Redesign and Fabrication of a Folding Ergonomic Laptop Desk for College Students

Awkward posture during work is one of the most critical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. A laptop desk fitting with users’ body dimensions plays a crucial role in maintaining proper posture and reducing musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to redesign and fabricate a folding ergonomic laptop desk for college students. In this experimental applied study, two hundred and seven college students were considered participants to design an ergonomic laptop desk and fifty students for posture evaluation. Six anthropometric dimensions were measured: height, the height of elbows in the sitting position, elbow-elbow breadth, the length and height of both knees in the cross-legged sitting posture, and the length of the elbow-fingers. Then, two best selling laptop desks were selected and the RULA method assessed laptop users’ posture. Finally, using students’ anthropometric dimensions (n=207), a new laptop desk was designed and built in 2017. The height of our designed laptop desk is adjustable (range of 20-28 cm), with a variable inclination of the desk (0- 34 degrees). It is possible to shorten or lengthen desk legs (48-72 cm), and a special plate of the mouse (19×46 cm) supports both elbows on the sides of the desk. RULA method showed action level 3, which required early change in desks 1 and 2. Applying user›s and expert opinions, measuring users› body dimensions, and applying those dimensions in design and construction can play a significant role in improving and correcting the laptop›s desks so that it could result in suitable posture in students.