The Ikea Jerker
The Jerker was a modern workstation sold by the home products retailer Ikea. Designed by Nicolas Cortolezzis, the Jerker’s expandable design allowed users to adjust it’s height and storage space. After 3 versions, the Jerker was discontinued and replaced in 2007. I purchased mine off of Craigslist in 2008.
I believe that great design is the marriage between exceptional aesthetics and functionality. I never acquired a top shelf for my desk, so the legs awkwardly extend 2 feet into the air. The swing shelves and various add-ons make the desk look cluttered and heavy. The Jerker is function over form.
What sets it apart is the ability to offer users multiple configurations and options. It’s a desk. It’s a bookshelf. It’s a TV stand. It’s a workbench. You can sit at it. You can stand at it. You can expand it. It only requires two tools to assemble. I can transport it using my Dodge Neon. It only cost $150 (when it was available).
This desk provides many more configurations and features than the Eames EDU Desk, yet cost so much less. I question why great design is frequently placed beyond the grasp of the masses. Why design a desk that no one can afford to sit at?
The Jerker was replaced by the Fredrik, which was also designed by Nicolas Cortolezzis. There is also a website dedicated to the Jerker.
