Honors Project:
Workstation Update
Team 11.9
Nick Barresi
Roseann Boyer
Andy Drysdale
Lauren Leonard
Workstation Update:
Table of Contents
Context
1
Defining the Problem
Finding out where the problem came from
Explore the Problem
Present State/Desired State
Duncker Diagram
Statement/Restatement
Current Model
2
2
2
3
3
4
Idea Generation
Brainstorming
Osborne’s Checklist
Random Stimulation
Other People’s Views
Analogy
5
5
5
6
6
Development
K.T. Situation Analysis
K.T. Problem Analysis
K.T. Decision
Individual Sketches
7
8
9
10
Decision Discussion
13
Approved Design
14
Evaluation
Discussion of Evaluation
K.T. Potential Problem Analysis
15
16
Discussion
17
Context:
This Honors Project will reflect the various skills and techniques that we have learned in
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering 101. This will be done by identifying a problem that as
University of Delaware students encounter and make use of the heuristics we have learned.
We have chosen to redesign the desks in the dorm rooms. Hopefully, we will create a
design that will accommodate the new technology of computer equipment. Upon examining the
existing desks we have come to the conclusion that they cannot safely and effectively
accommodate many of the CPU’s being used by students.
We will apply out knowledge of the Job Card and other various heuristics to solve this
problem.
Team 11.9
Honors Project
Defining the Problem
Finding out where the problem came from:
- Computers won’t fit on desks
- Books often must go on floor
- Desks were not designed for computers
Explore the Problem (numbers from Table 3-2, p. 38 of Fogler-LeBlanc):
1) Desks are currently 42” x 24” x 30” (shelf 13” above desk surface, 22” tall total x 8”)
Walls are 53” long
Desks have three cabinets on side, one horizontal “keyboard” shelf
Usually come with shelf above (adjustable)
Monitors can take up half of desk, towers forced to floor
Printers are easily jarred
Design modification could ease problems
2) Theories / Fundamentals not really applicable
3) No really essential missing information
4) Simplified version: monitors won’t fit under shelf, shelf not deep enough for some
printers
Ballpark Solution: raise and increase depth of wooden shelf
5) Covered earlier (#1)
6) Covered (somewhat in #4)
7) Not applicable
8) --9) Not applicable
10) Desks, especially the one used as a model are not currently large enough to
accommodate some modern computing equipment efficiently. A design change might
be able to improve the situation without dramatically increasing the size of the desk.
Present State / Desired State:
PRESENT STATE
DESIRED STATE
 Desks cluttered, equipment in danger of falling off
 Equipment fits well, is safe
 Equipment fits poorly, awkward to use
 Equipment fits well, is safe and easy to use
 Desk is too small to fit equipment, equipment
unstable, difficult to use
 Desk is large enough to promote safe and easy use
of equipment
Team 11.9
Honors Project
Defining the Problem
Duncker Diagram:
Achieve Desired State
Increase
Table Size
Heighten
Shelf
New Design
(combo of all)
Make room
other place
OK Not Achieve Desired State
Decrease size
of computer
Give multiple
desks to students
Force
students to
buy laptops
Turn doubles into
singles
No computers
in dorm rooms
Statement / Restatement:
Computers are awkward on desks
(Relax constraints)
Student materials do not fit on desks
Desks cannot accommodate equipment
Desk design / size improper for use
(opposite)
Idea Generation:
- Brainstorming:
- Put hole in back of desk for wires
- Shelf could be higher so large monitors can fit underneath
- Multiple shelves on one side, none on the other
- Platform for monitor
- Vertical cabinet for tower
- Make desks come further out form the wall
- Shelves built into the wall, instead of on desk
- Hooks for monitor
- Adjustable shelves
- Movable lighting
- Special printer shelf
- Keyboard/mouse-pad shelf on side
- Cork or wipe-board on side of desk
- Power strip built in
- Detachable parts
- Increase shelving width
- Pull-out file system (secret compartments)
- Pull-out work space
- Make light switch more accessible
- Move drawer handles
- Foot-bar
- Chair improvements
-
Osborne’s Checklist
- Adapt? – restraints add, rearrange equipment
- Modify? – Increase area in key places, look for efficient space use
- Magnify? – Make desk bigger, add space, increase number of drawers/shelves
- Minify? – Remove top shelf, decrease shelves, etc.
- Substitute? – change computer equipment to fit shelves
- Rearrange? – Charge layout of shelves/drawers
- Combine? – Pull-out shelves, drawers; covers for work area
-
Random Stimulation
- necessary – priorities – safety of equipment
- pond – water – short circuits – wiring/electrical simplicity
- aspects – point of view – different sketches
- features – each design facet should have many uses
- product – output – design should increase productivity
-
Other People’s Views
- Students: maximum ease of use, convenience
- Janitor/Maintenance: sturdiness
- Tour Guides: elegance, attractiveness
-
Analogy
- Adjustable shelving in refrigerators improves efficiency by letting food fit better and also
allows for easier accessibility.
