PRESENTATION DAY:
Here is our set up for the final review. We have placed our flat-packed chair in the centre with a instruction diagram welcoming the group that will assemble our chair. The A1 panel is placed at the centre displaying the ergonomic and anthropometric study that has gone into the design of the final product.
Instructions to assemble our chair. These were created on sketch up and the numbers were placed on via photoshop. They are to help the client to assemble the chair with ease by following the number system. This is to ensure that the correct structure stays intact so that the chair can be used properly at its optimum capability.
These were drawing created by hand, showing the dimensions
of a human being in comparison to our chair. We have placed the human being
with a guitar in its hands to show how it will be used as it will be used by
guitarists both right handed and left handed. These drawings were done to a 1:5
scale and accurately represent the chair in use.
We used the layout sketches as inspiration to create these layouts on InDesign, we separated the page into three different columns showing assembly, development, the final chair and the chair in use.
A1 sheet layout ideas. We started to think about how we are going to present our work and which images, sketches will be needed on the panel to make our presentation more informative and aesthetically pleasing.
After testing the chair we discovered a few structural weaknesses. One corner was not being held together properly. Therefore we reinforced the cardboard and eliminating the weaknesses. The images above illustrate the new idea that attaches the two ends of cardboard.
The final design is a development of all the previous designs. It consists of two triangles interlocking to create a sturdy structure, enough to hold the weight of one person. The height of the chair is enough to elevate the person to a comfortable position for playing a guitar. A small foot stall can be attached to either side of the chair so that the user can lift their leg up to make playing the guitar more comfortable.
Created a 3D model on google sketch up to get a feel for how the chair will look in the end. Also this let us understand the chair from a 3D perspective by double checking the aspect ratios and the measurement so that they were at the desired height.
After our Friday presentation and criticism we discovered that our chair was not stable and could not withstand human weight, therefore we had to redesign our chair and this time we focused more on the form. We designed our chair based on a triangular prism and had the idea of interlocking the two similar to what we did with our first attempt.
The chair above is designed for a guitarist. Its function is to position the user in the most suitable position for playing a guitar, while at the same time being ambidextrous. This was achieved by raising one side of the chair to allow the user to support and prop up one leg (a comfortable position for playing acoustic guitar). To remain ambidextrous the uprights can be swapped around to accommodate both left and right handed musicians.
These dynamic sketches portray the way the chair will be utilised. The process was to have a model act out different emotions, feelings and body language to get an idea of how the guitarist changes positions throughout their performances. A time limit was introduced so that each person observing would pick out the key aspects of the way the musician would hold the guitar, their posture and their expressions. They will then be told to change and represent a different position. As we went along the figures started to collide with each other creating a collage of vigorous images outlining key elements of how the guitar is held, as well as how the body language changes with emotion.
Illustrated by the figures, a common aspect from all of the drawings is that the guitarist is raising one leg to rest the guitar at a desired height for them to play it, we need to take this idea forward to allow maximum comfort for the client. Some suggestions express for a higher leg rest or just a foot step that can be switched from one side of the chair to another so that the chair is versatile for left handed as well as right handed guitarists. We want this chair to be used by a wide range of guitarists.
Illustrated by the figures, a common aspect from all of the drawings is that the guitarist is raising one leg to rest the guitar at a desired height for them to play it, we need to take this idea forward to allow maximum comfort for the client. Some suggestions express for a higher leg rest or just a foot step that can be switched from one side of the chair to another so that the chair is versatile for left handed as well as right handed guitarists. We want this chair to be used by a wide range of guitarists.
Testing the previous design showed that the back rest was too weak to function. Above is a development of the back rest which consists of vertical supports as well as two flat sheets of card. The width of this design means the chair is more stable and with more pieces of cardboard, it should be strong when scaled up.
The design above is based on Charles Rennie Mackintosh's chairs as it features an out of proportioned backrest and grid like structure. However changes have to be made to suit the properties of the cardboard. For example, diagonal supports added to the base of the backrest prevent it being a weak spot. The grid-like structure provides stability, however changes have to be made to improve its stability further.
After being asked to bring in a selection of cardboard, we began to wonder what our new project would be. Our main focus was structure: we knew that this project would be something that focuses on structure and the integrity and strength of different designs. We were then given our new project brief to research the ergonomics and anthropometrics of a human and to design a cardboard chair using our research.
Our first challenge was to create a cardboard chair in under 2 hours with the selection of cardboard we had brought in with us. As we had a very limited amount of card we decided to focus more on the structural integrity of the chair (rather than design) to begin with. From experience we knew that with limited supply of strong materials, the best way to create a strong base was to slot the boxes/cardboard diagonally instead of horizontally and vertically. Cutting out cardboard for our prototype model. Using measurements from our research.
Background Image: Pap - PAP-design. 2014. Pap - PAP-design. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.pap-design.jp/en. [Accessed 06 November 2014]