The document discusses the evolution of notebook computers and portable devices from accessories for occasional mobile use to primary work computers used for extended periods each day. It notes that modern portable devices are often not ergonomically designed for comfortable lap use over long periods. The document concludes by introducing a goal to design a portable, ergonomic, and flexible workspace solution for users of portable computing devices that considers materials, personal expression, compatibility with different devices, and justifies cost.

1. UW WINTER 2011
CAPSTONE PROJECT
YOLOTZIN DUNBAR

2. 1
THE NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WAS INITIALLY DESIGNED AS A PORTABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE
DESKTOP COMPUTER
– NOT TO REPLACE IT BUT TO SERVE AS THE
NEXT BEST THING

3. 2
MODERN NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS ARE BETTER
ABLE TO PERFORM AS THE PRIMARY COMPUTER
FOR MORE USERS
10% of employees of mid-size businesses use their
personal laptops as their primary work computer *
*www.theenquirer.net

4. 3
NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS ARE BECOMING SMALLER AND MORE PORTABLE
MOBILE COMPUTING IS NO LONGER LIMITED TO
NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS
OTHER PORTABLE DEVICES CAN BE USED IN
PLACE OF A NOTEBOOK COMPUTER

5. 4
PORTABILITY NECESSITATES BAGS AND PACKS
FOR OUR DEVICES
THEY PRIORITIZE EITHER PROTECTION, STYLE,
OR COMFORT

6. 5

7. 6

8. 7
USERS MUST FIND A WORKSPACE WHEREVER
THEY MAY GO: PLANE, TRAIN, LIBRARY, ETC

9. 8

10. 9
THE TERM “LAPTOP” IS INCORRECT:
MOST PORTABLE DEVICES ARE NOT DESIGNED
WELL FOR USE ON A PERSON’S LAP

11. 10
FOR MANY DEVICES, LAP-USE DOESN’T PROVIDE A
COMFORTABLE VIEWING ANGLE
ADD-ONS CAN HELP

12. 11

13. 12
50% OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS EXPERIENCE
NECK AND BACK PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH
NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS
1 IN 7 EXPERIENCED PAIN AFTER 1 HOUR OF USE*
*Boston University

14. 13
THE NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WAS NOT DESIGNED
TO BE USED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME,
AS THEY ARE USED TODAY
If the typical young person spends 5 hours per day using their laptop...
5 hrs X 365 days = 1,825 hours of use per year

15. 14
THERE ARE MANY POSITIONS WHICH CAN BE
COMFORTABLE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME
*case study by Dave Malouf on Freescale Netbook Design

16. 15

17. 16
TECHNOLOGY CHANGES
ATTITUDES CHANGE
WORK IS MOBILE, IT MUST BE PORTABLE AND
TRAVEL WITH YOU
WE NEED FLEXIBILITY

18. 17
GOAL:
DESIGN A PORTABLE, ERGONOMIC, AND FLEXIBLE
WORKSPACE SOLUTION FOR USERS OF PORTABLE
COMPUTING DEVICES
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS/MENTOR FEEDBACK:
LOOK INTO MATERIALS
CONSIDER STYLE AND PERSONAL EXPRESSION
MAKE DESIGN COMPATIBLE WITH A MULTITUDE OF
PORTABLE DEVICES
JUSTIFY COST OF PRODUCT TO TARGET GROUP