Desk
Be realistic about the desk, file and shelf space you will need when
designing your desk.
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Is there space for your research
material and the notes you need to copy? It might make sense to
reserve this space with a substantial work of reference. You might
also resort to a physical barrier to prevent the encroachment of other
paperwork into your computer arena on a large desk. |
Be prepared to change things round.
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As the workload changes, reorganise your
desk. This could be through the day, through the week or seasonal. It
helps to prevent one part of you taking the strain for too long. |
Specialist computer desks have much to recommend them.
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They present all the equipment at the
right height. But most designs provide little space for your working
notes. If you decide to opt for the kitchen worktop, make very sure
you have a chair and footrest to match as the surface will otherwise
be too high. |
Access to information
If you are writing up historic research you will need much more space
than someone writing a novel. Within arm's-reach you should find the items
that you need to use and replace frequently. If the Internet is your
research engine, you need to understand the
risks of RSI
when using pointing devices.
Privacy
Both at home and at work, most people prefer that their screen is not
overlooked. If you are on a thoroughfare it is inevitable that people will
glance at your work on their way past. This aspect is seldom given
priority but it can be stressful as well as distracting.
Lighting
Natural light
Regrettably, sunshine is an unreliable and mobile source of lighting.
It can be good for the soul but makes it difficult to control the
environment if there is too much window space.
Office windows need blinds. Blinds diffuse the light and allow
you to regulate the amount of light entering the room. Curtains are second
best.
At low sun angles and at higher latitudes, the sun can flood an office
with sunlight making it difficult to manage contrast or reflections
without adjustable blinds.
Walls can also be decorated and furnished to minimise reflection.
Screens and partitions can be positioned to limit the
undesirable morning and evening light.
Natural light, and an outside view, can be good for the soul but
difficult to manage in your office, so be prepared to use artificial
light. That room that never sees the sun could be ideal for your workroom.
Unnatural (artificial) lighting
Eyes work best in good light. They don't have to work so hard
focusing accurately.
To achieve the recommended light levels around your workspace you would
have to illuminate your office like a film studio.
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Instead, invest in a good local light.
It needs to be able to illuminate the whole area of your notes and
keyboard. |
Normal bulbs produce a lot of heat so select a low energy or
fluorescent light.
Spotlights are unsuitable as they cast shadows and produce
contrast in the working area which is what you are trying to avoid to make
it as restful as possible on your eyes.
If you move your research papers about, the light needs to be mobile.
Electricity supply
Computing equipment is not power hungry. However, there are special
regulations in the UK if you want to link up a significant number of
computers on one circuit. It is a feature of the design of computer power
supplies that they have high protective conductor current which needs to
be handled with additional earth conductors.
http://www.iee.org/Publish/WireRegs/article.pdf
Static electricity
In the early days of computers, many people required a wristband to
prevent them picking up a charge. Equipment and office furnishings have
evolved and this is not often reported as a problem now. However, for some
people and in dry climates measures still need to be taken. This is a
neglected area but needs to be taken seriously.
You in your environment
Temperature is important: 16°C is reckoned to be workable and
25°C too hot.
Breathing may be automatic but we often hold our breath, or take
shallow breaths, when under stress. It is also common for the body to
stiffen and for muscles to tense in stressful environments.
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So, take a few moments to relax and take
some deep breaths to relax if you find yourself tensing up. |
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Stretch by leaning back in your chair,
reaching up with your arms and straightening your legs. |
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