DeskHug began as a collaboration between MassArt and Northeastern University.

I was brought on as a design consultant for the purpose of helping one of their entrepreneurial teams develop a product that would later become DeskHug. At the time of joining, the team’s research had shown that the limited space on classroom and lecture hall desks was a common pain point for most students.

Most of our original exploration was focused on either creating a new variation on an existing Northeastern desk, or heavily modifying those already on campus. Even so, in these early concepts, there are some hints of what we would eventually do with DeskHug.

As we started contacting campus chair manufacturers, we also began to refine what was logistically possible. As a direct result of this research, we opted for a solution that was less intrusive and more universal. It was here where we really began exploring removable solutions.

Much of this process began with a focus on the clamping mechanism. In attempt to reduce parts and complexity, we chose to go with a pressure fit clamp which, in addition to strips of rubber, helped to keep DeskHug stationary.

The body of this device would be made from ABS.

This was the version of DeskHug our team arrived at by the end of the semester. The design was presented to a panel of industry representatives including a buyer for STAPLES who expressed interest in working with us after the class concluded.

During this phase of DeskHug, we were exploring possible distribution opportunities. One option would have been to distribute through school book stores. The large surface area would make for an ideal branding opportunity as illustrated here. We also briefly explored incorporating other materials beyond ABS.

The final version of DeskHug focused on portabily.

After presenting Version 1.0, the feedback we heard repeatedly was that DeskHug needs to be portable. With interest coming from STAPLES, we began the process of forming an LLC and started implementing some of the core recommendations from STAPLES and our end of semester assessment.

Numbers matter.

As we locked down the key details to DeskHug’s design and started looking for a manufacturer, we inevitably hit a point where the team needed to make a decision. There is a lot of financial risk involved with launching your own product and when it came right down to it, DeskHug simply had a little more risk than we were ready to take on at that time.

For now, DeskHug waits for better odds.