(Copyright Kepner-Tregoe, Inc., 1994. Reprinted with permission.)
Situation Analysis
Situations / Problems / Projects
Timing Trend Impact
Process
(H,M,L) (H,M, L) (H,M, L) (PA ,DA, or PPA)
1. Computer Equipment does not fit on desk
M
L
H
DA
2. Electrical wiring is inefficient
M
L
M
PPA
3. Not enough shelf space
M
L
M
PA
4. Cramped work areas
H
L
H
PPA
5. No special room for keyboards
L
L
M
DA
Kepner-Tregoe Templates
(Copyright Kepner-Tregoe, Inc., 1994. Reprinted with permission.)
Problem
Statement:
IS
What?
Where?
N/A ----->
When ?
N/A ----->
Extent? Can tip over, cramp
user
Problem
Statement:
Problem Analysis
Computer Equipment fits awkwardly and inefficient
IS NOT
Computer equipment
does not work
Distinction
While equipment
functions, productivity
is not maximum
Probable Cause
Desk does not allow
productivity to reach
goal
Safety Hazard
Inconvenience instead
of horrible danger
Desk can be adapted
somewhat to uses
Problem Analysis
Work Space is too cramped to work well
IS
IS NOT
No work space
Where?
Table top, shelves
Drawers
When ?
N/A ----->
Extent?
Inconvenience
What?
Problem
Statement:
IS
What?
Where?
N/A ----->
When ?
N/A ----->
Extent?
N/A ----->
Total problem
Distinction
Probable Cause
Clutter on ample table Too much stuff on desk
top
Some areas should be
Desk is ok in some
improved, not all
areas
Space can be used
with time-consuming
fixes
Space is there, just in
use most of the time
Problem Analysis
Not enough shelf
space
IS NOT
No shelves
Distinction
Probable Cause
Shelves exist but are Not enough forethought
insufficient
to design
Kepner-Tregoe Templates
(Copyright Kepner-Tregoe, Inc., 1994. Reprinted with permission.)
Decision Analysis
A - Curvy Shelf
B - No Shelf
C - Half Shelf
1. Be safe (electrical,
physical)
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
2. Hold computer
equipment efficiently
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
3. Let people move
around
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
4. Hold more than just
computer equipment
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
5. Be compatible with light
source of students
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
6. Fit two desks in room
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
7. Sturdy
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
GO / NO GO
Alternative:
Musts
Wants
Weight
Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score
1. Small as possible
7
7
49
7
49
2. Stylish and modern
4
4
16
4
16
3. Useful for many different things
8
6
48
8
64
4. Not just for computers
10
10
100
10
100
5. Fit a variety of people sizes
8
9
72
8
64
6. Adaptable to user preferences
6
5
30
7
42
Total A
Total B
315 Total C
335
Curvy Shelf Design
Roseann’s Sketch
No Shelf Design
Decision Discussion:
After the examination of various designs and ideas we have concluded that the design
drawn by Nick Barresi most aptly fulfills our expectations. This design includes a rectangular
tabletop with a vertical row of shelves below the table on the left side and one horizontal shelf on
the right side. The student sits underneath the horizontal shelf. Above the table, there is a stack
of up to five shelves on the far-left side of the desk. On the right side, in the rear, is a small
monitor stand, with space underneath for keyboard storage. The student work area is in front of
the shelves and the monitor stand.
- See appropriate drawing
Half – Shelf Design
Evaluation:
Because this project does not require the manufacturing of the final solution, it is difficult
to evaluate the design. However, if we had built a prototype the first step in the evaluation
process would be a short trial run with a limited number of students, with varying body sizes
and types of computers. If the design is satisfactory the next step would be to issue the desk on
a more widespread basis and survey those students using the new design. This step would allow
for the collection of feedback. After all the surveys have been considered any small
improvements would be made and the evaluation would be complete.
Kepner-Tregoe Templates
(Copyright Kepner-Tregoe, Inc., 1994. Reprinted with permission.)
Potential
Problems
A. Quickly becomes
outdated
B. Falls apart quickly
C. Doesn't serve
student's needs
Potential Problem Analysis
Consequences
Possible
Preventive
Causes
Actions
new design needed
1. Our design isn't
1. Make adjustable
students suffer
adaptive for change in parts
technology
spend money on new 1. Materials not sturdy 1. Use quality
parts and maintenance 2. Design unstable
materials
2. Test desk durability
students dissatisfied
1. Equipment doesn't 1. Have several
with desk
fit
students evaluate the
2. Wrong size for body plans
2. Test prototype
Contingency
Plan
1. Allow students to
adjust desk to their
needs
1. Make maintenance
staff aware of problem
1. Allow students to
adjust desk or take out
parts
Discussion:
After examining various designs we feel we have decided upon a desk that maximizes
space and accessibility for the average university student. We have made use of most of the
techniques and heuristics we have learned to aptly solve this problem. This project serves as an
accurate reflection of Team 11.9’s knowledge, comprehension and application of the myriad of
techniques of experienced problem solvers.