Design Brief: Ehn
WHAT
A portable stool that is easy to collapse, carry and store in a range of environments
WHO
People living in small spaces (i.e tiny homes, vans, etc.)
HOW
Ideation, research user testing, prototyping, wood and steel modelling, solid works, and rendering
Research
PRIMARY RESEARCH
-Compare portability and collapsibility functions
-Look at existing products and how their mechanisms work
-Initial consideration for form, size, and strength
Ideation
A series of ideation was undergone to develop working mechanisms, portability aspects and overall aesthetics.
Low-Fi Prototypes
Low fidelity prototypes were used to establish mechanisms, forms, and general functionality aspects like dimensional strength and support structures.
CONCEPT 1
- Legs too high to support weight
-Unstable with dynamic forces
-Simple design
CONCEPT 2
- Different forms and weight distribution
-Different locking mechanisms tested
-Unstable with added weight
CONCEPT 3
- Good dimensional strength
-Use of compression and tension
-Easy to assemble/disassemble
Design Refinement
Small works-like models were tested for collapsibility, structure, and dimensional strength.
The final concept makes use of tension and compression mechanisms to hold static and dynamic weight.
Works-Like Model
A works-like model was constructed out of plywood to gain a better understanding of the forces and mechanisms needed to support substantial weight. It aided in finding areas of improvement for the final concept and model.
Modelling Process
Design Features
How It Works
Final Model
The final stool is made up of Russian Baltic Plywood, steel, and nylon.It is able to collapse to be flat and easily stored. Its use of tension and compression principles allow for it to withstand weight, while its overall dimensions allow for it to easily transition between different spaces and environments.
Design Report
For more information about the process behind this design, review the provided report