Desk Dynamics

2024. 03 - 2024. 04
Used Program: Figma
Type of Work: Graphic

Overview and Description

We spend a significant portion of our day at our desks. Therefore, the desk can be seen as an extension of our identity, almost like a map to finding ourselves.

In this project, we analyzed what items are placed on the desk and how they are arranged, as well as which items are used the most, over several days. Using the collected data, we created puzzle-like graphics to represent these findings. These graphics go beyond simple visual representation, revealing important clues about each person's daily life and habits.

The "Each Person's Desk" project demonstrates how personal and unique our everyday spaces are, providing an opportunity to understand and explore individual identities through the lens of their workspaces.

Sling TV, Directed by Parker Seaman, Impossible Studio, https://www.impossiblestudios.tv/roster/parker-seaman

Intern, Directed by Nancy Meyer, Waner Brothers, 2015.

Team TechPanda, “The Desks Of Famous Tech CEOs”, The TechPanda, June 26, 2012, https://thetechpanda.com/the-desks-of-famous-tech-ceos/

Team TechPanda, “The Desks Of Famous Tech CEOs”, The TechPanda, June 26, 2012, https://thetechpanda.com/the-desks-of-famous-tech-ceos/

Research & Analysis

First, I asked my friends, family, and colleagues to track how frequently they use the items on their desks by recording the usage frequency daily and taking a photo each day.
While some items on their desks are used frequently, others are often left unused. I asked them to observe and record these details meticulously. Additionally, similar items were grouped and their overall usage frequency was tracked as a whole.

Used Research ways

- Friends & Co-workers: Required them through a chat application
- Boyfriends & family: Check directly by meeting and talking.

Design

I standardized the items on the desks in the photos by placing them in a square with a circle inside, using two colors for a uniform pattern. I designed the sizes to increase with usage frequency based on the data recorded in Google Sheets.

For example, when an item was used the least (frequency of 1), it was represented as 50x50 pixels, and when used the most (frequency of 5), it was represented as 250x250 pixels. I created various pattern sizes according to the frequency data and arranged these patterns to match the locations of the items on the desks.

Usage Frequency on the Desk

1. Rarely used (Frequency 1): 50x50 pixels
2. Seldom used (Frequency 2): 100x100 pixels
3. Moderately used (Frequency 3): 150x150 pixels
4. Often used (Frequency 4): 200x200 pixels
5. Very frequently used (Frequency 5): 250x250 pixels

Extracted Color
- Only two representative colors of the product are extracted.
- The main Color represents the overall color of the product, and Sub Color refers to a specific color of the product.

Final visualization

We track the frequency of items on the desks of 5 individuals daily. Each item's size is adjusted according to its frequency of use. By arranging these items on the graphic according to their actual positions on the desks, we create a map-like visualization of each desk.

By observing this visualization for 10 days, we can identify changes in the frequency of use for each item by profession, and determine which items are most commonly used.

1. UXUI Designer’s desk
I spend a lot of time at my desk, mainly working with a Mac and a secondary monitor. I often use a laptop when going to meetings, and sometimes when I have back-to-back meetings, I can't use my desk computer much. Also, I tend to eat a lot of snacks at my desk.

2. Graduate student’s desk
I tend to study and work a lot at home after classes, especially using the desktop PC on my desk. Since the desktop runs Windows, I often use my MacBook for data statistical modeling work, so I frequently use both simultaneously. I'm not particularly good at keeping my desk tidy, and I especially tend to work while drinking beverages.

3. Hardware developer’s desk
I mainly work on assembling components rather than using computers. I use the computer primarily to write the necessary code to operate the hardware prototypes I've worked on. I mostly use a laptop rather than a desktop. Also, I'm often away from my desk because I frequently use QA equipment to test prototype products.

4. Manufaturer’s desk
I am a manufacturer overseeing mold production and assembly. Since I spend most of my time in the factory, I only use the computer at my desk when paperwork is needed, such as for placing orders or reporting to clients. I also occasionally work on drawings, so I often use scissors, pencils, and rulers on my desk.

5. Elementry school teacher’s desk
I use the computer at my desk from 9 AM to 2 PM to display necessary materials during classes. Since I mostly teach by writing on the blackboard while facing the students, I usually just keep the computer on during classes without actively using it. After the students leave, I mainly use the computer to write lesson plans for the next day and communicate with other teachers through messenger apps. In the afternoon, I spend a lot of time at the computer preparing for upcoming classes. Occasionally, I use the school phone for parent consultations.

JIHYE CHOI

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