Patent Publication Number: US-2023140935-A1

Title: Desk with User Selectable Adjustments for Hot Desking

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/277,402 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 9, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to desks for collaborative work environments, such as hot desking. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern workspaces frequently include shared desks. In such workspaces, various users may use a single desk throughout a workday. For instance, a first user may use a desk in the morning, and a second user may use the same desk in the afternoon. By sharing desks, such workspaces can encourage efficient usage of valuable resources. 
     Current desks in shared workspaces have drawbacks. Some users find that shared desks limit connecting with colleagues and the adjacent workspace. In addition, each user of a shared desk may have a different arrangement to meet the user&#39;s ergonomic requirements, and current desks have limited adjustability. Each user may also have different technology requirements, and current desks have limited compatibility. 
     A desk with features for improving user satisfaction in shared workspaces would be useful. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a desk that includes a work surface. A first actuator is coupled to the work surface. The first actuator is operable to selectively adjust a vertical position of the work surface. A casing is mounted to the work surface. The casing defines an interior volume sized for receipt of a display. The desk also includes a stand. A second actuator is coupled to the stand. The second actuator is operable to selectively adjust the stand between at least a stored position and a deployed position. The stand is positioned within the interior volume of the casing in the stored position of the stand, and the stand is at least partially positioned outside of the interior volume of the casing in the deployed position of the stand. A carriage is mounted to the stand. The carriage is configured for supporting the display. A third actuator is coupled to the carriage. The third actuator is operable to selectively adjust a lateral position of the carriage. A controller is in operative communication with the first, second, and third actuators. The controller is configured for receiving data corresponding to a desk configuration over a wireless network. The desk configuration includes a predetermined vertical position for the work surface, a predetermined position for the stand, and a predetermined lateral position for the carriage. The controller is also configured for activating one or more of the first, second, and third actuators to correspond to the desk configuration. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a method for adjusting a desk that includes a plurality of actuators. The actuators are operable to selectively adjust a vertical position of a work surface, to selectively adjust a stand between at least a stored position within a casing and a deployed position at least partially outside of the casing, and to selectively adjust a lateral position of a carriage on the stand. The method includes receiving, at a controller of the desk, data corresponding to a desk configuration over a wireless network. The desk configuration includes a predetermined vertical position for the work surface, a predetermined position for the stand, and a predetermined lateral position for the carriage. The method also includes activating, by the controller, one or more of the first, second, and third actuators to correspond to the desk configuration. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    is a front, perspective view of a desk according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    is a front, perspective view of the example desk of  FIG.  1    with a stand shown in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  3    is a front, perspective view of the example desk of  FIG.  1    with a wayfinder according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a front, perspective view of the example desk of  FIG.  3    with the wayfinder shown illuminated. 
         FIG.  5    is a rear, perspective view of the example desk of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a plurality of the example desks of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a casing of the example desk of  FIG.  1    with a lid shown in an open position. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a tray of the example desk of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of certain components of the example desk of  FIG.  1   , including a swing arm. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic view of certain components of the example desk of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a method for operating a desk according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of the present disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations. 
     As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin. 
     Generally, the present disclosure is directed to an agile desk with features for automatically loading ergonomic preferences of a user upon activation of the desk. For instance, the desk can automatically adjust one or more of a work surface height, a display height, a display tilt, etc. to predetermined user settings in response to the user reserving the desk, the user arriving at the desk, the user checking in at the desk, etc. By automatically adjusting the desk to the preferred ergonomic settings of the user, the user may advantageously avoid wasteful setup time required to adjust the desk. When not in use, the desk may adjust to a default configuration, e.g., in which the display is stowed within the desk. Thus, the desk may advantageously have a reduced visual impact, improve light transmission when not in use, and encourage face-to-face collaboration between users at nearby desks. 
     The desk may include multiple actuators, including an actuator for vertical desk adjustment, an actuator for selectively deploying a display, an actuator for lateral display adjustment, and/or an actuator for display joint adjustment. Each of the actuators may be operated by a controller of the desk. A laptop computer of the user maybe connected to the display by a single cable, e.g., that also charges the laptop computer. The desk may also have one or more chargers, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, for charging personal devices of the user. As a particular example, the desk may include an induction charger, e.g., integrated into a work surface of the desk for wirelessly charging devices on the desk. 
     The desk may also include a screen or surround that extends upwardly from the work surface of the desk. A height of the screen may be adjusted by the user. The screen may assist with providing a sense of agency over the work experience at the desk, e.g., by raising the screen to provide visual privacy and reduced visual distraction or lowering the screen to encourage conversations and openness. 
