The ergonomic desk is a modern desk form which is in a sense a derivative of the adjustable drawing table or drafting table of the end of the 18th century (and much of the 19th century) since its main goal is to offer the proper amount of mechanical adjustments to the placement of its elements in order to maximize the comfort and efficiency of the user.
Some ergonomic desks have a big enough height adjustment of the desktop to make them usable both as a normal "sit-down" desk, or as a standing desk where the user works at the desktop while standing up.
The ergonomic desk is also know as a computer desk because many computer desks offer the occasion to adjust the height and angle of the keyboard tray, the monitor shelf and other elements, and because many desks made nowadays are used to work with computers.
However, not all desks sold under the name "computer desk" are properly designed to be adjusted in such a fashion.
The ergonomic desk was born with the beginning of the field of human factors or ergonomics after the second world war. Legislation stating minimal requirements for furniture used by office workers often referred to ergonomic desk standards.
Unlike the modular desk or the cubicle desk the ergonomic desk is usually a "stand-alone" piece of furniture since the need to offer a mechanism for the adjustment of the main work surface or desktop adds elements which are less easy to maintain within the walls of the cubicle desk and add too much cost to the production of the whole.
The ergonomic desk is usually a close companion to the ergonomic chair.
See also the list of desk forms and types.
