Balancing Style & Function: Sit-Stand Desks

The Attollo Desk, designed by mechanical engineer Nate Poniatowski, is an innovative electric sit-to-stand desk converter that improves workplace productivity and health by allowing users to easily switch between sitting and standing without stepping back, addressing the shortcomings of existing bulky or poorly designed standing desks amid widespread sedentary behavior.

Studies have found that an increase in standing throughout the day will improve your workforce’s productivity anywhere from 30 to 65 percent because it makes you more alert and helps get your blood flowing. However, Americans are currently sitting an average of 13 hours a day and sleeping for 8 hours a night, which results in being sedentary for a total of 21 hours per day. Sit-to-stand desks, such as the Attollo Desk, provide a solution to the sedentary nature of today’s workforce.

In this Workplace Unplugged interview, Nate Poniatowski, Founder and Designer of Attollo Desk, discusses the inspiration and design process behind his innovative sit-to-stand desk. Attollo Desk is an electric sit-to-stand desk that sits upon your existing desk and is designed to inspire health, productivity, and an energetic lifestyle.

Background and Inspiration

Nate shares his background in mechanical engineering and his transition from working on his feet in the automotive industry to sitting for long hours at a software startup. He noticed a trend of makeshift standing desks and, after experiencing lethargy from prolonged sitting, decided to design a better sit-to-stand desk focusing on both functionality and style.

"I realized how lethargic I was around 3pm from sitting all day. I also noticed how mentally and physically drained I was when I’d get home. So I started to look to see what was available on the market. What I found wasn’t all that appealing and I thought, ‘hey, with my background, I can design a better sit to stand desk than what’s available.'"

What Makes Attollo Desk Different

Nate explains that most standing desks on the market are either full desks that move up and down or converters that sit on top of existing desks. Full desks are typically expensive, and converters often lack good design. Attollo Desk aims to address these gaps:

Design: Moves vertically, straight up and down, so users don’t have to step backward as it moves.
Electric Operation: Push-button operation eliminates the need for manual lifting, making it accessible for those with back problems.
Cable Management: Built-in cable-management holes reduce clutter.
Spacious Work Surface: Ample room for writing, with a sliding keyboard tray that tucks away.
Premium Materials: Options like bamboo or solid wood core desks, anodized aluminum components for strength and aesthetics.

"Our goal was to create a product that functions better than anything on the market and looks better while doing it."

Design Challenges

Nate faced several challenges during the two-year prototyping process, including integrating a keyboard tray and electric motors without compromising the desk’s streamlined appearance. The components needed to fit compactly together to maintain the desk’s aesthetic and functional intent.

Making the Business Case

For facilities managers considering Attollo Desks, Nate emphasizes productivity and energy benefits in addition to health:

Standing more throughout the day can improve productivity by 30 to 65 percent.
Sitting constrains the diaphragm, reducing oxygen intake and focus.
Standing encourages alertness, collaboration, and energy.
Prolonged sitting is linked to health issues such as fluid buildup, sleep apnea, heart disease, and diabetes.

"Our slogan at Attollo Desk is 'Elevate your Life', not just elevate your health."

The Logic Behind Standing Desks

Nate points out that humans are not meant to be sedentary. Research shows people sit 10 to 14 hours a day, which is accurate for most. Standing desks offer a practical solution for organizations that want to improve employee health and productivity without replacing all office furniture.

Kickstarter Campaign Experience

Attollo Desk launched a Kickstarter campaign and achieved over 50 percent of their funding goal on the first day. However, they decided to temporarily cancel the campaign to explore ways to bring the product to market at a lower price and improve business efficiencies.

"It was really hard to cancel the campaign because we didn’t want to let down our current backers. In the end we know it was the right decision because it will help make the business stronger, is better for the overall product and ultimately will be better for our customers."

The Joy of Design

Nate expresses his passion for the design process and his desire to create a product that is both functional and beautiful, drawing inspiration from Apple’s approach to product design.

"The market is desperate for a better functioning standing desk and one that will enhance the look of your office, not be an eyesore. So, I really enjoyed the design process of it and just coming up with something unique that can positively affect others."

To stay informed about Attollo Desk’s Kickstarter relaunch, email info@AttolloDesk.com. To reach Nate directly, contact natep@attollodesk.com.

Do you use sit-to-stand desks at your office? What has your experience been? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

*Retrieved from PRNewsWire: New Survey: To Sit or Stand? Almost 70% of Full Time American Workers Hate Sitting, but They do it all Day Every Day http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-to-sit-or-stand-almost-70-of-full-time-american-workers-hate-sitting-but-they-do-it-all-day-every-day-215804771.html