ULounge

The user-designed bench

July 2022

Context

In a summer program I attended at Emily Carr University I was tasked with the challenge of creating an original chair. My goal was to create something simple and innovative I could easily manufacture, that also solved a common issue.

Prompt

A new approach to the classic bench, that's easy to manufacture and solves a common issue.

My Solution

A folding bench composed of repeated slats, that doubles utility without doubling in volume.

Criteria

- Easily mass-produced

- Consumers can buy any length by purchasing their desired segments

- Bench can take up minimal space while not in use

Prototype Sketches

From the start of this project I had a pretty clear idea for the bench so there were few iterations.

The biggest challenge I faced was its function, but after some consideration I found a solution by adding a third unique segment.

Physical Building

As a part of the challenge, we had to construct the chair.

I chose to laser-cut the segments, which was a learning curve.

During the initial construction, the joints between the segments were very tight. To fix this I laser cut washers out of chipboard to relieve the friction between the segments.

Finally, I sanded each piece to remove the laser burns and clean up the final prototype.