Hands-on with the Gravitonus iClubby ergonomic workstation

Before you get too carried away you should recognize that this is an ergonomic seat ONLY for the purpose of sitting still. Our bodies were not made to be static, or have motion only in the minor motor muscles. The Matrox is a good example of how to do a harmful thing in a seductively way. I'm thinking that a kinesthetic workstation would have a way for all of the muscle groups to get involved. A REAL ergonomic workstation would let all of our muscles work. It would also make sense to have the work we do generate the electricity to run the electronics.

It would have a display that is immersive - like the visual domes that fighter plane simulations use. They have full-time low resolution for all areas of the dome, plus a high-resolution inset in the area where the pilot is looking (determined by a head-mounted sensor).

Since most of our work involves moving information, display software should allow us to make our interactions with the information analagous to the way we move things in the real world. Info packets that look and act like boxes to be lifted. Connections that look and act like wires to be connected. Tools for shaping information that are like machining tools.

To repair the social damage that self-isolating workstations cause, there should be group versions of the device that physically allow several people to work on the same machine in ways that are mutually beneficial to the participants and the groups they are working for. The software should also let users team up to in beneficial ways - just like we do in real life (worthwhile life anyway).

Nick Hein

Morgantown, WV

Nick

- January 23, 2009 @ 05:01 am PST

I'm all for a more user-friendly workstation with adjustable lighting and no back pain, but I'm not entirely sold on this configuration. First, there's that bar between your feet that requires you to mount this think like a bicycle. That's fine for the guys in pants but even in a long, full skirt this may cause some issues. And I sure don't want to see a kilt-wearing coworker using this.

Also, even though I do 90% of my work on a computer, I'm often working with paper documents. Where do they go? Where's the scanner fit? Drawyers anyone?

Like I said, I'd love to see a better workstation but there's a reason the desk is still in use. Sigh. If only my boss would let me hang a monitor or two over my craftmatic bed.

Keep trying.

fatibel

- January 26, 2009 @ 03:01 pm PST