Product Design Multi-functional Chair

Product Design Multi-functional Chair

For my finale on my last year at high school doing Product Design i decided to manufacture a multi-functionl chair. I put a lot of time and work into this project and I'm glad i did because the outcome was better than expected. 

First i had to come up with an idea for a chair, i looked at all the problems i faced as well as others had faced when seating on a chair. it came to the conclusion that a chair with an easily accessible table would be great. 

I had the idea to create a chair thats ergonomically pleasing with a function of a table, storage space, extra armrest length and shoe space underneath. 

After restless nights on drawing designs for my product i finally zeroed in on two. 

Then i had to research the anthropometrics of the human body. 

I researched everything primary and secondary from body height, average persons (both man and woman under a certain age) back length, back width, waist size, to the angle of leaning down right and left, average length from buttocks to knee...etc 

Everything i tell you. 

I made models using cardboard and styrofoam and a 1:10 ratio model. 

This was my top idea 

To have a table that swings out and swings in. After using the table you can put it away so it doesn't take up space. Its compact and easily accessible. 

That gap you see the table entering and exiting, i also want to turn that into a box shelf/storage space, the table will only be accessible from one side and the other side you can use to store remote controls, snacks, magazines...etc. 

This second best idea included of a much larger storage space. Space is so precious nowadays, people can't afford large homes and space is expensive, this is why i wanted to create something that prevented the outpacing of space and a furniture. 

A fold out table. 

Plenty of storage space underneath your seat. 

I decided to go with the first idea. 

Below are just a few documented photographs of my manufacturing process. 

I decided to use styrofoam to reduce the weight of the overall product. 

Hot wire cutting 

Throughout the making process i kept germinating great ideas. 

One idea i had was to incorporate my Fine Art Practice into my Deign. 

In Fine Art i was looking at Automatic Art, painting and drawing subconsciously. 

I thought that the fabric to the cushions of my chair can be made using a painting of mine so i did. 

I first had to cut out a set sized MDF, sticking cushion foam on top according to size. 

I then made paintings on canvases at the art department and i wrapped the fabric around the cushion. 

I wanted the extra space in front of your hand so it becomes convenient for the user to put his or her drink down without any hassle at all. Another feature incorporated into the chair. 

At this stage when i was completed my product, i allowed my peers and teachers to sit and try out my chair, it was good to hear feedback from them as it will help tremendously towards whatever i do next. 

This was such an enjoyable experience, i learned so much, and i made this beauty. I'm really proud to have made this piece.