You should really redesign it to be less than 12" deep (which is an accurate dimension).
First off, the smaller the operator interface is, the lighter it will be. This makes it a lot easier on the drive team when they have to carry the operator interface from the pits to the stage. I speak from experience from my days as the driver/operator and having to carry the OI from the pits to the stadium in Atlanta.
Secondly, you should make it less than 12" deep because if 17" deep, only 70% of the driver station is over the ledge. This makes it much easier for it to fall off, which can happen if a robot drives into the driver station at full speed.
Besides, what do you need 17" deep for? The joysticks, netbook, and anything else can easily fit in a 12" deep dimension.
