Portfolio
Wave: Children’s Stool
Kids carry their lightweight stool with them and pop it open when they are tired. When they are ready to move their stool is easy to carry, just collapse the legs and fold the seat to go. The stool is optimal height for kids aged 7 - 12 of all shapes and sizes.
Designed to be durable and easy to clean, the removable fabric casing is machine safe. The fabric snaps attach the legs to the seat for increased stability. The structure of the stool is made of corrugated plastic allowing it to be lightweight and collapsible with living hinges. Coroplast is strong, durable, and recyclable.
The design brief was to create a collapsible, portable seating device. The challenge was using a creative application of the structural principals we spent time learning about in more depth.
Through the design process we conducted tests on mechanisms, ergonomics, collapsibility, foldability, portability, and comfort.
My design is called Wave, it is a stool for kids 7-12 in the various settings they experience. It has been tested for comfort, in travel settings, and simplicity of use. Major factors when designing this stool were comfort, safety, and easy of use.
DESIGN RESEARCH & IDEATION
Wave was initially design was to create better class environments for young students. It is fast and easy to change classroom layouts which affect learning experience, participation, social development. Studies show that location in a classroom in relation to the lesson affects the learning experience. For teacher’s experience classroom management is impacted by the physical design of the classroom, which is more effective when it can change to fit the class activity.
Studies have shown that row-column arrangement is better for focused work, whereas sitting in groups or a semi circle is generates more participation. It is multi-purpose stool for kids, useful for when they are out and need to sit.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Wave was initially design was to create better class environments for young students. It is fast and easy to change classroom layouts which affect learning experience, participation, social development. Studies show that location in a classroom in relation to the lesson affects the learning experience. For teacher’s experience classroom management is impacted by the physical design of the classroom, which is more effective when it can change to fit the class activity.
Studies have shown that row-column arrangement is better for focused work, whereas sitting in groups or a semi circle is generates more participation. It is multi-purpose stool for kids, useful for when they are out and need to sit.
DesigN CONCEPT 1
Accordion leg design rotate around a center axis with different heights, materials, living hinges, folds, and leg silhouettes.
Issues in Design: Test mechanisms to hold legs together, load bearing properties for different shapes and materials. Test the different fold design kraft paper, cardboard, coroplast, wood and fabric have.
Moving forward: Test in coroplast with a living hinge with curves cut out, like wood model.
DESIGN CONCEPT 2
Separate fabric casing for each individual segment of the legs. Fabric binding to connect the individual casing pieces in the center.
Issues in Design: Casing is not as stable because the legs are moving around too much, there is a lack of tension in the fabric. Wasted material between each leg from leg casings.
Moving forward: Sew seams to create one fabric casing for the stool’s legs.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: MORE BEING ADDED
DESIGN CONCEPT 3
Pattern a single casing for legs on model with fabric. Add an extra layer to legs.
Issues in Design: Testing collapsing legs with fabric, legs supported weight but legs move too much when twisting. Seat is uncomfortable to sit on with edges.
Moving forward: Add an extra layers of coroplast to each leg, cut on 45 degree angle to prevent torsion. Add foam cushion to the seat for added comfort.
DESIGN CONCEPT 4
Five layers of coroplast on each leg for added stability.
Issues in Design: Testing collapsing legs with fabric, found a lack of uniform fabric tension between legs. The fabric seams shifts off the legs after it is collapsed.
Moving forward: Add extra fabric and padding on the legs to maintain form and reduce potential harm for children on hard edges.
DESIGN CONCEPT 5
Add foam to top and side edges of the legs for safety for kids. Reduce the height of the legs for kids for more comfort while sitting
Issues in Design: Reduces the definition of the two curves on the legs.
Moving forward: Create a fabric casing that fits around the foam
DESIGN CONCEPT 6
Added a strip of twill over foam between each panel to hold form and prevent slipping. Add snaps to secure separating leg and seat to legs.
Issues in Design: Testing collapsing legs with fabric, found a lack of uniform fabric tension between legs. The fabric seams shifts off of the legs after it is collapsed.
Moving forward: Add extra fabric and padding on the legs to maintain form and reduce potential.
PROTOTYPING & USER TESTING
PROTOTYPE 1 - Stress test
Individual fabric casings for legs with two layers of coroplast on each of the 8 legs.
Test Issue: Test if it supports weight and is stable when twisting on stool.
Outcome: Strengthen with more layers of coroplast. Connect legs and fabric for more stability.
PROTOTYPE 2-STRENGTH TEST
Model with five layers of coroplast per leg, nylon/spandex casing, and inch foam on seat
Test Issue: Testing load bearing properties with different people, in some tests with 2-3 people on the model at once with combined weights of 250 lbs, 290 lbs, and 350 lbs.
Outcome: Found model able to support over 350 lbs and was still comfortable.
PROTOTYPE 3-AIRPORT TEST
IThe model with five layers of coroplast per leg, nylon/spandex casing, and inch foam on seat.
Test Issue: Test use scenario to test comfort, portability, and carry through airport as a carry on.
Outcome: Potential for additional seating for children in a different context. The model fit easily in both overhead and under seat storage areas. It was comfortable to carry through terminal both before and after security, with creating no issues going through security. The stool is light allowing it to be very portable and I was also able to strap the handle to the handle of a rolling suitcase to free up my hands. The velcro strap starts to feel uncomfortable after carrying for several minutes.
PROTOTYPE 4-USABILITY TEST
Model with three layers of coroplast per leg, nylon/spandex/twill casing, inch foam on seat, velcro strap, zipper, and snaps. Shorter legs by two inches and smaller when collapsed.
Test Issue: Test new version’s strength, stability, and comfort. Test ease of use of new features, like snaps, zipper, and new legs collapsibility. Test new velcro strap for comfort, if it is easier to carry and collapse.
Outcome: Found model able to support weight and was still stable with new legs. Folding legs is now easier with new velcro strap and thinner legs when collapsed. New height is still comfortable.
DESIGN DETAILING: GENERAL ASSEMBLY DRAWING
FINAL DESIGN
