Why are we still using 19th century

furniture in 21st century learning?

Problem Proposal

By 3 students

11/10/21
Table of Contents
Narrowing Down the Problem Constraints From Research
- Potential problems? - Constraints
- Narrowed Down Problem Statements Survey Population Affected
The Problem - Our Survey
- Problem Statement
- Survey Results
- Why is this a problem?
Validation of Constraints From Survey Results
- Who does this problem effect?
Past Solutions - Validation-Survey Says?

- Standing Desk Additional Considerations From Survey Results

- Seat Desk Combo - What is would a good solution have?
- Seat and Desk Separate
- Standing Desk Converter
 1. Need better public security
2. Safer equipment for lab

Potential problems?
3. Bigger notebooks
4. Faster computer charger
5. Faster phone charger
6. Better wireless charging technology

We first came up this this list of general

7. Better bluetooth connection
8. Better streaming services
problems, and decided to expand more on 9. Faster internet connection
10. Less fragile engineering notebook
the comfort of chairs in school, which is 11. Smaller AP textbooks

what brought us to the idea of school desks

12. More efficient cooling systems for PCs
13. Better designed cases for PC
and their comfort. 14. The Chip shortage
15. Bad drivers
16. More readily available help
17. Better audio quality in wireless earbuds
18. Longer range for wireless charging
19. More efficient way to checkout in grocery stores
20. Easier way to do taxes
21. More universal things for computers
22. A universal charger for computers
23. Easier interface for windows settings
24. More comfortable chairs for school
25. A mug that efficiently heats and cools water/goods
 Narrowed
Down
Problem
Statements
All three of us took
a try at making a
proposed problem
statement on this
topic:
 Why are we still using 19th century furniture in 21st
century learning?
Since laptops started being the norm for learning in the
in the classrooms All thein the 1990s, it is shown that
there is not enough space on the desk to accommodate
for all the schoolwork and a laptop at the same time. Example of a Desk+Chair

This causes the desks to be overcrowded with items that

are not efficiently organized and utilized. Some
examples of these desks are the Desk+Chair combo and
the “newer” separated desk and chair. We have been
using these desks since the 1880s, when the first school
desk was first invented (SchoolFurnishings), however it Example of a “Newer” separated desk
simply cannot keep up with the modern learning
environment.
Why is this a problem?
Students and teachers in the educational
environment recognize the problem that school
desks do not effectively support students.
School desks are not designed for the modern
learning environment that incorporates more
materials and new technology into the
classroom. This is a prominent problem for
many school systems; “as of 2017, 50% of
teachers have reported using a 1:1 laptop to
student program”(Edtech), officially outdating
current school furniture.
Who does this problem effect?
This problem not only affects students but also teachers
as well. The student’s ability to learn is harrowed by the
cramped and uncomfortable space. Edutopia says, “A
considerable body of research about environmental
design shows the positive effect comfort can have on
learning, human productivity, and creativity” They are
forced to juggle between different papers, books and
technology on their desk ruining their learning
experience. This directly affects the teacher’s ability to
teach as each student is having a harder time paying
attention.
Past and Current solutions? Standing Desk
https://www.upliftdesk.com/uplift-v2
A current solution to our problem is the adjustable desk -standing-desk-v2-or-v2-commercial/
(Patent, US 9232855B2)

UPLIFT Standing desk (V1 and V2) is a commercial

product on the market that is a current solution.

The Company is UPLIFT Desks, who make high quality

adjustable desks for companies and schools. They can be
reached at 800-349-3839, [email protected], 2139 W
anderson Ln,Austin, TX, 78757

