20 Custom 3D Printed & DIY Upgrades to Transform a Minimalist Desk Setup

Scott Yu-Jan

Introduction to Desk Setup Philosophy [0:00]

The video begins with the presenter, Scott Yu-Jan, introducing his minimalist desk setup, which, despite its simple appearance, incorporates numerous carefully crafted, invisible features designed for hidden storage and enhanced functionality.

• Minimalist approach with hidden features [0:05]
  • The setup prioritizes a clean aesthetic with hidden storage and functions.
  • These features are designed to be largely unnoticeable to visitors.
• Inspiration from efficient tool organization [0:19]
  • The inspiration for these desk upgrades came from a previous project focused on designing perfect drawer organizers for daily tool access.
  • The goal was to maximize not just tool organization but the overall desk setup's efficiency.
  • The video is part of a new "Dream Setups" series, encouraging viewer suggestions for future episodes.

Enhancing Desk Functionality with Custom Charging and Data Solutions [0:48]

The first set of upgrades focuses on improving charging capabilities and data access discreetly on and around the desk.

• 1. Ret retractable Charging Cables [0:48]
  • The goal is to have cables easily accessible but never in the way.
  • Easy adhesive option [0:52]
    • A simple solution is an adhesive retractable charging cable that sticks under the desk.
  • Custom 3D printed mount for a wall plug with USB outlet [1:04]
    • The presenter opted for a cheaper wall plug with a USB outlet and designed a custom 3D printed mount.
    • A short extension cable is plugged in, making it handy for USB-C powered tools like a soldering iron.
    • Another mount is designed for the back of the desk to charge items like keyboards, with the plug oriented upwards.

      

• 2. iPhone MagSafe Charger + Mount [1:57]
  • To keep the phone charging off the main desk surface, a mount is installed.
  • Utilizing a mount initially designed for laptops, it still effectively holds the iPhone MagSafe charger.

    

• 3. AirPods charger [2:28]
  • AirPods often get lost and uncharged if left loose.
  • MagSafe compatibility allows upside-down charging [2:34]
    • New AirPods are MagSafe compatible, and the magnets are strong enough for upside-down charging.
  • Custom mount hidden behind the studio display [2:43]
    • A custom 3D printed mount is created to hide the AirPods charger behind the studio display.
    • Gummy double-sided tape is used for mounting to avoid residue.

      

• 4. Card Reader [3:21]
  • The back of the monitor has a crevice that perfectly fits an SD card and CFexpress type A card reader.
  • Secured with gummy double-sided tape, it provides extra functionality subtly built into the monitor stand.

    

Optimizing Desk Space and Lighting [3:49]

This section details how the desk's physical space and ambient lighting are enhanced for better aesthetics and comfort.

• 5. Laptop stand [3:49]
  • To maximize usable desk space and maintain a clean look, the presenter chose to integrate a laptop stand.
  • Drilling the stand directly into the desk eliminates the need for a separate base plate, ensuring it doesn't get in the way.

    

• 6. Large Ambient Lamp Design [4:14]
  • Ambient light is crucial for reducing eye strain and making a space cozy.
  • 3D printing challenges with light diffusion [4:35]
    • Traditional 3D printing often results in light shining through all plastic unless very thick walls are used.
  • Multi-color printing for controlled light blocking [4:49]
    • Using bone white filament for partial light diffusion and black filament for complete light blocking allows for precise light control.
  • Inspired by architectural design, with a top lid diffuser [5:35]
    • The lamp design is inspired by a building the presenter walks by.
    • A lid diffuses the light upwards, creating a soft glow.

      

• 7. Small Ambient Lamp with Smart Home Controls [6:00]
  • To avoid reaching for a switch, a second lamp is designed with smart home integration.
  • Integrating a Hue Smart Bulb and button [6:05]
    • A Hue smart bulb is used, making the lamp smart.
    • The Hue Smart Switch is integrated into the lamp's design.
  • Controlling all apartment lights and presets [7:21]
    • Clicking the lampshade not only turns on the lamp but also controls all other lights in the living room.
    • Multiple taps toggle between different light presets (filming, casual, focused work).
    • Gestures on the lamp allow for brightness adjustment.

      

Streamlining iPad Access and Cable Management [7:40]

This part focuses on creating accessible storage for an iPad and tidying up desk cables.

• 8. iPad Holder [7:40]
  • The presenter has a specific need for two iPad cases: a Magic Keyboard case for writing and an origami stand case for media consumption/drawing.
  • Custom 3D printed shelves are created to hold both iPad cases, with or without the iPad inside.
  • The charging cable is kept close by to ensure the iPad remains charged.

    

• 9. Cable Organizer [8:15]
  • The presenter prefers a simple, clean, and quick cable management solution.
  • Easy installation and capacity for a power strip [8:38]
    • A "taco" shaped cable organizer is used, which is easy to install and can fit an entire power strip.
  • Velcro straps for neatness and quick access [8:51]
    • It features Velcro straps for neat cable routing but also allows for quick stuffing of cables when in a rush.
    • The design ensures a tidy appearance from the outside once closed.

