Whether you live in a dorm, a studio apartment, or a tiny house, finding an uncluttered space to get some work done can be a challenge.
A sleek new desk called The Edge sets up fast and folds down flat, so you can store it virtually anywhere. Plus, its ergonomic design encourages better posture and eases lower back pain, according to its inventors.
The Edge looks like a hybrid between an art easel and a portable massage chair. The user climbs into a kneeling position, cushioned by pads on the seat and the knees. The table twists to portrait or landscape orientation depending on the kind of work you want to do.
There's little research on the effectiveness of kneeling chairs. A 2008 study suggests kneeling chairs set at a 20-degree inclination helps the lower back maintain a position similar to a standing one. Still, the study included a small sample size of young people, and didn't assess how the subjects performed on various tasks.
Kneeling chairs may promote what researchers call "active sitting." Because the body doesn't have a back to lean against, the abdominal and back muscles fire up to keep you balanced on the seat. Seeing that a sedentary lifestyle is so deadly, it seems like a good bonus.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of owning the Edge is convenience. It sets up in 10 seconds, fits under a twin-sized bed for storage, and is light enough to carry with you on the train.
The Edge is currently crushing its Kickstarter goal, raising over $165,000 in less than a week. The desk is available for pre-order for $279.
