
Once again I have taken into consideration of
design g a product that is in a less budget
margin. But at the same time has its important
use of the functions.
its obvious and main function of this design has
met the client requirements where it is fully
adjustable and modern with safety components.
This design is featured on a strong lamppost
structure, where the base of the pole has most of
the weight and is structurally able to hold any
upheld weight that would be from the top
Here I have designed a product that we would see
in the market already . What I mean by this is
that there are plenty of product that sit on your
knees preventing any contact from the laptop heat
to you and most of the time they come with led
lighting for book reading and other purposes.
This design came to my mind when I looked at
crutches and how the work for adjustability and
comfort. As we can see each hole on the pole is
for different levels of height where the stand is
connected to, the rubber soul at the bottom
reaches health and safety hazards where there is
prevention of any damage to any one or any think
The stand is valued at 8 which is worth the
price
It would be very easy to make this laptop stand
as there is not a lot of stages for its
manufacture. Acrylic or thin pine would be an
option of materials, also going with different
finishes . Here I have designed the stand to be
made out of thermo set acrylic where the stand
would be made instantly without any complications
or mistakes. Referring back to my primary
research of acrylic testing we can see how
acrylic acts to too much heat.
The material that I would use for this product is
steel piping with a chrome finish. Pine shelving
board for the laptop table stand function where
the laptop would sit on and a rubber mould for
the bottom part of the pole to prevent any
damage.,
This product would come as a self set up pack
where the build would be easy and simple to
understand. If this product was in manufacture it
would be easy done in three stages . I would
value this product at 25 which is reasonable
hence the materials. And design .
Personally I would not like to make this product
but then again take some features from it such
as the led lights which reach a part of the
requirements, the intentions of these designs are
to actually design one that is meets a certain
budget or to make one that is worth the money
with the use of decent expensive materials.
Altogether I like the design as it looks very
attractive and strong. I infer that there would
be a lot of buyers . I would even think that
business would take some interest in this product
where banks may use it for their computers when
dealing with customers when standing up.
26
Development
All three designs are made form the same material
which is plywood pine and acrylic for where the
laptop would sit on . All these ideas came from
the same structural state. Where plywood would
be used as legged.
unique designs have started to come into the
open market these days as we see the classical
old look in fashion in some areas of products. I
must say that development is needed to help
understand what I would change or what areas of
the design I would mostly concentrate on.
The ways that these designs have developed is
from the structural design . Where the way that
the laptop would sit on the plate is still the
same
27
Final Design
I have chosen this design as my final this is
mainly due to the overall structure and functions
of it. the material that are used for this
product is plywood steel with chrome finish
pipe pine shelving acrylic set laptop cooler
pad.
Overall I like the look of this design as so
does the client we both have a n understanding
from the research that we have seen how the
structure would be able to hold the weight
upright . By looking at the actual product we
can see how close and realistic the laptop stand
turned out to be.
This product would have a good potential out in
the market where there is no such design or made
product out there .
The feel and look of this design as a whole as
a definition of unique. What I mean by this is
that I like the way that the legs look crooked
and unstable giving a surreal look. But also
attractive at the same time

• The way that I would manufacture this product is
  in a number of stages
• Firstly making the legs and doing the quality
  checks at the same time. Making the mould then
  making cascamite to join the plywood legs
  together. This would be done where two sheets are
  applied together in the mould which is squeezed
  for 24 hours.
• The next procedure is to make the bedside table
  where I would join the pine together and glues
  using a band saw/ drill and other cutters to cut
  the wood joining methods by using clamps to hold
  into place for drying purposes.
• Next I would make the chrome finished pipe where
  I would weld it to the metal screw joiner that is
  screwed to the laptop plate.
• Making the laptop plate from plywood and adding
  a thin pine structure making t look flush when
  not being used.
• The final and most important part would be
  joining the parts together. Using techniques that
  would keep the structure upright.
• The last part would be to apply the finishes
  which is briwax giving a shiny finish,

This design shows the front view of the laptop
stand where we can see how unique and fragile the
legs would look I see this as a good look for a
laptop stand. But then again it has a good
structure that keeps everything as a whole and
upright. At the top is where the laptop would
be cooled on with usb extension options . This is
a great advantage for the user as he would have
a lot to do for components.
28
Final CAD design
For my final cad design I have made it 100
identical to the final product. Identical to cam
where the products are manufactured through the
way of cad. So this is the reason why I would
like to have my product professionally
identical to the design.
I have designed this model using a cad software
which I entered the exact measurements that would
be used for the real product. This is to make
everything precise and accurate.
In production of this design I decided to look
aro