Design Process

This was a two part project. The first part was designing the laptop stand, the second was developing a video prototype of a smart object.

Laser Cutting

Sketching

I started with some initial sketches for prototypes. I drew inspiration from flat-pack furniture designs. During this process, I learned more about no-screw furniture. In this, I discovered various methods for attachments, knots/notches that could be laser cut to create support.

Card Prototyping

I decided to build one of my first concepts in cardboard to test out angles and dimensions.

Side view of initial cardboard prototype.

Top view of initial cardboard prototype.

I tested out whether this structure could hold my laptop for an extended period of time. This process included a lot of trial and error for angling the two arm pieces and one stabilizing back piece together. I tried multiple angles, and consequently attempted to balance my laptop on the stand.

Left-front view of second cardboard prototype.

Left-back view of second cardboard prototype.

Having tested out the prototype for a few hours, I made a few comments about the measurements. I primarily made notes about trimming or angling differently. For example, keeping more material at the foot of the stand because it lifted off the surface. Additionally, I noted that the laptop stand arms could be moved slightly closer together because the arms were balancing my laptop's far ends.