Balance Umutunganya w'ameza

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Balance is a multi-functional work and desk manager that inspires a more organized, personalized, and productive work experience. The product consists of a canvas and six types of modules (Surface, White Board, Cork, Kanban, Time, and Shelf) that attach magnetically to the canvas. The users can pick and choose the modules and materials that work best for their personality, work style, and aesthetic preference at the same time that they can combine them to allow the use of productivity techniques such as Kanban and Pomodoro.

Dimensions & Packaging

Canvas:
Large: 720mm x 320mm x 10mm
Medium: 520mm x 320mm x 10mm
Square: 320 mm x 320 mm x 10mm

Modules:
Large: 290mm x 190mm x 4mm
Square: 190mm x 190 mm x 4mm
Rectangle: 190mm x 90mm x 4mm
Small Square: 90mm x 90mm x 4mm

Tags

Desk, Office, Furniture, Work, Organization, Modules, System, Productivity, Personalization

Production Technology

The canvas is made out of high-impact polystyrene and powder-coated steel creating a rigid, magnetic, and durable surface for the modules. The modules are made of injection-molded HDPE granting an adequate rigidity for the structure, softness to the touch, and satin finish. Other alternatives are made of walnut, oak, and cork. Some finishes use special magnetic paint, to provide a magnetic and marker-friendly writing surface.

Design Challenge

The most challenging aspect of the Balance was on finding a design solution that best captures the nature and simplicity of digital interfaces. A considerable amount of models and prototypes helped shape the final form and modular aspect of the design in search of the right proportions and interaction with the user. Another important aspect was the creation and integration of physical products that allow the use of productivity techniques and processes otherwise intangible.

Research

We have investigated the personality, work environments, and workflows of various people in their respective jobs, as well as a variety of productivity and work management techniques. We also analyzed different physical and digital interfaces to understand what products were more effective, easy to use, and easy to understand to the user. The outcomes of the research allowed us to understand better the user needs and led us to determine the main characteristics of the product such as flexibility, organization, modularity, ease of use, and personalization.

Inspiration

The idea behind this product is to use digital interfaces as inspiration to create a new hybrid experience for the user. The form and modular qualities of the design evoke the digital touchscreen interfaces we use every day but with a tridimensional layer that creates a tactile and tangible experience. This new approach brings builds a bridge between the connectivity and structure of the digital environment and the visual and physical experience of products.

Project Duration

The project started in March of 2020 and finished in December of 2020.

Operation Flow

Users can quickly assemble the canvas to the arm by adjusting four screws through the standard VESA monitor connection. The arm is connected to the desk with a C shape clamp. Each module has strong neodymium magnets that create a connection to the canvas. The whiteboard comes with an adjustable stand that allows use on the desk surface granting the user to have a more natural and ergonomic position when drawing. The light angle can be adjusted by simply moving the upper module up and down.