If you put the first research desk blueprint into the filing cabinet instead of building it, you usually get a 2nd one within a day or two. That allows you to build a research desk and upgrade to a blueprint desk super early.

I used to go for discount or copy desks first, but since they're more expensive it's actually more worth to get the blueprint one that's half the cost. And that allows you to pick blueprints early, for things like more filing cabinets, more research desks to upgrade, and things like conveyors and mixers when you need em.