First Prototype Testing
The first prototype produced was constructed out of the frame of an old school desk as well as the first desktop. The arm bar came from an old fork lift and welded to the frame. For comfort, the memory foam came from pillows and microfiber covers were sewed on. With the help of Haven Tucker, the ParaTeamo was able to assemble the first prototype.
Testing proved that there needed to be more support in the legs because it would tilt and topple once someone decided to enter and exit the desk. In addition, the original dimensions for the desk top was not ample space for a student to work comfortable with a textbook and paper side by side. Because this desk was unstable and premature, we didn't want to gather official qualitative data from students as it would also jeopardize their safety due to the instability of the desk. A few students did sit in the desk and from the feedback we received, we were able to determine that our main objectives for the final prototype that needed to be fixed were leg support, desk top dimensions, and a more budget friendly and accessible arm bar.
Testing proved that there needed to be more support in the legs because it would tilt and topple once someone decided to enter and exit the desk. In addition, the original dimensions for the desk top was not ample space for a student to work comfortable with a textbook and paper side by side. Because this desk was unstable and premature, we didn't want to gather official qualitative data from students as it would also jeopardize their safety due to the instability of the desk. A few students did sit in the desk and from the feedback we received, we were able to determine that our main objectives for the final prototype that needed to be fixed were leg support, desk top dimensions, and a more budget friendly and accessible arm bar.
Final Prototype Testing
Initially, we wanted to see qualitatively the weight and stress the chair could withstand. The chair could hold 230 pounds before showing signs of stress and concavity in the chair bottom. The table top could with stand a total of 90 pounds before showing signs of concavity in the table. After prolonged time, the stress and warping of the desk was only slight meaning that the durability of our desks is competitive against the traditional ones.
For qualitative data, we tested the final prototype in a school classroom for three weeks. We were only able to gather 50 responses due to the unusual testing schedules that hindered our testing results. However, from the data we received, we were able to confidently conclude that our design provided ample comfort for the students during class. In addition, the near effortless movements of the desk top allowed the students to adjust the desk to their needs and wants without creating a distraction during class. But because the students could only spend an hour in the desk once, they could not confidently say that their concentration improved due to the desk; yet the data does indicate that there is a positive correlation between concentration and a class period in the Parateino Desk.
In addition, we also acquired medical review from a nurse at Centennial Medical Center, Aina Kabiling. She deemed our desk to be ergonomically correct for healthy posture. She says, "the back at a slope helps alleviate pressure at your lower back, an area where patients who work office jobs tend to report pain in. I also thoroughly enjoy the idea of a standing desk in classrooms. In a society where majority of time spent is sitting and motionless, having this little encouragement to get up and move is music to a doctor or nurse's ear."