Can you believe that when the original Post-It Note was conceived, it was hard for the inventor to find anyone to believe in their idea?  Of course, we all know that the lowly Post-It Note has gained a special place in the modern office, and it’s usefulness is rarely disputed these days.

As with anything that is simple, efficient and practical, everybody wants to find a way to make it better. Over the years, these little sticky notes have found their way into the hands of some pretty creative people, and here are a few examples.

Have a little fun with these fruit-shaped sticky notes that have a “scratch-and-sniff” capability so can leave a trail of your favorite fruit scent while you dispense your messages. They also make your drawers and file cabinets develop a delicious fruit basket smell.

Trying to figure out a creative way to decorate that blank office wall? Well, consider crafting a personal art piece made entirely of sticky note pads! Not only will they spare having to put any nail holes in the wall, they can come in very handy when you need to make a quick note.

Are you one of those people who finds they can concentrate on conversations better when they have something to do with their hands? Seems that people who make Post-It Notes understand that dilemma, and have crafted a series of sticky notes with origami designs sketched in so you can fold them into various shapes to keep your hands busy without actually distracting you from what you need to hear — or say — and leave you with a beautiful creation instead of a pile of crumpled paper.

Custom designed sticky note cubes can give your desk a sense of elegance and can even be put to good use promoting your products — or your prized affiliates — in a subtle manner. Many print shops have the equipment to customize the outer edges of Post-It notes to reflect your personal style, logo or catch phrase. Of course, customized sticky notes are great giveaways that keep your name in front of the customer.

The days of being chained to the office desk are becoming a thing of the past, and now the challenge is to be as mobile as possible without leaving the important stuff behind. This trend has not gone unnoticed by many creative furniture designers who have developed ingenious ways for you to take along everything you might need and look cool doing it. No longer will you have to balance your laptop on your knee or fumble through your briefcase for files, but instead you can gracefully unfold your portable office and have everything at your fingertips.

The Portable Office

As much fun as a box of Legos, this lightweight, plastic device has everything you need to set up a complete office in a very small space. Cleverly worked into the design are two chairs, a fold-out desk, file cabinet, supply storage compartment and even hookups for power and wifi. All this can be snapped into the modular carrying case — about the size of deep freezer — with big heavy-duty wheels on the front a handle on the back so it can be scooted around like a wheelbarrow.

Node Desk Chairs

Originally designed for schools, these little “desk-on-wheels” are excellent for business situations where an extra desk — especially one away from the action — can come in very handy.  Sturdy coasters all the way around the base make it stable and maneuverable, and the swivel-action desk top lets you slip in and out of it without upsetting your work.  It is also ideal for onsite registrations or convention settings where mobility is a blessing.

Ecobank

Modular designs also have adapted beautifully to the challenge of getting office furniture out of the cubicle and into the field. Maruis Goetze’s creation called Ecobank transforms from a flat package about the size of a portfolio cover into a desk with chair, a multi-level work table or podium with just some simple adjustments to the frame. Certainly a great item to have along when you journey into unknown territory where there may or may not be the accommodations you need to get your job done.

Modular Office Desk

Designed by Florian Jouy, this innovative little modular desk can easily be transformed into the comfy bed, making a perfect for those “all-nighters” at the office before the big show or even for the times you need to grab a quick nap to be at your best. It even has a built-in file cabinet that doubles as a headrest for the bed or table for a snack.

Today’s office environment can require that workers spend a lot of time in front of a computer. The types of repetitive activities involved in operating a desktop computer can lead to muscle strain and possibly serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. There are few practical tips to help you be productive without causing yourself injury

1. Regular Breaks

If at all if possible, schedule yourself a ” stretch break” at least once an hour — even if only for a few minutes — and stand up out of your chair, rotate your neck, stretch your arms out full length and bend your torso. If possible, walk around a moment and step outside  now and then for breath of fresh air.

2. Positioning Equipment

Take the time to set up your work station so that your computer is level with your navel to reduce strain on your wrist, elbow and shoulders. Adjust your computer screen so that it is at the optimal distance for your vision and does not have any glare that makes your work hard to see. If necessary, use a pillow to support your back so you are not leaning forward to work at the computer.

3. Changing your Mouse

If you are experiencing physical problems from working long hours at your computer, consider switching to a different mouse. Roller ball type pointers can keep you from having to move the mouse around a pad. There are also mouse devices that can be attached to your fingertips so you can simply tap on any solid surface to send commands.

4. Adjust Your Chair

When you find yourself getting weary at the computer, consider adjusting your chair height or backrest for a while to relieve yourself from being in the same position. Even if it is not entirely comfortable, it can allow your body to relax muscles that have been overused and use some that have been lanquishing.

5. Ease-of-Access

Computers have new ways to access their programs and dictate information and commands. Voice recognition software can be invaluable for big projects that require a lot of writing, that they can also be quite useful for navigating software programs. Touch screen computers also give the operator much more freedom of movement. OLED touch screens are portable enough to be carried around like a notebook and used in any position you desire, so you are not chained to the desk when you could be more productive on the move.