How We Test
Desworthy evaluates home office products using published specifications, manufacturer documentation, retailer listings, and — where we have hands-on access — direct testing. We are transparent about which pages reflect physical testing and which reflect thorough desk research, because readers deserve to know the difference before they buy.
What we measure
For ergonomic chairs, we track the same core measurements across every model so comparisons are apples-to-apples:
- Seat height range (inches, adjustable min–max)
- Seat width and depth (inches, at the widest/deepest point)
- Backrest height (inches, floor to top of headrest if fitted)
- Weight capacity (manufacturer-rated)
- Recline range (degrees, and whether it locks at intermediate points)
- Armrest adjustability (height, width, pivot — in inches/degrees where published)
- Lumbar support type (fixed pad, adjustable pad, dynamic/mesh-tension system)
For desk tech (monitors, hubs, keyboards), we track port count and type, power delivery wattage, display resolution and refresh support, VESA compatibility, and connection reliability across common laptop and OS combinations.
Hands-on testing process
When we have physical access to a product, our test process includes:
- Unboxing and assembly — time to assemble, tools required, instruction clarity.
- Fit check against a standard desk setup — typical desk height and monitor arm position.
- Multi-day sit test — comfort notes logged across at least three working sessions of two-plus hours each.
- Adjustment durability — repeated cycling of recline, height, and armrest mechanisms to check for looseness or wobble.
- Photo documentation — original photos showing the product in a real desk context, not manufacturer stock images.
Research-based coverage
Not every page starts with a physical unit in hand. When our coverage is research-based rather than hands-on, we build it from manufacturer spec sheets, official product manuals, warranty documents, retailer Q&A sections, and verified customer feedback patterns — and we say so plainly rather than implying testing we have not done.
Comparison baseline
Every review is measured against at least one alternative — a cheaper option, a direct competitor, or the category's most common pick — so a recommendation always comes with context, not just a standalone score.
Samples, loans, and merchant relationships
We may accept samples or loaner units, but accepting a product does not guarantee publication, praise, or removal of criticism. If a brand supplied a product, readers should be able to see that fact near the review content. The evaluation standard stays the same whether a product was purchased, borrowed, or provided.
When we retest or update
We revisit a page when the manufacturer changes the model specification, pricing shifts materially, a warranty term changes, availability changes, a model is replaced, or a reader-reported issue cannot be reconciled with our existing notes. Important updates change the visible last-reviewed date and, when necessary, the summary verdict or buying advice.
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