This product is highly rate, 5 Stars - 10,576 reviews

 Past and Current solutions? Cont.
Uplift Specs and Features What we hope to incorporate
into our design.
- “strength and durability”
- 48 accessory mounting system, - Strength and durability ~
- 3 stage legs, 20 years life
- 33% more height than 2 stage legs, - Quick Assembly
- 1 touch desk adjustment, - Fits a large range of people
- 15 year warranty, / Adjustable
- can be assembled in ~15 mins, - Reduced cost for
- Fits most people 5’4”-6’10” accessibility
- Cost: $599
Past and Current solutions? Seat Desk Combo
Vicro 3400BRM - Student Pros Cons
Combo Desk - Expensive
- Has some Space
- Ridgid, not
- $222.85 per desk - Has some comfortable
- 10 year warranty Storage - Not Adjustable
- Longevity ~ does not warp - Long Life time - Not enough Space
- Dimensions: 35.75" Length
x 22.75" Width x 29.625"
https://www.schooloutlet.com/3400
High BRM_Student_Classroom_Chair_D
- Seat Height: 18" esk_p/3400brm.htm
- Top Size: 18" x 24"
Past and Current solutions? Seat and Desk Separate
Luxor STUDENT-STK1PK Pros Cons
- $182.85 per desk - Pencil Storage - Expensive
- Minimalist, light weight - Light weight - Ridgid, not
- Dimensions, desk: 27" W x - Stackable comfortable
22" D x 28" H
- Not Adjustable
- Dimensions, chair: 19" W x
21" D x 31.5" H - Not enough Space
- Weight desk: 16 lbs. - No Storage
- Weight chair: 10 lbs. https://www.schooloutlet.com/Luxor
_Large_Student_Desk_and_Chair_
p/lux-student-stk1pk.htm
Past and Current solutions? Standing Desk Converter
FlexiSpot - AlcoveRiser Pros Cons
Standing Desk Converters
- Converts Normal desk - Needs Flat, Large, Strong
M7B - 28" Desk to sit on
into Standing Desk
- $109.99 per Converter - Don’t need to buy new - Expensive
desks - Ridgid, not comfortable for
- hands
- Not Adjustable
- Possibly not enough Space
- No Storage

https://www.flexispot.com/desk
s/standing-desk-converters/alc
overiser-standing-desk-convert
ers-m7-28-inch
Constraints
Time
● We are limited by the short amount of time we are given to
design, build and prototype. We start designing and prototyping
as of November 8th, testable prototype by February 14th and the
finished product is due May 25th.
Money
● We are going to be given $100 in order to create the desired
design
Resources
● We would need the materials in order to build the prototype
when the time comes. We do not know what resources are
available to us. Ideally we would like to use aluminum for any Size
metal parts and [a good type of wood] for the furnishings ● Big enough to fit all school materials on
OSHA desk
● There are currently no OSHA rules that apply to standing desks or ● Small enough to fit 30 in a room
desks in general. However, there are OSHA recommendations for Weight
what to look for in a desk: ● Light to Medium > 20 lb
Cost
https://www.osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/checklists/purchasing-guide#:~:text= ● Affordable >$200 per desk
There%20should%20be%20sufficient%20space%20underneath%20for%20the%20legs%20 Material → Soft / Ridgid
while,20%20inches%20for%20knee%20height. ● Product Life ~ 10 - 20 years
Our Survey
This is the survey we are https://docs.google.com/for
using to collect the data for ms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFMY_1G-V
the criteria, feel free to take HAIPa2ssEqk-PlMvADjNgFlH
it, if you have time DniBgDVMT7V4XWQ/viewfor
m?usp=sf_link

We created a survey because we felt that the

product should be for the people, by the
people. It seemed that the information was
inadequate surrounding this topic specifically.
So we wanted to hear their opinions as well. As
a result, it would be taken by Students,
educators and parents alike.
Survey
Results
Survey
Results
(Desk A)
Student

