Due to the impact of Covid-19, more kids are studying from home than ever before. As such, the need for desk organizers for kids has exploded, however, it is still difficult to find desk organizers specifically targeted towards kids. The Adirondack Life Desk Organizer is designed for elementary and middle school students. Using a mix of different playful elements, this desk organizer works to make school more fun for the kids. With a classic yet playful design, this desk organizer is gender-neutral and can grow with the kid.

Supplies

This product was designed in Fusion 360 and the prototype was made using 1/4" and 1/8" birch plywood cut with a Glowforge laser-cutter.

Step 1: Inspiration

There were 2 main goals when designing this product: modularity and fun. As such, this project was inspired by a mix of existing modular desk organizers and wooden block toys. By taking the best of each I was able to design a set that facilitated organization through a fun and engaging method.

Source links for inspiration pictures:

https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/loon-peak-stevan-12-piece-wood-desk-organizer-set-w003222799.html?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social
https://www.amazon.com/Simhoo-Stackable-Organizer-Adjustable-Organization/dp/B07N133NYZ
https://dribbble.com/shots/9149987-Abstract-Shapes
https://www.maisonette.com/product/mountain-pass-stack?gclid=CjwKCAiA1eKBBhBZEiwAX3gql-cvr6j3v822SmCOkW6r74nfS33PAEQNxMgTGeqhsMcE2MVWkwYLShoC8aMQAvD_BwE
https://www.amazon.com/Areaware-JPBL-Blockitecture-Habitat/dp/B00J98IJIY

Step 2: Branding and Ideation

I knew that I wanted to design a desk organizer with a theme and early on I identified a mountain and nature theme. I chose the Adirondacks as my inspiration as they are close to home for me. More specifically a mountain and nature theme is gender neutral and applicable to a variety of ages.

I started by creating the 2D images/outlines that would become the different components on the desk organizer. Some I initially sketched on paper before tracing in Fusion 360 (like the bear). All pictured were made in Fusion 360 using the sketch features. The colors and text for the bear paw logo was added in Adobe Illustrator after making the initial bear paw in Fusion 360.

Step 3: Sketching the Parts in Fusion 360

I specifically designed each holder to be compatible with laser-cutting. Each include a front face with the image on it and a series of cutout pieces that are layered together to form a 3D shape. Basically I took "2D" layers of either 1/8" or 1/4" wood and layered them to create "3D" functional objects.

Step 4: Modeling the Parts in Fusion 360

These digital renderings showcase the individual components making up the Adirondack Life Desk Organizer.

Step 5: Modeling the Parts Using Laser-cutting

I also made a prototype of the Adirondack Life Desk Organizer using laser-cut 1/8" and 1/4" birch plywood. I produced this prototype in my home workshop using my Glowforge laser-cutter.

Step 6: Assembled in Fusion 360

This rendering done in Fusion 360 illustrates a possible set-up of the modular components on the base.

I actually made the digital model after I made the physical model, turning my sketch files I made for laser-cutting into 3D solids. I rarely work in this direction and it was a very interesting experience to see the potential of using different woods or stains to create different effects with the components.

Step 7: The Final Model

This is the final prototype I manufactured with all the pieces together in one possible set-up, both filled and empty.

Overall I really enjoyed this project. I had a lot of fun doing it, even the tedious process of gluing together the layers of wood to form the modular components. For me, there is something about creating a physical prototype that really brings a project to life.

Introduction: Adirondack Life Desk Organizer