Computer desk

The computer desk and related ergonomic desk are furniture pieces designed to comfortably and aesthetically provide a working surface and house or conceal office equipment including computers, peripherals and cabling for office and home-office users.

Computer desks in a Fermilab control room
A uncommon office computer desk with the screen under the top
The top of a typical home computer desk

Computer desk

The most common form of the computer desk is a variant of the ergonomic desk, which has an adjustable keyboard tray and sufficient desktop space for handwriting. Provisions for a monitor shelf and holes for routing cables are integrated in the design, making it easier to connect the computer components together. The typical armoire desk provides space for a keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and speakers. Cubicle desk designs for business and government workplaces include a range of shelves, trays and cable-routing holes for computer systems. In some computer desks, the cabling is affixed to the modesty panel at the back of the desk, to create a neater appearance.

There are a great variety of computer desk shapes and forms. Large multiple student computer desks configured in rows are designed to house dozens of computer systems while facilitating wiring, general maintenance, theft prevention and vandalism reduction. Small rolling lectern desks or computer carts with tiny desktops provide just enough room for a laptop computer and a mouse pad. Computer desks are typically mass-produced and require some self-assembly.

The computer itself is normally separate from the desk, which is designed to hold a typically sized computer, monitor and accessories. Cabling must be routed through the channels and access openings by the user or installer. A small number of computers are built within a desk made specially for them, like the British i-desk. Various proposals for the "Office of the future" suggested other integrated designs, but these have not been taken up.

A rolling chair table configuration offers mobility and improved access in situations where a desk is not convenient. Gyratory computer tables can be used over a bed. Modular computer tables separate user interface elements from the computing and network connection, allowing more placement flexibility. The modules are connected via wireless technology.

Ergonomic desk

The ergonomic desk is a modern desk form which, like the adjustable drawing table or drafting table, offers mechanical adjustments for the placement of its elements in order to maximize user comfort and efficiency. The ergonomic desk is usually a "stand-alone" piece of furniture allowing access to the adjustment mechanisms. Some ergonomic desks have a sufficiently large desktop height adjustment to create either a common "sit-down" desk or a less common standing desk, which allows the user to work while standing. The ergonomic desk is usually a close companion to the ergonomic chair.

The ergonomic desk originated with the beginning of the field of human factors or ergonomics after World War II. Legislation stating minimal requirements for furniture used by office workers referred to ergonomic desk standards.

The desk area should be deep enough to accommodate a monitor placed at least 20 inches away from your eyes.[1]

Health and safety
diagram modeling a positioning scheme for seating, viewing, and hand placement

Some research has indicated that the placement of computer desks in an office environment can influence workers' happiness and productivity.[2] Having an appropriate chair increases comfort and can reduce work-related injuries and pain.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Computer Workstations eTool". United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
  2. De Croon, E.; Sluiter, J.; Kuijer, P. P.; Frings-Dresen, M. (2005). "The effect of office concepts on worker health and performance: A systematic review of the literature". Ergonomics. 48 (2): 119–134. doi:10.1080/00140130512331319409. PMID 15764312. S2CID 21812038.
  3. Van Niekerk, S. M.; Louw, Q.; Hillier, S. (2012). "The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. A systematic review". BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 13: 145. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-13-145. PMC 3552974. PMID 22889123.
  • Durfee, Charles. Build a Computer Desk. Fine Woodworking. No. 164. July–August 2003. pp. 42–49.
  • Lauziere, Stephen. A Laptop Computer desk Doubles as a Side Table. Fine Woodworking. No. 133. July–August 2003. pp. 58–63.
  • Grandjean, E. Ergonomics In Computerized Offices . CRC, 1986. PP 135–149
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