chair questions

I interpreted rest as the cessation of work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.

The folding function is needed to allow the chair to recline so the seated individual can rest comfortably.

This chair is of value to the user because they can rest for a short time period without having to worry about getting out of the chair, since the reclined back would move forward and the seat would push them up when they are ready to exit.

The chair looks this way because it offers a new design that could enhance dull waiting areas, while offering an argument about using new materials for furniture production.

Chair Questions - Work

How is the assigned word interpreted?

My assigned word is work. Through observation, I realized that work does not necessarily mean sitting behind a desk. In my project, I define work as “knowledge work.” Like the word “work,” “knowledge work” is also still a broad term. Knowledge work includes communication and the exchange of ideas. The chair can facilitate this work by allowing for the user to be in different positions and interacting with others. The chair will also allow for the user to feel a sense of privacy when independent thinking is needed.

Folding Methods Research

Through my research, I have found that folding can be a space saver or folding can create more usable space that otherwise wasn’t there. In my chair, folding will mean that there will be more possibilities and the possibility of more usable space. Since knowledge work generally happens in a community space, rather than at someone’s designated office space, it is important to me that the chair offers flexibility for the user to personalize the chair through folding.

Persona

Since the chair is for knowledge work in a non-designated space, the chair will have a lot of different users in one day. It is important for the chair to be light weight and easy to move. The person approaching the chair will have the opportunity to adjust it to fit their own personal need. The goal is to make the adjustment a smooth transition and something that happens naturally (like the man in the video who subconsciously moves his chair over a couple inches).

Aesthetics

Since the chair may have a lot of elements to it because of the different folding opportunities, it is important that the chair does not look visually heavy. A visually heavy chair will make the chair look more complicated than it actually is. A heavy aesthetic would defeat the purpose of making a chair that gives the user options while being easy to use and come naturally to the user. 

Chair Questions - Work

How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted? In my project work is defined as completing tasks at a desk. When people are doing work at a desk, there are two main postures, which is to sit or stand; other postures such as kneeling are not effective for long periods of time due to the reduced blood flow and extended muscle tension. The chair, in work, is to support the sitter in a comfortable manner that supports their body for periods of time, whether short or long. When completing tasks at desks, I have found that a large complaint is the lack of different seating styles/movement; constantly sitting in a single position often makes people restless. 

Folding Methods Research When the chair is in its folded state, it has the advantage of saving space, but also changing the sitting angle of the sitter, modifying the angle at which they can approach their work. Folding, through my research, has largely been used to make things smaller or to make things stronger. An additional use of folding is to change the state of a particular thing, and in my chair I have taken the attributes of reducing size and changing of state as two integral components. 

Persona This chair has value to the user because it is light and compact, while also providing the support and quick modification for varying tasks and work heights. This versatility increases its uses in different environments. The target age group for the chair is 25-35. Because the materials used in my chair are metal and metal, the ergonomics of the chair are not the best for people who need more support in their chairs, namely those who are of older age. 

Aesthetics The chair’s outward appearance resembles a folding chair, which was the basis for this design; because chairs take up space in the form of a cube around the feet and back of a chair, it is hard to reduce the space that a chair requires to be used; if there are space constraints for an area that is constantly changing in function, folding chairs have an advantage of being easy to move, transport, and store. This particular folding chair idolizes the ubiquitous folding chair, and seeks to improve upon it by introducing an element of modularity to the otherwise stiff, single position folding chair. 

Chair Questions - Observation

1. How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted?

Observation can be defined as directing your focus to paying attention to details. Much observation is done as an individual activity. Observation is an activity that is not carried out for a long period of time.

2. Folding Methods Research

Observation tends to be an activity with methods of observing that are executed in a variety of positions. This chair folds down and up to support two different sitting positions. Folding often changes how something works or functions, and that is exactly what happens when this chairs when you choose which position to use.

3. Persona

This chair has a target audience and users of young adults to older adults. Age range includes 20s to late 40s. It is designed for average weight adults.

4. Aesthetics

This chair has an organic form with ergonomic needs considered. The form fits the function. It is an interactive piece, but it does not serve to me the main attraction or focus in its environment. The aesthetic is modest but not over-looked. It is to observe in, not to observe it.

Chair Questions - Learn

How is the assigned activity interpreted? 

Learning is defined as to gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught. I wanted to create a chair that is best suited for high school and college students. By designing a comfortable chair to learn in, one can get the best situation to expand their knowledge and skills.

Folding Methods Research

The chair I am building will allow for flexibility. It will be able to fold away into a compact space and will be easy to handle. The objective is to be able to move the chair wherever it needed to be for maximum potential in a classroom setting. 

Persona

This chair is mainly for students attending  high school and/or college. (15-23) Most students will be in casual clothing, like jeans and a t-shirt for example. Students will have laptops and other electronic devices they will have to be working with during class. The chair will be a value to the user because it will take all of these characteristics under consideration to make the ultimate experience for the student. The chair will be comfortable while still performing the task of allowing the student to have an excellent learning environment. 

Aesthetics


The chair will be made from various types of wood and plastic. It will have maximum capabilities of movement and be able to fold with ease. It will have an organic form which will relate to nature. The chair will be a comfortable space for students to sit for long periods of time. 