     The desk according to example aspects of the present disclosure may adventurously provide a seamless end-to-end agile seating experience to give users flexibility in shared workspaces. By integrating technology, physical adjustability, personalization, and wayfinding, the desk may provide a flexible and collaborative workplace for multiple different users of the desk. 
     Referring now to the figures, a desk  100  will be described in accordance with example aspects of the present subject matter. As discussed in greater detail below, desk  100  may include features for adjusting to ergonomic requirements of a user. Desk  100  may define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T may be mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1  through  9   , desk  100  includes a work surface  110 . A user of desk  100  may utilize work surface  110  for writing, typing, etc. Thus, e.g., the user of desk  100  may position a laptop or tablet computer on work surface  110 . A shape of work surface  110  may be rectangular, oval, etc. Work surface  110  may be sized to facilitate work thereon. For instance, work surface  110  may have a surface area (e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V) no less than a half of a square meter (0.5 m 2 ) and no greater than two square meters (2 m 2 ). As another example, work surface  110  may have a surface area no less than eight-tenths of a square meter (0.8 m 2 ) and no greater than one and a half square meters (1.5 m 2 ). Such sizing of work surface  110  may advantageously allow space for work items of a user, such as a computer, keyboard, mouse, bag, notebook, folders, etc. It will be understood that the sizing of work surface  110  recited above is provided by way of example only, and the surface area of work surface  110  may be sized differently in alternative embodiments. Work surface  110  may be constructed of or with a suitable sheet material, such as plywood, press-board, OSB, etc. 
     Desk  100  may include one or more legs  112  for supporting work surface  110 . Legs  112  extend downwardly along the vertical direction V from work surface  110 , e.g., to a base or foot  114 . Work surface  110  may be moveable vertically on legs  112 . For instance, desk  100  may include a first actuator  210  ( FIG.  10   ) coupled to work surface  110 . First actuator  210  may be operable to selectively adjust a vertical position of work surface  110 . Thus, e.g., first actuator  210  may selectively adjust a height of work surface  110  along the vertical direction V relative to the ground below desk  100 . First actuator  210  may be disposed within leg  112 . Thus, first actuator  210  may be referred to as a leg actuator herein. First actuator  210  may include an electric motor, e.g., coupled to a threaded shaft, and a brake, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Utilizing first actuator  210 , a user of desk  100  may adjust work surface between a sitting configuration ( FIG.  1   ) and a standing configuration ( FIG.  4   ). Thus, e.g., first actuator  210  may be configured for adjusting the height of work surface  110  along the vertical direction V by no less than three-tenths of a meter (0.3 m) and no greater than one meter (1 m) in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, first actuator  210  may be configured for adjusting the height of work surface  110  along the vertical direction V within a range of no less than about a half meter (0.5 m) and no greater than about one and two-tenths meters (1.2 m) above the ground below desk  100 . 
     A casing  120  may be mounted to work surface  110 . Casing  120  may define an interior volume  121  ( FIG.  7   ) sized for receipt of a display  50 . Thus, as discussed in greater detail below, display  50  may be selectively disposed within interior volume  121  of casing  120 . Casing  120  may be configured as a housing for display  50  when a user of desk  100  is not using display  50 . For instance, certain users of desk  100  may prefer to work without a computer or from only a display integrated within a laptop or tablet of the user. By selectively housing display  50 , casing  120  may advantageously allow display  50  to be stored in a cosmetically pleasing manner when not in use. Moreover, when display  50  is disposed within interior volume  121  of casing  120 , the user of desk  100  may feel an increased connection with adjacent colleagues and/or more light may reach desk  100  as compared to when display  50  is deployed outside of interior volume  121  of casing  120 . 
     Casing  120  may be sized to house display  50  within interior volume  121  of casing  120 . A width of casing  120 , e.g., along the lateral direction L, may be selected to assist with housing display  50  within casing  120 . For instance, the width of casing  120  may be no greater than one and a half meters (1.5 m) in certain example embodiments. A height of casing  120 , e.g., along the lateral direction V, may also be selected to assist with housing display  50  within casing  120 . For instance, the height of casing  120  may be no greater than three-quarters of a meter (0.75 m) in certain example embodiments. Thus, large, e.g., curved, displays may be advantageously housed within interior volume  121  of casing  120 . 
