Microdesk products reduce computer user health ailments

Designers of a simple yet innovative computer writing platform/document holder – “The Microdesk” - that is finding its way into offices, schools and homes in New Zealand and overseas have launched a compact design for laptop computers and smaller work stations.

The 100% NZ designed and manufactured products are the brainchild of Auckland based physiotherapist Sarah Mahoney and founder of The Good Use Company. They were developed in response to what she saw as an “urgent need” for a product that would minimise physical complaints suffered by computer users who needed to simultaneously use the keyboard while writing or reading from separate notes. The latest product – “The Compact Microdesk” – works on the same principle as “The Microdesk”, but has been refined to meet the needs of lap top users, people with narrower than usual work spaces, or users with computer keyboards with no numeric pads.

Today with Ms Mahoney and husband Mike Andrews at the helm, The Good Use Company is experiencing growing demand for its products within New Zealand and overseas. Export markets include Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Canada the USA and Korea and currently account for 70% of total sales.

The original Microdesk was developed 10 years ago as a result of consulting work Ms Mahoney was doing for a large corporate call centre - assessing and analysing work related physical problems and developing training programmes for staff to help reduce the rate of work related injuries in the office situation.

“A large number of complaints about back, neck, shoulder and arm pain were due to call staff twisting and reaching out as they answered calls and keyed information into computers because there was nowhere central for the paperwork to be positioned,” she recalls.

Extensive research indicated that there was nothing suitable on the market that would enable computer users to safely read material, write notes and key information into computers without potentially causing neck, upper back and associated arm problems.

“The challenge was to find a way of placing the paperwork in such a way that every action taken by the user would not compromise their physical integrity,” she says.

After many hours experimenting with design and movement patterns at the computer workstation, the solution came in the form of a platform positioned between the keyboard and the monitor. This enabled people to type on the computer, read, write and work on papers without stooping, reaching or twisting. A clear platform top caters for computer users who are not touch typists and need to see the keyboard.

Ms Mahoney says the “unique” adjustable platform design offers forearm support. It also keeps the wrist in a neutral position for writing and reduces neck and upper back strain when reading documents while using the keyboard.

The original model, which was released on to the market in 1998, was made from sheet acrylic which was bent into shape over a hot wire. A second model “The Step Microdesk” - was subsequently developed to suit desks with pull out keyboards.

Over the years the design has undergone a number of improvements in response to feedback from users and efficiencies have been made to manufacturing processes. After extensive research an Auckland company was contracted to manufacture “The Microdesk” products using an injection moulding technique which has been well received in the marketplace.

The latest free standing acrylic product “The Compact Microdesk” was designed in conjunction with an Auckland designer and a Napier company and is being launched in July 2008.

Ms Mahoney says her physiotherapy background and an unshakeable belief in “The Microdesk” concept helped her through constant frustrations and setbacks encountered in the early years trying to get the product into the market place.

“It’s been a bit like nurturing a child from birth to maturity. Along the way there were times when I was frustrated and it was costing a lot, but I was determined not to give up!”

Confirmation of the value of “The Microdesk” has come in the form of glowing testimonials from clients around the globe reporting a marked improvement in symptoms of neck and shoulder pain and less need for time away from work for various treatment options.

“We are proud to be putting out a totally NZ designed and made product that is making a difference to the health of computer users and reducing the amount of lost work hours due to avoidable physical stresses and strains, ” says Ms Mahoney.

For further information go to www.goodusecompany.com