The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City recognizes great design—and the need to fidget—by putting the Alphabetter desk from Safco Products Company in one of its current exhibits.

“Why Design Now” examines how design solves urgent social problems. The Alphabetter desk builds on research showing that fidgeting will burn 100 to 800 calories a day, and that children focus more, learn better, and disrupt the classroom less when they have a way to channel their energy into movement. Where some stand-up desks for adults in offices feature treadmills, the Alphabetter features a simple, swingable footrest. New Hope–based Safco acquired the desk from its creator, Tim Skiba, president of Sunway, Inc., in Wisconsin.

The Cooper-Hewitt exhibit is open through January 9. Safco Product Manager Lisa Anderson says sales of the Alphabetter, initially centered in Minnesota and Wisconsin, are ramping up on the East Coast.