     Desk  100  may also include a stand  130 . Stand  130  may be configured for supporting display  50  thereon, as discussed in greater detail below. Stand  130  may be mounted to casing  120 , and stand  130  may be moveable vertically relative to work surface  110 . For instance, desk  100  may include a second actuator  220  ( FIG.  10   ) coupled to stand  130 . Second actuator  220  may be operable to selectively adjust a vertical position of stand  130 . Thus, e.g., second actuator  220  may selectively adjust a height of stand  130  along the vertical direction V relative to work surface  110 . Second actuator  220  may be disposed within a leg of stand  130 . Second actuator  220  may be referred to as a display actuator herein. Like first actuator  210 , second actuator  220  may include an electric motor, e.g., coupled to a threaded shaft, and a brake. 
     Second actuator  220  may be configured for selectively adjusting stand  130  between at least a stored position ( FIG.  1   ) and a deployed position ( FIG.  2   ). Stand  130  may be positioned within interior volume  121  of casing  120  in the stored position of stand  130 . Conversely, stand  130  may be at least partially positioned outside of interior volume  121  of casing  120  in the deployed position of stand  130 . As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , display  50  on stand  130  may be selectively moved into and out of interior volume  121  of casing  120  by adjusting stand  130  between the stored position and the deployed position. Thus, second actuator  220  may selectively move display  50  into and out of interior volume  121  of casing  120 . In certain example embodiments, second actuator  220  may be selectively move stand  130  along a vertical range of travel that is no less than half of a meter (0.5 m) and no greater than nine-tenths of a meter (0.9 m). 
     Casing  120  may include a barrel  122  and a lid  124 . Barrel  122  may be mounted to work surface  110 , e.g., at a rear portion  116  of work surface  110 . Thus, barrel  122  may be positioned opposite a front portion  118  of work surface  110 , e.g., along the transverse direction T. The user may sit or stand adjacent the front portion  118  of work surface  110 . Display  50  may be receivable within barrel  122 . 
     Lid  124  may be pivotally coupled to barrel  122 , e.g., with a hinge, at an opening  126  of barrel  122 . Lid  124  may selectively cover interior volume  121  of casing  120 . For example, lid  124  may be selectively movable between a closed position ( FIG.  1   ) and an open position ( FIG.  2   ). In the closed position, lid  124  may be positioned over and limit access to interior volume  121  of casing  120 . Display  50  may be positioned within interior volume  121  of casing  120  when lid  124  is in the closed position. Conversely, lid  124  may be rotated away from the closed position into the open position in order to allow access to interior volume  121 . As an example, display  50  may be positioned outside of interior volume  121  of casing  120  when lid  124  is in the open position. Lid  124  may be biased, e.g., with a spring, towards the closed position. Thus, lid  124  may be normally closed. 
     Opening  126  of barrel  122  may be positioned above work surface  110 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. Thus, lid  124  may also be positioned above work surface  110 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. A distance between opening  126  of barrel  122  and work surface  110 , e.g., along the vertical direction V, may be no greater than a tenth of a meter (0.1 m) in certain example embodiments. Thus, lid  124  may form a pedestal of the user of desk  100  when display  50  is positioned within interior volume  121  of casing  120  and lid  124  is in the closed position. The user of desk  100  may place various items on the pedestal. As an example, the user of desk  100  may position a laptop or tablet computer on top of lid  124  when lid  124  is in the closed position. 
     Barrel  122  may define a handle slot  123  for lid  124  at opening  126 . A user of desk  100  may manually lift lid  124  from the closed position to the open position by inserting a finger into handle slot  123  and lifting upwardly on lid  124 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. As another example, the user may lift upwardly on the edge of lid  124  facing front portion  118  of work surface  110  to manually lift lid  124  from the closed position to the open position. 
     Casing  120  may also include a tray  128 . Tray  128  may be mounted within interior volume  121  of casing  120 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , tray  128  may be configured for supporting one or more of a mouse  64 , a keyboard  62 , and a desktop computer  60 . Tray  128  may thus support various accessories for a user of desk  100 . Such accessories may, e.g., operate in combination with display  50  to facilitate work of the user at desk  100 . Tray  128  may be positioned at a bottom portion of casing  120  when stand  130  is in the stored position. Conversely, tray  128  may be positioned at a top portion of casing  120  (e.g., at opening  126  of barrel  122 ) when stand  130  is in the deployed position. Thus, second actuator  220  may also move tray  128 , e.g., along the vertical direction V, within casing  120  when second actuator  220  moves display  50  into and out of interior volume  121  of casing  120 . Lid  124  may cover tray  128  when lid  124  is in the closed position. 