      

Innovative Desk Cleaning Solution [9:08]

A unique, integrated solution for keeping the desk clean and clutter-free.

• 10. Trash Can [9:08]
  • This multi-component design aims to keep the desk clean effortlessly.
  • Embedding magnets during 3D printing [9:13]
    • Magnets are embedded into both the trash bin and its bracket during the 3D printing process.
  • Under-desk bracket and magnetically attached bin [9:35]
    • A bracket is mounted under the desk, and the bin attaches magnetically beneath it.
  • Red line indicator on desk for trash disposal [9:41]
    • A red line indicator on the desk shows where the trash can is, allowing debris to be pushed directly off.

      

  • Removable red indicator doubles as a 3D printed brush [9:53]
    • The red indicator piece snaps off to reveal a fully 3D printed brush, used for sweeping up smaller debris or dust.

      

  • Bin acts as a dustpan [10:13]
    • The bin can also be removed and used as a dustpan.
    • Both the bin and brush return magnetically to the bracket when done.

Alex Drawer Upgrades for Enhanced Organization [11:39]

Transforming the popular IKEA Alex drawers for maximum storage and accessibility.

• 11. Alex Drawer Upgraded Track [11:39]
  • The original Alex drawers do not fully extend, making items at the back hard to reach.
  • Addressing limited drawer extension [11:58]
    • Custom 3D printed parts are designed to house and guide new full-extension tracks.
  • Replacing original tracks for full access [12:04]
    • The original tracks are removed, and new full-extension tracks are installed using the 3D printed components.
  • Rethinking material choice for durability [13:15]
    • Initial PLA prints for the track holders snapped under weight without proper reinforcement from the metal track.
    • The parts were reprinted using carbon fiber reinforced PET plastic for increased rigidity and long-term durability, taking advantage of the enclosed 3D printer's stable temperature and fume control.

      

• 12. Alex drawer - Gridfinity [14:04]
  • The Alex drawers are the exact width of six Gridfinity boxes, a modular organization system.
  • This is used to organize less frequently used tools.
  • Examples include camera lenses, extra MagSafe batteries, camera monitors, and lens adapters.

    

• 13. Alex drawer - Gridfinity 2nd Floor Drawer [15:15]
  • To fully utilize the drawer's height, a second layer of Gridfinity organization is added.
  • The top layer holds various hardware like nuts, washers, and other components.
  • Different color filaments are used to label each bin with hardware size.
  • Bins are designed with a small ramp inside for easy retrieval of small items.

    

    

Integrating a Hidden SKADIS Pegboard for Equipment Storage [15:40]

A creative solution to incorporate a pegboard for equipment without affecting the living room aesthetic.

• 14. SKADIS - peg board [15:40]
  • The presenter loves the IKEA SKADIS pegboard but doesn't want its "workshop" look in his living room office.
  • He identifies a blind spot behind his Alex drawers where he typically hides messes.
  • The SKADIS pegboard is mounted to the back of the Alex drawers, making it accessible but out of sight.

    

• 15. SKADIS - headphone holder [16:42]
  • A 3D printed holder for headphones is attached to the pegboard.

    

• 16. SKADIS - tape holder [16:42]
  • A 3D printed holder for various types of tape is installed on the pegboard.

    

• 17. SKADIS - camera holder [17:05]
  • Since cameras are expensive, custom holders are designed with an additional locking print to prevent accidental unhooking.

    

• 18. SKADIS - battery chargers [17:17]
  • Unique holders are created to store and charge camera battery chargers directly on the pegboard.

    

• 19. SKADIS - slider battery charger holder [17:27]
  • A specific holder is made for a slider's battery charger, with enlarged holes for cable routing.
  • This allows for convenient battery charging right by the desk.

    

• 20. SKADIS - battery holders [18:40]
  • An initial spring-loaded battery dispenser design had problems: wasted space, "never-used" batteries at the bottom, and awkward front dispensing.
  • Redesigned battery dispenser for easy side access [18:40]
    • The dispenser is rotated to dispense from the side, easily reachable from the desk.
  • Eliminating springs for maximized storage and FIFO [18:40]
    • Springs are removed to maximize vertical storage space.
    • Batteries are loaded from the top and dispense from the bottom, ensuring a "first-in, first-out" system.
    • A second dispenser is added for larger slider batteries.

      

Conclusion: The Impact of Thoughtful Design [19:11]

The video concludes with a reflection on the profound impact of these seemingly small upgrades.

• Long-term satisfaction with the upgrades [19:11]
  • Living with these upgrades for months, the presenter expresses deep satisfaction and new ideas for future improvements.
• Transforming tedious tasks into enjoyable experiences [19:33]
  • Small, tedious tasks like grabbing a camera, changing a battery, or cleaning up a mess are transformed from annoying chores into fun and satisfying actions.
• Fading barriers between thinking and creating [19:49]
  • This transformation reduces mental barriers, encouraging more creative work.
• Well-designed spaces enhance productivity and job satisfaction [20:02]
  • A good setup doesn't just make work easier, it makes it feel better, leading to increased presence, completion, and willingness to try new things.