Computer impact on desks

IMPACT OF COMPUTERS ON DESK FORMS

The design of the modern office workstation has undergone drastic
changes since the invention of the computer.

Approximately 50 years ago, people who worked in small spaced office
workstations began experiencing strange and even psychotic episodes.
Peripheral vision reflexes were the problem; therefore the solution was
to block the peripheral vision of workers who needed mental attentiveness
to perform their jobs.

Cubicle level protection was implemented in the 1960s by designing
computer desks to block the worker’s peripheral vision. The desks
were designed so that everything on either side of a worker’s head would
be stationary.

The history of Cubicle Level Protection differs somewhat. Articles on
this subject have been noted as early as 1961; however recent articles
presume that Herman Miller’s Action Office One occurred in 1964.
However, the theory is that there is not enough foot traffic to necessitate
Cubicle Level Protection in homes, dorms, student apartments or small
businesses.

A computer is normally a separate component from the desk. Although it
generally takes quite some time to separate the desk and computer due
to the number of cables that may get entwined with the desk. There are merely
a few computers which are built within a desk made specifically for the
computer. One in particular is the British iDesk. With these types of desks, the
computer is not removable and not distinguishable from it. Completely
integrated desk and computer work stations are depicted in Office of the Future concepts.

A variation of the ergonomic desk is depicted as the most common contemporary desk. Amongst its features are the adjustable keyboard tray and adequate desktop space for writing. Space for a monitor shelf and holes integrated in the design are incorporated in the desk to enable ease in
wiring the computer components. These features are generally apparent on the typical Armoire desk, and more so, with the Cubicle desk, which also contains holes, trays and shelves in the proper places for computer systems.

Nowadays you may choose from a limitless variety of computer desk shapes.
For example, educational institutions purchase large multi-student computer desk rows which contain dozens or even hundreds of computer system components to enable general maintenance, prevent theft and make wiring simpler. Also available are rolling Lectern desks or computer carts with just enough space for a laptop computer and mouse pad.

Some craftsmen may sell custom-made computer desks which have been adapted from old upright pianos. At the other end of the spectrum, self-assembled computer desks have been sold by the thousands.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Featured office desks | Terms and conditions | Resources and information

office desks info | home office desks guide | Office desks and home office desks | office desks sites | office desks sources