MID-CENTRO DESK
A mid-century style desk designed for small urban spaces, combining functionality and minimalism by offering efficient storage while maintaining a sleek, clutter-free aesthetic.
The Problem: With rising urban density and more people working from home, small living spaces make it hard to create efficient, comfortable work environments. There's a growing need for smart solutions that maximize space without compromising productivity.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
SKETCHING
PROTOTYPING
MOCKUPS
USER AND MARKET RESEARCH
USER TESTING
3D PRINTING
CONCEPT IDEATION
BRANDING
CMF
FURNITURE DESIGN
OVERVIEW
Goals
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Eliminate clutter from blueprints on the wall by providing storage inside the desk's cabinet
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Include a mini working table for tasks that can be done while relaxing in bed, reducing the need to sit at the desk all day
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Make the desk mobile, allowing it to be easily moved and placed anywhere in the apartment
Pain Points
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Limited space: Designers often struggle with not having enough room to organize their tools, materials, and equipment efficiently.
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Clutter: Small spaces can quickly become cluttered, making it difficult to find or access essential items.
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Inefficiency: Tight work areas may force designers to constantly rearrange or adjust their setup, hindering productivity.
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Lack of storage solutions: Without proper storage, items often get scattered around, leading to frustration and wasted time.
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Poor ergonomics: Small spaces can make it challenging to maintain comfortable, ergonomic work setups, leading to discomfort.
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Inability to collaborate: Limited space can hinder collaboration with others or sharing of ideas, especially in team-based design work.
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Limited mobility: Working in tight spaces may limit a designer's ability to move freely or adjust their workspace to suit different tasks.
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Creativity challenges: A cluttered or cramped environment may stifle creative thinking and hinder the design process.
My Role
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Project Duration: 6 Months
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Design Process: User & market research, sketching, mockups, user testing, brainstorming, CMF, Softgoods, 3D printing, prototyping
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Digital Tools: SolidWorks, Keyshot, Sketchbook Pro, Adobe CC​
Solution
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Design a compact desk that accommodates architect blueprints
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Optimize storage to keep items organized and out of sight
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Ensure easy access to tools and materials, with simple storage solutions
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Make the desk mobile for flexibility within the space
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Include essential features for an efficient and functional workspace
MARKET RESEARCH
What’s already been done:
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Existing designs focus on compactness and functionality
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Incorporate more storage options and versatile compartments
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Maximize space efficiency without sacrificing style or functionality
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Adding functional compartments:
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Include areas for organizing blueprints, tools, and other essentials
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The ability to store more items in one desk:
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Design a desk that can store various items, such as tech, documents, and personal item
95%
Workers prefer having some form of remote work flexibility.
80%
Would prefer a desk with multiple compartments for better organization.
90%
Desiring a work desk that is easily movable for flexibility and convenience.
USER NEEDS
Interviewed five individuals to understand their current situation working from home in small spaces.
BRAINSTORMING
How can we design a purposeful product that effectively meets the needs of people working from home?
CONCEPT IDEATION
Exploring how might we design a meaningful product that fulfills the needs of people working from home?
Final Direction
hidden compartments
Storage unit
Adding a built-in fridge
PROTOTYPING AND USER TESTING
Throughout the prototyping phase:​​
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Weight distribution
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Mechanism types
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Making it lightweight
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Where to place the electric components
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Sliding doors
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Proportion changes
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Proper height for people to sit and stand
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Testing swivel action
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CMF (COLOR, MATERIAL AND FINISH)
Callouts from the Mid-Centro Desk highlighting the CMF.
Birch Wood Finsih
ABS plastic
power strip
Clear plastic Pull-out marker box (Polycarbonate)
Mini pull-out table
for laptop
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White paint glossy finish
White anodize aluminum cap
FINAL PRODUCT
It enables the user to work efficiently in a small space while offering multiple storage compartments for better organization. Additionally, when finished, the user can swivel the desk to create more room, maximizing available space.
Outcome
Impact:
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The Architects are drawn to Mid-Century Modern design, which he incorporated into his desk with angular legs and smooth, rounded edges. This design not only adds aesthetic value but also enhances his comfort and workflow. The desk offers ample storage for his blueprints and other personal items, keeping everything secure yet easily accessible.
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Takeaways:
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Designing a Mid-Century desk include its minimalist design, widespread popularity, and compactness, making it perfect for storing personal items while maintaining a sleek, stylish appearance.​