Q&A: Ryan Roberts on DeskStand

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr

Ryan Roberts, product designer and founder of DeskStand, who recently spoke at Open Design Cape Town, chats to us about how this idea came into being and gives his top tips for designing a successful product.

What started your journey into product design?

Since the age of five, I’ve always been intrigued about how things work. I used to take my radio-controlled cars apart to find out how it worked and then put it back together again. I’ve always liked working with my hands, building things and making things from scratch. My fascination with electronics and how they interacted with objects inspired me throughout my childhood.

After school, I studied graphic design and then ventured into the world of design once again. I learnt through experience and asked questions if I didn’t know the answer to something. After eight years as a graphic designer and working with product designers, I had the desire to learn 3D programs so that I could design whatever I wanted instead of watching someone else do it for me. Once again, through work experience, I learnt how to use 3D CAD programs, and this is where my journey as a 3D designer began.

After two years of using the 3D programs I acquired some high profile clients who required high-end renderings of various products. I had to learn how to model and render high-end visuals in order to keep my clients happy and push the business further. This is when I started rcagency.co.za, a design agency based in Woodstock, Cape Town.

Where did the idea for the Deskstand come from?

In August 2014, my back was giving me problems. My chiropractor said I should try standing and working to strengthen and activate various back, butt and leg muscles, which switch off while sitting and sleeping. I found out that standing improves posture, strengthens the body’s core and even burns calories. I also read and heard a lot about the health benefits while standing and using standing desks, especially in the USA, and found out the standing desk is not a “new” idea. I took advantage of my product design background and decided to build my very own standing desk. This is when I founded my second company called DeskStand – I have been standing and working ever since.

My biggest discovery while standing and working is that my body generally feels stronger and can hold itself again. My leg pain has also disappeared and I can honestly say I can focus on my work for much longer. I am also twice as productive compared to sitting, I actually feel lazy when I sit down. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t advise anyone to stand all of the time, but I don’t advise sitting all the time either.

Life is a balance and I know that the DeskStand offers that balance the body needs, especially while working when you sit for more than six to seven hours a day.

How long did it take to finalise the design of the DeskStand?

I played with many ideas, sketched many designs and researched other products in the States. It took three weeks to create the first generation DeskStand, which was quite basic and used soft, local pine. It took five more generations of design tweaking and six months to create a market-ready product that fits everyone’s needs.

Although the DeskStand appears to be very simple, consisting of four panels, the design is quite complex to get right. The cutting and angles need to be 100 % precise in order for the unit to “work” and for the shelving to sit horizontally at 90 degrees. The wood also plays a big role in creating a good quality, long lasting product.

What are your top three tips for young designers?

1.  Find your passion and work on it as a side project. One day the things that you love doing will actually become your day job.

2.  Good work is appreciated while great work is remembered. Going further than expected is the best way to gain a client’s trust and make a memorable impression, for life.

3.  It’s not how you start that matters, it’s how you finish. Too often people have ideas, which is great, but useless until you actually make them happen. Even when you start, it’s exciting and things are happening and BOOM, you’ve made your first sale. This only lasts for a few days, when reality sets in and you realise that you need to be the best right up until the end. What happens when the product you have made leaves your shop? Call the customer two days later and ask them how they are enjoying using your product. Listening to your customers is the difference between success and failure, especially in today’s times.

What other ideas do you have in the pipeline?

We are extending our DeskStand range and already have orders from customers on designs that haven’t been manufactured or even prototyped yet, which is very exciting for us.

In terms of my design ideas, I am launching a new design shop at the end of September called Makely. Makely is based in the Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock and will focus on decor, gifts and custom products that offer customers unique, hand-made, local goods that you don’t find in other marketplaces. This shop supports local talent and offers original designer products and artwork at an affordable price. All products will be sold via our online store and in our shop at the Old Biscuit Mill from 1 October 2016. Makely will be open six days a week, including Saturday’s.

Find out more about DeskStand at deskstand.co.