     Desk  100  may also include a carriage  140  ( FIG.  5   ) mounted to stand  130 . In particular, carriage  140  may be mounted to stand  130  such that carriage  140  is movable, e.g., along the lateral direction L. For example, carriage  140  may be movable on one or more rails  142  relative to stand  130 . For instance, desk  100  may include a third actuator  230  ( FIG.  10   ) coupled to carriage  140 . Third actuator  230  may be operable to selectively adjust the lateral position of carriage  140 . Thus, e.g., third actuator  230  may selectively adjust a position of carriage  140  along the lateral direction L relative to work surface  110 . Third actuator  230  may be disposed within carriage  140 . Third actuator  230  may be referred to as a lateral actuator herein. Third actuator  230  may include an electric motor, e.g., coupled to a threaded shaft, and a brake. 
     Carriage  140  may be configured for supporting display  50 . For example, display  50  may be mounted on carriage  140 . Thus, display  50  may move, e.g., along the lateral direction L, with carriage  140  when display  50  is mounted carriage  140 . Moreover, third actuator  230  may be configured for selectively moving carriage  140  and display  50 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. In such a manner, a user positioned at front portion  118  of work surface  110  may adjust the viewing angle of display  50  by moving carriage  140  and display  50 , e.g., along the lateral direction L, with third actuator  230 . Third actuator  230  may be configured for adjusting the position of carriage  140  along the lateral direction L by no less than two-tenths of a meter (0.2 m) and no greater than eight-tenths of a meter (0.8 m) in certain example embodiments. 
     Desk  100  may also include a swing arm  144  ( FIG.  9   ). Swing arm  144  may be mounted to carriage  140 . Thus, e.g., swing arm  144  may move, e.g., along the lateral direction L, with carriage  140 . Swing arm  144  may be configured for supporting display  50 . For instance, display  50  may be mounted at a distal end of swing arm  144 . Swing arm  144  may pivot (e.g., about a vertical axis) relative to carriage  140 . Thus, e.g., an angle of display  50  may be adjusted by a user of desk  100  by pivoting swing arm  144 . Moreover, a fourth actuator  240  may be coupled to swing arm  144 . Fourth actuator  240  may be operable to selectively adjust a tilt of display  50  on swing arm  144 . Fourth actuator  240  may be referred to as an arm actuator herein. Swing arm  144  may include at least two joints in certain example embodiments, with rotational axes at each joint. Fourth actuator(s)  240  may be operable to adjust the angle of display  50  by rotating swing arm  144  at each joint. 
     With reference to  FIG.  10   , operation of desk  100  may be regulated by a controller  200  that is operatively coupled to various other components, as will be described below. Generally, in response to user manipulation of a control panel  150  on controller  200  or one or more command signals, controller  200  may operate various components of desk  100 . Controller  200  may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of desk  100 . The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  200  may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     Controller  200  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout desk  100 . In the illustrated embodiments, controller  200  is located within behind control panel  150  proximate front portion  118  of work surface  110 . Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller  200  and various operational components of desk  100 . For example, control panel  150  and actuators  210 ,  220 ,  230  may be in communication with controller  200  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Additionally or alternatively, controller  200  may be in communication with various other components of desk  100 . As discussed, control panel  150  may additionally be in communication with the controller  200 . Thus, various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller  200  instruction. 
     Controller  200  may also be configured for communicating with one or more external devices  280  and/or servers  290  via a network  270 . In general, controller  200  is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between desk  100  and one or more external devices  280  and/or servers  290 . For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of desk  100 . In addition, it should be appreciated that controller  200  may transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices and/or improve user interaction with such devices. 
     As a particular example, controller  200  of desk  100  may communicate with a separate device external to desk  100 , referred to generally herein as an external device  280 . These communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network  270 . In general, external device  280  may be any suitable device separate from desk  100  that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device  280  may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, or another mobile or remote device. 
     In addition, a remote server  290  may be in communication with desk  100  and/or external device  280  through network  270 . In this regard, for example, remote server  290  may be a cloud-based server, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate city, state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device  280  may communicate with a remote server  290  over network  270 , such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control desk  100 , etc. In addition, external device  280  and remote server  290  may communicate with desk  100  to communicate similar information. 
     In general, communication between desk  100 , external device  280 , remote server  290 , and/or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device  280  may be in direct or indirect communication with desk  100  through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network  270 . For example, network  270  may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short- or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL). 
