Project Kickoff
In this project, we took a goal-directed design approach that proved to be quite effective in our design efforts. We started off out by asking ourselves some initial key questions.
What is this product and who is this for?
What do our primary users need most?
Which type of users will this product provide the most value?
Where will we find the right manufacturers for our product?
What challenges could we face moving forward?
How do we build awareness around this product?
We used qualitative research methods such as persona creation and validation, validating the value proposition with various physiotherapists and health experts, competitor analysis, stakeholder and user interviews to be most useful.
User Personas
Competitor Analysis
We looked at several potential competing companies but none of them in India sold a standing desk converter. There were a few established companies that sold the motorized standing desk at an insanely high price ( ~Rs. 30k).
There were a few companies in the US that sold a similar product. However, the main differences I noticed between the competition and our product were :
- One large desk top vs groove design to place a laptop on the keyboard tray.
- Non-detachable keyboard tray fitted with bolts vs quick-release keyboard tray for easy installation.
- Space consuming due to pulling forward mechanism on lift vs space spacing due to vertical motion.
- The motorized standing desks come without a keyboard tray which restricts the user from maintaining a good ergonomic posture and is not recommended by physiotherapists.
Wireframe
From our primary research, we learned that professionals with long desk jobs would love to use a standing desk but are hesitant to invest in one themselves. They are more likely to recommend the company they work for to procure one for the benefit of the employees. We also learned that corporate giants spend a good amount of money on the health and well-being of their employees. Hence, we designed the website keeping in mind corporate customers as the primary users.
Home Page
Impact
- Achieved breakeven in the business within the first three months of inception.
- Sold over 200 ergonomic Desk Converters in one year.
- Clocked a revenue of approximately 20 lakhs in one year
Testimonials
It took me multiple physiotherapy sessions and regular visits to the orthopedic to realise the importance of having the right posture while working. Sitting for long hours, working from home led to severe back and neck pain.
The ergonomically designed table from Design Solace helps me switch from sit to stand without any hassle. It helps relieve stress from my neck and back making me more efficient.
An easy solution to my prolonged physical strain was a sit stand desk!
Akanksha Sharma
Manager at Accenture
“I take my stand-up calls actually standing up. This is a good way to start the day given that my day starts literally just out of bed. I have made it a point to take all the meetings that are 30 minutes or less standing up. What this desk has also done apart from alleviating my neck and knee strain is that it helps me to more efficient because it motivates me to schedule meetings only for 30 minutes and keep it crisp and to the point”.
Srinidhi K
Manager at Cerner