The last direction we wanted to explore was the adjustable laptop idea. This direction is meant to accommodate for a problem that was mentioned from the start: sitting statically behind a desk and having to look down to the laptop screen.

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The case owner really liked the idea the suitcase type laptop. It is functional, very customizable in terms of angle and height, and the handle was fun. They also mentioned it would not only be nice for them, but in general nice for people who use a laptop. We then specifically asked about the handle again, because in previous interviews it was mentioned that when they carry something the weight has to be balances. So, holding a suitcase in one hand was not good for them. The case owner said they would probably not use the handle, but that it is a marketable aspect that could be nice for other people.

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One other thing that we ideated upon was the bite out of the screen. In the original idea, the hinge is attached to the bottom of the screen and goes a little inwards. This inwards gap takes away from the screen, which is not preferred. If the bite was smaller and only took away from the frame it could work, but stability and strength would still be a question.

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Instead, the case owner suggested that the hinge could kind of go around it all instead. So, keeping the hinge mechanism the same, but instead clipping it to the bottom and milling into the back so that the handle can click into the back. This would not only keep the screen impact, but the bigger surface area of attachment would probably also offer improved stability and strength. Another idea to improve the stability is to make the hinge handle wider across the width of the laptop.

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Furthermore, it is important that the laptop does not have a bunch of small holes. And if it does, they need to be smartly placed. Easy to clean is a preferred aspect of the product.

We also inquired into what programs the case owner uses. Because they do not use very heavy ones, the laptop would probably be able to be a little sleeker than for example the Lenovo Thinkpad we use at university. This is nice to know in terms of weight that the hinge needs to be able to support. As for specific dimension, it would be nice if the laptop fitted in their laptop bag. Therefore, we measured the bag, as can be seen in the above image.

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Then, we discussed adding a rotating point in the hinge so the screen could also be moved side to side. Ultimately, however, this would just be a wish, meaning if it was there, it would be an added bonus. The rotating point would improve functionality, but it would be more difficult and expensive to produce, as well as make the whole structure more breakable. Overall, the most important thing is that the screen can move up and down. If it can move forward and backwards a little that is nice, but the rotating point is truly just a wish and should not compromise the functionality of those other 2 aspects. 

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Next, we discussed the ergonomics of typing. Some people enjoy having wrist support when typing, so we were wondering if this could help the case owner as well. Interestingly, they said that those wrist pads are not ergonomic at all. They put your wrists up at an angle, meaning you wrist and forearm are put in tension. If anything, have support under your forearms could be beneficial. That way, your arms are angled down towards the keyboard and typing would then be similar to how piano players play. We also quickly talked about how most average laptops has a straight keyboard, but there are already keyboards that are split in 2 and bended in a certain curve. The case owner, however, is okay with the normal keyboard.

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Lastly, to broaden up again a bit more, we showed the case owner the other ideations we had for helping with the laptop issue. However, none of those ideas were what the case owner was looking for. The glasses would most likely over time negatively impact sight. The hologram idea was cool for at home, but not for at work. And some of the other ideas were fun but were more like “gadgets”. Ultimately, feasibility and functionality in the long term matter the most.