I used paper to test several ideas as my first step, but the outcomes were not satisfying enough. Because I didn't have a clear idea about the function of my laptop stand.

Then I searched online for some examples, and analyzed the mechanism these design utilized. Here is an example inspiring me a lot. 

This design not only can support the computer in horizontal and vertical way, it can also leave space for keyboard. It inspired me to design my stand for both laptop and iPad, and in this way, the stand cannot block the screen of iPad. For the mechanism, I chose hook joint.

These images are the rendered version of my first draft. The left one is for supporting iPad, and the right one is for the laptop.

It turned out that my first design was too large for the wooden board, and the branch was so long that it might not be so stable to hold the laptop/keep standing. Thus, I made some adjustment on the size and shape.

This design fit in the size, and achieved my goal for its function. However, after getting the cut wooden piece, I realized the length of the rectangle in the second iteration was longer than my iPad. Thus, it failed supporting my iPad. But I found that it can also support my laptop vertically to save space when I'm not using it. After polishing and waxing, I had my laptop on it to test the stability, and it worked really well.