Cablespool: Functional Desktop Wire Management You will Need

For many professionals, the desk is the central hub of their work. However, the proliferation of device cables often transforms this space into a chaotic tangle, exacerbating daily stress. Recognizing this pervasive issue, I developed Cablespool, a functional cable management solution designed to restore order and efficiency to the workspace.


The Problem

I use several computer accessories to improve my work efficiency. Currently, I have a Wacom tablet with a mini-USB cable, long wired headphones, and a printer connected via USB. These wires create a messy look on my desk, which I dislike as I prefer a tidy workspace. They not only affect my experience but also collect dust from the printer cable. While wires are essential for connecting devices, poor cable management makes using them less enjoyable. I want to address this issue because I believe others may feel the same way.

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The primary GOAL is to generally minimise or completely nullify various unpleasant manifestations that can occur on a workspace desk, particularly those caused by inter-device wires and cables. By effectively managing these wires, this approach will significantly enhance the overall experience of working at a desk, creating a more seamless and enjoyable environment for the user.

Overview

I need to make a prototype to manage wires easily. It should be designed to reduce any annoying details for the user.

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Positioning

Organizing desktop wires for a tidy space.

Target Audience/User Needs

This product is for people who spend most of their day at a desk.

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Harry is a graphic designer who works on a laptop in a co-working space. He wears AKG headphones to help him focus on his designs. The headphone wire is tucked under his keyboard to prevent it from moving around. Sometimes he pushes the wire away when he takes out his notebook to sketch ideas. Occasionally, he forgets he has the headphones on and stands up, tripping on the wire or having it get caught under his coffee mug. Luckily, he usually avoids spilling his drink.

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Jenny is a single mom working as a teller in a government office for eight hours each day. She decorates her desk with a digital photo frame of her daughter and a USB fan. However, because she spends so much time counting money, she often forgets to clean her desk. One afternoon, her supervisor came by and pointed out how messy her desk was. Dust had built up behind the wires of her devices, clearly visible through the glass.

Client/Company Needs

I want to make this simple product easy to use and affordable for all professionals who work with wired devices, and in turn, make a profit.

Design Considerations

If most desktop users write and organize their thoughts with a pen, shouldn't we find a way to keep it safe from getting lost?

If focus means staying on a task without distractions, wouldn't it be smart to design a product that doesn't draw attention to itself? How can objects grab a user's attention?

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The Creation Process

The solution is to design an easy-to-use wire holder that improves a small detail of user experience. It aims to lessen the frustration of desk items. A rough sketch was created.

  • Spools hold long strings neatly and can also store wire.

  • I plan to add slots for pens, increasing its usefulness.

  • Rounded edges will make it less stiff. I'll include various slot sizes to secure standard desktop wires.

Then a prototype was made using manual craft technologies