iye chair

Anthropometric Design
Fall 2022
Individual Project
Duration: 4 weeks
Software used: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Laser Cutter

Project Overview

Create a custom, ergonomic cardboard chair for a class-member using their anthropometric measurements. Interview your partner to determine their desired aesthetic, functionality, and features.

A maximum of 3 8'x4' single-ply cardboard sheets may be used to construct the chair. No adhesives or fasteners are permitted.

Design Methods

Human Factor's Design
Ergonomics
Prototyping
Furniture Design
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Client Interview

I interviewed Ngodoo to discover her desired aesthetic, functionality, and features. Here's what she said:

"I want a dual-use chair that I can use every day while working and relaxing. I would like a place to store my IPad, books, and snacks when I don't want to use them. I would also like an adjustable back rest that I can sit upright and recline when I want."

"I have a hard time finding chairs that are short enough for my height, so I want this chair to be short enough so that I can rest my feet comfortably on the ground."

"I like clean, simple forms. I tend to prefer mid-century modern or Scandinavia styles. I think the contrast between sharp and curved edges can also make a piece look interesting, but functionality is my main concern.

Next Step

After collecting all of the information gathered during the interview, I made a mood board to understand her aesthetic and then collected all of Ngodoo's body measurements. From the measurements, I created an acrylic manikin to determine the ideal seating lines for her chair.

Exploration

I first created a mood board based on Ngodoo's preferred aesthetic to serve as inspiration for my designs.

In order to design a custom-fit chair for Ngodoo, I needed to take her measurements at multiple key locations in three different orientations. Each measurement is used to determine the dimensions of the chair to ensure a comfortable seating experience.

After collecting her measurements, I laser cut an acrylic manikin at 1/6th scale to test various seating lines. With the manikin, I determined the appropriate seating angles for Ngodoo in both an upright and reclined orientation.

Ideation

Using the mood board and seating lines, I sketched different concepts. From these sketches, I narrowed it down to three final concepts. The concepts were chosen based on Ngodoo's aesthetic preferences and desired features and functionality.

I explored different methods of joining paper without using any adhesives or fasteners. With the help of this exploration, I was able to develop three concepts for the cardboard chair and determine how each concept can be constructed free of fasteners and adhesives.

Using the main body from concept 1 and the armrests from concept 2, I developed the final concept. Rotating thechair gives Ngodoo two different orientations depending on her current needs. It also has sufficient storage on one armrest and cupholders in both orientations on the other.

Prototype

Using Illustrator, I designed each component with the appropriate dimensions, including inside supports for added structure. The Illustrator file was then exported to a laser cutter to achieve precision cutting so that each piece fits together seamlessly.

Final Design

For the final layout, the armrest height was increased, three panels were added that extend from one armrest to the other to secure the armrests to the chair body, and the slot placement was redesigned so that the armrests are visually consistent with the chair body.

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