16. Applications and Implications
The Scope of my Fianl Project
For my final project the FABulous Desk I have designed and developped adaptative desks promoting equity and innovation among makers, educational institutions, and community organizations.
What does it do?
The FABulous desk can fit (almost) any space, it can be moved around accordingly to the necessities of the user, it has integrated outlets, a speaker and an RGB lamp, on the legs it has a pegboard for hanging tools, backpacks, decorations or almost anything (compatible with IKEA Skadis).
Who's done what beforehand?
The main inspiration for building this desk was opendesk
.What did you design?
The desk, PCBs and 3d printed items.
What materials and components were used?
List of materials and components used in the project.
| Materials | Quantity | Cost (USD) |
| Triplay board (122x244) | 1 (you should use 2 or 4) | 120.00 |
| PLA 3d filament | 1 | 10.00 |
| Phenolic plate | 1 | 1.50 |
| Components | ||
| XIAO RP2040 | 1 | 10.00 |
| AC outlets | 6 | 12.00 |
| Speaker | 1 | 2.00 |
| H bridge | 1 | 0.25 |
| Mono-phase cable (3 poles) | 1 (meter) | 3.00 |
| Caliber 20 copper wire | 4 (meter) | 1.60 |
| Dupont cables | 80 (pack) | 3.50 |
| Power cord | 1 | 4.50 |
| AC input | 1 | 0.75 |
| Fuse | 1 | 0.25 |
| Switch | 1 | 0.15 |
| MOSFET IRLB8721 | 3 | 6.00 |
| Female pinheaders | 40 | 0.25 |
| Luster terminal | 1 | 1.00 |
| 12 volt switched source | 1 | 9.00 |
| 5 volt regulator L7805 | 1 | 0.45 |
| USB-C cable | 1 | 4.00 |
| Total Cost | 190.45 | |
|---|---|---|
What parts and systems were made?
The desk was cutted on a CNC machine, multiple 3d printed elements such as an, electronics cover, the body of the lamp and speaker and some pegboard hooks and others. Thress PCBs, one for the MCU, RGB signals, and an amplifier for the speaker, I also made an interface for the lamp control.
What processes were used?
The processes used were CAD design, CNC machining, electronics design and production, outputs, interface programming and 3D printing.
What questions were answered?
- How can we make workspaces more accessible and affordable for diverse user groups (makers, educational institutions, etc.)?
- Can customizable designs empower users to create personalized solutions that meet their specific needs and preferences?
- How can we improve on what is currently avalilable on the market with design and confort thinking on students and coworking?
What worked? What didn't?
Most of the project works, the desk is very stable when there are at least two, the pegboard is very useful, the power outlet works perfectly and the RGB lamp, the desk has a bit of play horizontally when it's individual, but can wold plenty of weight without moving, I got the speaker to work only once because the code I wrote for the speaker blocked the XIAO and the computer stopped recognising the device, originally I wanted to make a bluetooth speaker with the XIAO ESP32C3 but the lack of libraries didn't make it possible.
How was it evaluated?
First, the design was tought to be ergonomic using the anthropometric units of average males for height while sitting, some of the tests carried were static load, simulation of use and overturning this test were consulted on the SATRA website.
What are the implications?
It has implications across multiple domains, encompassing social equity, innovation, education, economic opportunities and community building. By providing affordable and adaptable desk solutions, the project promotes equity by enhancing workspace accessibility for makers, educational institutions, and community organizations. It fosters innovation and creativity through customizable designs, encouraging users to experiment and develop new ideas in furniture and digital fabrication.