African Design Magazine ADM #43 August 2018 | Page 5

COMPUTER MONITOR ARMS NMIC COMPUTER MONITOR ARMS Fast paced technology is helping all of us to work faster, communicate faster and edit graphics faster. However, for those of us whose full time work is using a computer, laptop or desktop there is a hidden concern. This is not immediately noticeable, but over time can become an issue. That issue is Ergonomics. Worst case scenario is using a laptop on the desk. User hunched over a relatively small screen. Neck ache, eye strain and shoulder ache become apparent with prolonged use. Modern Technology There are many ways to combat this problem. Laptop supports that raises the screen can help. The ideal set up is to have a separate screen at eye level, with the user’s back straight. To put the screen on reams of paper or books is a temporary fix. The proper solution is to use a computer monitor arm. Set the correct height, adjust the position from the viewer, tilt the screen to combat reflected glare from overhead lighting. NMIC Computer Monitor Arms Let us look at how the NMIC monitor arms featured came to be. Dave Heathcote, a toolmaker and owner of Heathcote Engineering designed this computer monitor arm two years ago, to combat the symptoms of poor ergonomics. A prototype was manufactured, and has been refined since then. Originally manufactured for in house use, customers and visitors to Heathcote Engineering enquired as to where they could buy one. Realising that AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | AUGUST 2018 5