     The external communication system of desk  100  is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of the external communication system provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated desk, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As noted above, controller  200  may be in operative communication with first, second, third, and fourth actuators  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 . Thus, controller  200  may selectively adjust one or more of: (1) a vertical position of work surface  110  with first actuator  210 ; (2) a vertical position of stand  130  with second actuator  220 ; (3) a lateral position of carriage  140  with third actuator  230 ; and a tilt of display  50  on swing arm  144  with fourth actuator  240 . As discussed in greater detail below, the present subject matter may assist with adjusting such ergonomic settings of desk  100 , e.g., automatically, to match preferences of a user of desk  100 . 
     In certain example embodiments, controller  200  may be configured for receiving data corresponding to a desk configuration over network  270 . The desk configuration may include one or more of: (1) a predetermined vertical position of work surface  110 ; (2) a predetermined vertical position of stand  130 ; (3) a predetermined lateral position of carriage  140 ; and a predetermined tilt of display  50  on swing arm  144 . Such settings may be previously selected by the user of desk  100 . For instance, the desk configuration may correspond to the last settings input by the user into control panel  150 . Thus, the desk configuration may correspond to the previously selected by the user on desk  100  (or another desk) at control panel  150 . The desk configuration may be saved on controller  200 , external device  280 , and/or server  290  in such example embodiments. As another example, the user may input and save the desk configuration on external device  280 . Thus, e.g., the user may utilize an app on external device  280  to input and save the desk configuration locally on external device  280 , and external device  280  may transmit the desk configuration to controller  200  each time that the user utilizes at desk  100 . As yet another example, the user may utilize an app on external device  280  to input and save the desk configuration remotely on server  290 , and server  290  may transmit the desk configuration to controller  200  each time that the user utilizes at desk  100 . Controller  200  may transmit a request for the desk configuration to server  290 , e.g., in response to a user input at control panel  150 , such as a keypad input, a badge scan, etc. As another example, controller  200  may transmit a request for the desk configuration to external device  280  or server  290 , e.g., in response to a user input detected by external device  280 , such as a gesture or motion detected by a Soli chip on external device  280 . 
     Controller  200  may also be configured for activating one or more of first, second, third, and fourth actuators  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  to correspond to the desk configuration. For instance, if the user prefers to stand at desk  100 , controller  200  may operate first actuator  210  to adjust vertical position of work surface  110  such that the user can stand at work surface  110 . Conversely, if the user prefers to sit at desk  100 , controller  200  may operate first actuator  210  to adjust vertical position of work surface  110  such that the user can sit at work surface  110 . As another example, if the user prefers to not use display  50 , controller  200  may operate second actuator  220  to adjust stand  130  to the stored position such that display  50  is disposed within casing  120 . Conversely, if the user prefers to utilize display  50  with desk  100 , controller  200  may operate second actuator  220  to adjust stand  130  to the deployed position such that display  50  is usable by the user at desk  100 . As yet another example, the user may prefer than display  50  be positioned at a center of work surface  110 , and controller  200  may operate third actuator  230  to adjust carriage  140  such that display  50  is positioned at the center of work surface  110 . Conversely, the user may prefer than display  50  be positioned at a side of work surface  110 , and controller  200  may operate third actuator  230  to adjust carriage  140  such that display  50  is positioned at the side of work surface  110 . As may be seen from the above, controller  200  may adjust the ergonomic settings of desk  100  to match predetermined setting of a user. 
