.MOBO: The modular desk

Abstract

The following master thesis presents the design process of MOBO, developed by a team of industrial design students at Aalborg University, in the spring of 2025. MOBO was designed to support special needs pupils in 4th to 6th grade to thrive better in education settings, with a focus to promote inclusion in the Danish public schools. The term ‘special needs pupils’ refers to those diagnosed with conditions such as ADHD, autism and anxiety. The goal was to design a school desk that reduces sensory overload from visual- and verbal disturbance, while also offering a safe space for the pupil. The design should also support pupils affected by under stimulation during class hours. Most importantly, it should provide appropriate accommodation that allows pupils with special needs to thrive alongside their fellow classmates without feeling excluded. This led to the creation of MOBO, a modular school desk. Its raised table top edge fosters a sense of ownership and personal space, while allowing for quick attachment of desk screens, that reduce noise and visual distractions. These screens can be attached in different directions and levels to accommodate the diverse needs of pupils for shielding and thereby offer a “personalized” safe space to retreat to, when affected by sensory overload. A dedicated storage solution for the desk screens is placed directly on the desk, so that pupils sensitive to sensory overload do not have to leave their seat to retrieve them. This also encourages more frequent use, as the screens are immediately accessible. Additionally, an optional fidget swing underneath the table top can help pupils release excess energy and thereby improve concentration and reduce restlessness. MOBO caters to both special-and non-special needs pupils, promoting better inclusion and well-being in the Danish public school.

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A master thesis from Aalborg University

.MOBO: The modular desk

[.MOBO: Det modulære bord]