1 - Least comfortable 7 - Most comfortable

Survey
Results
(Desk B)
Student

1 - Least comfortable 7 - Most comfortable

Survey
Results
(Desk C)
Student

1 - Least comfortable 7 - Most comfortable

Survey
Results
Educator

1 - Never 7 - Every Day

Survey
Results
Educator

7 - Directly Connects
1 - Does not connect

1 - Uncomfortable 7 - Comfortable
Validation-Survey Says?
Based on our survey results our problem is validated.
70.7% of the people who filled out our survey said they
need more room on desks that are connected to the
chair and they felt somewhat uncomfortable. As for the
separate chair and desk and the tech desks they felt more
comfortable and had a bit more room however, 25% of
respondents said they still needed more room. Survey
confirms our suspicions that 19th century furniture is
inadequate for 21st century learning, and needs to be
improved on, as the current furniture does not suit the
needs of the modern learning environment.
What is would a good solution have?
The survey results indicate, a good
solution would have to have:
- Bigger/more space (Larger than 18" x 24")
- Have more leg space (Moveable to higher
then 29.625")
- Height adjustable (Moveable at all, 2” dif)
- Comfortable (survey after people try prototype)
- Have some sort of power option
- Have a chromebook/ textbook
holder
- Have additional storage
- Desk not attached to chair
Research (Cited Sources) (Documentation)
- "almost two thirds (~60%) of the students studied suffered from back pain and
that large differences between desk height and elbow height was associated
with a greater likelihood of the adolescents having this problem."(Science Daily)
- "the current available evidence points indirectly to a stronger association of low
education with longer duration and/or higher recurrence of back pain than to
an association with onset" (PMC Labs)
- "In February 2017 edtechmagazine reported more than 50% of teachers
reported using 1:1 computing"(edtechmagazine)
- “A considerable body of research about environmental design shows the
positive effect comfort can have on learning, human productivity, and creativity.
As a result, over the past thirty years, major shifts in workplace, recreational,
and home design have occurred. Whether it is Herman Miller's Aeron Chair, the
Club World seating plans on British Airways jets, Panasonic's massage chairs, or
the upgraded bedding installed by nearly every major hotel chain, comfort is the
new black. Everywhere except schools.” (Edutopia)
Works Cited
Inderscience. "Most painful days of your life - school desks and chronic back pain." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 September 2013.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130923092750.htm>.

Dionne, C E, et al. “Formal Education and Back Pain: A Review.” Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, BMJ Group, July 2001,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1731944/ .

Staff, EdTech. “More than 50 Percent of Teachers Report 1:1 Computing.” Technology Solutions That Drive Education, 10 May 2021,
https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2017/02/more-50-percent-teachers-report-11-computing .

Nair, Prakash. “A Comfortable Truth: Well-Planned Classrooms Make a Difference.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 28 Mar. 2007,
https://www.edutopia.org/comfortable-truth .

“History of the Desk: School Furnishings.” School Furnishings | Providing Quality Furnishings to Schools, Libraries, Correction Facilities, Architects,
and General Contractors, 25 Mar. 2014, https://schoolfurnishings.com/history-of-the-desk-2/ .

“Department of Labor Logo United Statesdepartment of Labor.” ETools : Computer Workstations - Checklists - Purchasing Guide | Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, OSHA,
https://www.osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/checklists/purchasing-guide#:~:text=There%20should%20be%20sufficient%20space%20u
nderneath%20for%20the%20legs%20while,20%20inches%20for%20knee%20height .
Works Cited II.
Kiener, Michael, et al. Using the Comfortability -in-Learning Scale to ... - Eric. 2014,
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1035847.pdf.

SHARE, TEAM. “Positive Classroom Environment through Classroom Design: Resilient Educator.” ResilientEducator.com, 9 Apr.
2020, https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/welcoming-classrooms-better-students/.

“The Importance of Comfort for Student Success.” Educational Furniture Solution Vendors, 21 July 2021,
https://www.martinpublicseating.com/blog/the-importance-of-comfort-for-student-success.

Eggebrecht-Weinschreider05/25/20, Cindy. “Comfort Is Critical for Student Success. Here Are 3 Simple Factors to Consider.”
Spaces4Learning, Impacting K-12, & Higher Education Learning, 25 May 2020,
https://spaces4learning.com/articles/2020/05/25/comfort-is-critical-for-student-success.-here-are-3-simple-factors-to-consider.asp
x#:~:text=Common%20sense%20tells%20us%20that,out%20in%20research%20as%20well.&text=Comfort%20is%20also%20on
e%20of,that%20supports%2021st%20century%20learning.