Perch
Perch is a concept project assigned to me during my internship with Teknion. Perch required me to apply my ability to conduct research, sketch, and make prototypes, while also requiring me to utilize all of Teknion’s resources and meeting with supervising designers throughout. The result is a final Teknion manufactured working model backed by my own research and development that the Design and Innovations team can refer to for future metal storage development.
The Need
Teknion fabricates most of its furniture in its various manufacturing facilities. In recent years there has been a decreased demand for filing cabinets. This has led Teknion to seek out other product opportunities that could be also utilize their sheet metal fabrication facility Fileco.
Interviews and Observation
Teknion’s headquarters is unique in that various areas of the office features very different desking solutions. At the beginning of my research I utilized this by studying different work environments of Teknion employees. I conducted semi-structured interviews of workers with varying job titles with different tasks.
I identified four themes that narrowed my design scope:
Workers liked to have frequently used items within reaching distance
Workers either already had or wanted to have a height adjustable desk
Workers needed more outlets for power, but wire management was also already an issue
Workers preferred to have as little on their desktop as possible, and would prefer storage to be elsewhere
Market Research
Based on my initial findings I decided I wanted to pursue mounted storage that would be compatible with Teknion’s height adjustable desks. From here I researched existing products on the market with similar purpose. During this research I made three main observations:
Each had configurations highly influenced by the need to be compatible with the frame of their own height adjustable desks
Each used minimal if any desktop space
Most had different compartments meant for personal items versus office supplies
Internal Analysis
I ordered and installed the existing mounted storage options for an internal analysis. What I found is that there was an area of opportunity for a mounted storage that was completely compatible with their existing height adjustable desks, while being able to provide adequate multi-purpose storage. This conclusion was supported by multiple custom orders for products that fit this criteria.
Internal Product Research
Existing Mounted Storage
I ordered the existing mounted storage options Teknion offers. I came to conclusions about areas or opportunity for my design based on my interactions with these products. I was also surprised to learn that most are sourced rather than manufactured by Teknion.
Height-Adjust Tables
A major challenge was designing to be completely compatible with existing height adjustable desks. I measured minimum heights, depths, overhangs, and more of the height adjustable table and work bench. These acted as additional criteria to inform my design.
Emerging Technology - IEC Connectivity
By meeting with Teknion engineers I learned about IEC connectivity - a technology launched as their One Table One Plug system in 2020. Teknion developed this industry-first system that could nearly double power to workers from 4 outlets to 7 through one plug. This system is made possible by integrating International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) connectivity and the Direct Current (DC) Hub into height adjustable tables. This system is UL approved and is a technology I wanted to utilize for my design.
Sketches
Prototyping
Prototype 1
Learnings I had from my first prototype stemmed from sizing and power accessibility issues. The overall unit was much too large, with a lower door making it seem even larger. This version also would have power on top of the unit, which added to wire management issues.
Prototype 2
This prototype was much smaller with the bottom portion remaining completely open to minimize its visual weight. I also moved the location of the power bar so that the space over the drawer could be used to store wires, and was able to verify compatible mounting options.
Final Model Fabrication
Engineer Feedback
I took my final drawings and initial CAD model to engineers to get feedback on its manufacturing capability at Fileco. They offered insight and made alternate assembly suggestions based on my design.
CAD Sheet Metal Model
I used the engineer feedback to make changes to my design and make a final CAD model on solidworks. One challenge that required extra care was that most parts would be riveted so the holes on parts needed to be aligned properly.
Ordering & Painting
Once I finished my parts on solidworks, I needed to make engineering drawings for each to send to manufacturing. Once each part came in in the correct quantity, I labelled groups of parts to be powder coated in the correct colour.
Assembly & Sharing
Once all my parts were painted I riveted them together myself and added the cork inlays. I needed to assemble the unit in a specific order. I used an existing drawer that I had reverse engineered during my final CAD modelling for reference on assembly order. Once I finished assembly I shared by design and reasoning with my supervisor.
Final Design - Perch
Perch has been designed to be compatible with Teknion’s height adjustable desks and provides organized personal storage to workers. Perch enhances the work environment of users by providing additional power and wire management. Perch is highly flexible and customizable, allowing workers to personalize their space as they see fit.
Details
Orientation
Perch is made up of an open bin for larger items, drawer for papers and smaller items, compartment for power and wire management, and tray for quick grab items.
Upper Tray
The upper tray is removeable for access to the additional power. it can also slide either forward or backward depending on where power is being supplied to.
Power
Two additional plus along with USB outlets can be accessed under the upper tray. Wires can also be stored and organized in this space.
Drawer Power Access
Power can be provided to items located in the drawer through an opening in the power compartment.
Bin Power Access
Power can be provided to items (ie. a laptop in a bag) in the bin through the drawer and drawer pull.
Magnets
The usage of steel in the design allows for the use of magnets for further organization and personalization.
Compatibility
Perch is completely compatible with both the height adjustable desk and height adjustable bench. This means that no changes need to be made to the desktops or frames of desks to install Perch. Perch has an open back that houses the frame of the desk with one side of the unit mounting on either side (pictured in “prototype 2”).
Product Line
I chose to have the design of Perch fit within Teknion’s Expansion Cityline product line. Perch would serve clients looking for significantly more storage space, and who would like more flexible options for their workers. Perch also differs from the existing mounted storage option in that it does not require customizations to be made to height adjustable desks to be installed.
Product Variations
Perch could be expanded into three various options depending on the needs of the workplace. Providing options without a drawer or with a lockable bin would act to better serve various offices with open address or assigned desking.
Materials & Manufacturing
