In this UX research case study for ReadyDesk, we explore desk risers by first analyzing market trends and conducting a competitive assessment to identify existing gaps. Focusing on remote and flexible workers, we examine popular at-home desk setups and user behaviors.
The insights gathered informed design guidelines, serving as a foundation for concept ideation that prioritizes usability, aesthetics, and adaptability to enhance the overall user experience.
Desk risers have become increasingly popular in the past decade. Since they launched in 2014, ReadyDesk has sold thousands of standing desk converters across over 47 countries.
With ReadyDesk aiming to expand into automatic desk risers, we conducted an analysis of the most popular spring-loaded risers available in the market.
Understanding who is the user, their needs, preferences, and behaviors is an important step in creating intuitive experiences.
Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk Riser, Black Home Office Desk Workstation for Dual Monitors and Laptop
Price : $139.99
Height : 4.7”-19.7”
Load capacity : 33 lbs
Ergonomic Tabletop Workstation Riser Bamboo
Price : $129.87
Height : 5.3" to 20.5"
Load capacity : 33 lbs
Sit Standing Converter, Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation
Price : $119.99
Height : 4.5" to 20"
Load capacity : 33 lbs
*Based on a user survey of 100 ReadyDesk users
According to the survey, lack offocus and distraction is a common issue
Most common negative review on Amazon is about gas springs not working after a while
Laptop as a second screen is the popular desk setup, according to the survey
According to the survey, people usually find it hard to adjust and move things around with a desk riser
Poor lighting, clutter and not enough space are some other common issues
A lot of people do not have a comfortable chair at home
Age : 26
Location : New York City, NY
Nicole is a 26-year-old media professional. She works at an advertising firm and lives in New York City. Nicole grew up in upstate New York and moved to the city 5 years ago. She lives with her partner in a 1 bedroom apartment and has a dog. Nicole deeply cares about her health and the health of her family. She aims to lead a comfortable yet sustainable life and built habits and practices that help her achieve these goals while saving her money and staying healthy. Nicole owns a myriad of gadgets and tracks her health and finances on a daily basis.
Currently, Nicole has been working from home everyday for over 8 months. It took her a few months, but she has settled into her WFH routine. She uses her laptop, a desktop computer and an external keyboard and mouse for work. She drinks at least 3 cups of coffee everyday. On an average, she has about 10 zoom meetings every week.
Age : 43
Location : Kalamazoo, MI
Andrew is a 43 year old Project Manager at a manufacturing plant. He lives in a 3 bedroom house with his wife and 2 children. He has been working from home 4 days a weeks since the pandemic hit. He drives to works once a week. He has been finding it hard to focus on work and feels that his productivity has substantially reduced since he started working from home. Andrew doesn't have a designated work space at home. He uses a laptop for work and usually sets up his workspace wherever feels the quietest. More often than not, he is disturbed by his children and feels guilty for not being able to separate work and home life.
Recently, Andrew has been having back pains and is looking to invest in a desk riser. Andrew loves to cook but is frustrated because his kitchen is always cluttered with work stuff and his kids' books and toys.