     Desk  100  may be utilized in a hot desking environment. For instance, as shown in  FIG.  6   , a plurality of desks  100  may be positioned adjacent one another, and users may reserve one of desks  100  for a period of time. By automatically loading the desk configuration for a user (e.g., when the reservation period of the user begins, when the user checks into the desk, when the user arrives at the desk, etc.) desk  100  may be assist with reducing setup time for the user and/or deliver a consistent agile desk experience. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , desk  100  may include an indicator or wayfinder  170  in certain example embodiments. Wayfinder  170  may be configured to assist a user with finding desk  100 . For example, controller  200  may be in operative communication with wayfinder  170 , and controller  200  may be configured for activating wayfinder  170  to assist the user with finding desk  100 . Moreover, controller  200  may be configured for receiving data corresponding to a user desk assignment over network  270 , e.g., from external device  280  or server  290 , and controller  200  may be configured to activate wayfinder  170  in response to the user desk assignment. As a particular example, desk  100  may be located within a hot desk area with numerous desks that appear similar to desk  100 , e.g., as shown in  FIG.  6   . A user may reserve desk  100  with external device  280 , and controller  200  may activate wayfinder  170  to guide the user to desk  100 . Wayfinder  170  may be, e.g., an illuminable sign with a distinct pattern, picture, logo, image, color, etc. that is (at least temporarily) unique to desk  100 . The user may see the distinct pattern, picture, logo, image, color, etc. on a display of external device  280 , and the user may then search for wayfinder  170  in order to find the reserved desk  100 . Wayfinder  170  may be mounted on a post  172  above work surface  110  to assist the user with finding desk  100 . In certain example embodiments, wayfinder  170  may be mounted on post  172  no less than seven-tenths of a meter (0.7 m) above work surface  110  along the vertical direction V, e.g., when the vertical position of work surface  110  is adjusted such that the user can sit at work surface  110 , to assist the user with finding desk  100  when wayfinder  170  is activated. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , desk  100  may include a privacy screen  160 . Privacy screen  160  may be mounted to work surface  110 , e.g., at rear portion  116  of work surface  110 . Privacy screen  160  may extend, e.g., along the lateral direction L and/or transverse direction T, along at least one peripheral edge of work surface  110 . For instance, in the example embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , privacy screen  160  is shaped complementary to a rear and side edge of work surface  110 . Privacy screen  160  also extends upwardly, e.g., along the vertical direction V, from work surface  110 . Thus, e.g., a top edge  162  of privacy screen  160  may be positioned above work surface  110 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. Privacy screen  160  may advantageously provide a user of desk  100  with a visual delimitation of a workspace. Privacy screen  160  may also be slidably coupled to work surface  110 , e.g., such that a vertical position of privacy screen  160  relative to work surface  110  is adjustable. Moreover, a user of desk  100  may adjust the privacy screen  160  upwardly along the vertical direction V such that top edge  162  of privacy screen  160  is positioned further above work surface  110 , e.g., in order to advantageously provide an increased sense of privacy to the user of desk  100 . Conversely, the user of desk  100  may adjust the privacy screen  160  downwardly along the vertical direction V such that top edge  162  of privacy screen  160  is positioned closer to work surface  110 , e.g., in order to advantageously provide an increased sense of community with nearby colleagues and/or improve light transmission to the user at desk  100 . In certain example embodiments, privacy screen  160  may be movable by no less than one-tenth of a meter (0.1 m) and no greater than a half meter (0.5 m) along the vertical direction V. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , desk  100  may also include a charger  240 . Charger  240  may be mounted below work surface  110 . Moreover, charger  240  may be configured for wirelessly, e.g., conductively, charging external device  280 , such as a smartphone, tablet computer, etc., positioned on work surface  110  above charger  240 . Thus, a user of desk  100  may conveniently charge battery operated devices while working at desk  100 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a method  1000  of adjusting a desk, such as desk  100 . Method  1000  is described in greater detail below in the context of desk  100 . However, it will be understood that method  1000  may be used with other suitable agile desks in alternative example embodiments. As discussed in greater detail below, method  1000  may assist with adjusting desk  100  to meet ergonomic requirements of a user. 
     At  1010 , a user may request a desk. For example, the user may input a desk reservation request at external device  280 , such as a smartphone or tablet. At  1020 , an available desk may be indicated in response to the desk request at  1010 . For example, wayfinder  170  may be activated on desk  100 , and the user may be presented with an image of wayfinder  170  on external device  280 . The user search for desk  100  and see wayfinder  170 , which guide the user to desk  100 . 
     At  1030 , user desk setting preferences are determined. For example, controller  200  may receive the user desk setting preferences via network  270  from external device  280  and/or server  290 . The user desk setting preferences may include one or more of a predetermined vertical position for work surface  110 , a predetermined position for stand  130 , a predetermined lateral position for carriage  140 , and a predetermined tilt of display  50  on swing arm  144 . The user desk setting preferences may be saved from a previous session by the user of desk  100 . The user desk setting preferences may also be selected by the user on external device  280 . 
     At  1040 , the current desk setting of desk  100  may be adjusted to correspond to the user desk setting preferences from  1030 . As an example, one or more of actuators  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  may be actuated to correspond to the user desk setting preferences. Moreover, controller  200  may operate one or more of actuators  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  to match desk  100  to one or more of the predetermined vertical position for work surface  110 , the predetermined position for stand  130 , the predetermined lateral position for carriage  140 , and the predetermined tilt of display  50  on swing arm  144 . 
       FIG.  11    depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein may be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method  1000  are explained using desk  100  as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable desk. 
     While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.