Chair Questions

How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted?

In my project learning is defined as gaining knowledge through observation, study, experience or being taught.  The users of this chair will be students in elementary schools K-3.  This chair will allow students to learn in the typical classroom setting.

Folding Methods Research

The chair I plan to create will be easy to use and allow for the greatest amount of flexibility in the classroom because I intend to create a chair that folds completely flat.  This allows for easy storage and flexibility in a classroom where teachers teaching this audience need to be able to rearrange easily and move things easily to create a dynamic learning environment.  And can still function as cushioning when students sit on the floor as well.

Persona (Phase 1)

This chair is of value to the user because it provides more seating options than the typical chair in a classroom setting.  It also completely folds up into a flat piece of furniture teaching the students construction methods and allowing the greatest amount of classroom flexibility for other activates that require more space.

Aesthetics

The scheme for my chair looks the way it does because of the way it folds into a flat piece, the aesthetics are simple and geometric, similar to chairs in most classroom settings geared towards young children.

Work_arfisher

1.How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted?

Work is not only defined as doing a physical or mental activity. It also corresponds as an engineering structure such as bridges, or docks. I am compering a bridge to a chair. A bridge is a physical structure that allows us to get from one place to the other, to cross a body of water, to save time. Well, a chair is also a physical structure that allows us to rest our bodies while doing an activity. Therefore bridge=chair, which means that work=chair.? (It makes sense in my head)

2. Folding Methods Research

Folding a chair saves space and becomes easy to transport. The first possible folding method of this chair consists of connecting the two pieces together when the chair is needed or disconnecting them. The second would be making the fold vertical instead of what it is ordinary used (horizontal).

3.Persona

This chair can be used by anyone, but because of its angle shaped pieces one might think that is guided towards young people (15-25). This chair could be used anywhere by anyone. 

4. Aesthetics

The aesthetics of the chair centers on the pieces that are joint together to then form the chair. The first viewpoint  would be the area for the back. This area consists of two parts that intersect together thus creating the angle of comfort that people need in a chair, this will allow them to have some back rest and molding to their back necessities, taking into consideration ergonomics. Some features of bridges would be brought into the design. 

Chair_Rest_AMRICHTE

How is the assigned activity interpreted?
For this assignment I have chosen to define rest through the activity of sitting in a chair and relaxing. By halting the body of any extraneous movement, rest is seen in my project as a way to slow down the average human being and force them to remain still while their minds and bodies rejuvenate in a comfortable position. Although the activity of rest can virtually be applied to any object my chair in this specific study has been designed to support the target activity.

Folding methods research
Aside from functioning as an object to support the act of rest, my chair has also been designed to serve a mobile and compact function. When not in use or when being transported my chair folds to be a compact and rotund surface with an extended handle for ease of the human hand to grasp. The folding addition of the chair adds flexibility for the user who will exert less force when transporting it, therefore saving energy to last him/her longer throughout the day.

Persona (Phase I)
This chair is of value to the user because it offers a contemporary and flexible alternative to the traditional chair while it is also environmentally friendly, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Aesthetics
The design of my chair was based on the materials of wood and plastic. The aesthetic is rather familiar but unique in its distinction from being in use and being folded. When in use the chair appears to be fitted to the human body with curves for upper and lower body support. However, when folded, the chair takes on the organic form of a clam giving it a unique relation to nature and contemporary form for a chair.

Chair Competition- Play

1.How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted?

My definition of play is an activity that people engage for enjoyment, and my definition of a chair for play is the chair that user can not only sit on it and play some games, but also play with it among its different states.

2. Folding Methods Research

The chair has two states (the folded state and the unfolded state,) both of them are available for user to sit on, and the two states are in need of different situations, because the folded state is with a fold-away table, which is good for people to play computer games or card games, and the unfolded state looks like a regular rocking chair, which is good for playing some video games or mobile games.

3.Persona

Because the chair is a foldable rocking chair for teenagers and young adults to play in various situations, it is very flexible for the user to change to whatever position they want. (Also, because the chair has two states, it is fun for the user to play with the chair, and try the different experiences between the different positions.）

4. Aesthetics

The chair has a very dynamic appearance because of the organic shape of the aluminum structure and the curved shape of the plastic seat and back, which is based on the curve of human body. 

chair questions

Devin Chambers

1- The activity my chair is involved in is eating. The chair does support this activity in its height, size, and support but it is meant to work with a table. There is no fold out tray component to support the activity of eating.

2-The benefits of the chair's folding capability is that it would be easy to store without sacrificing aesthetics.

3-The chair is of value to the user through its use of materials such as the flexible plastic that makes up the part the user sits on giving the chair a fresh, clean contemporary look.The materials also add comfort so that the idea the person sitting in this folding chair will no longer be the one who got stuck with them it will be a comfortable experience that provides support while sitting at a table.

4-The chairs design does hint at a simple recognizable chair shape. This allows the chair to be approachable it is not some over the top crazy design people are going to feel strange using.   

Chair Competition_Observe_CBSalce

How is the assigned activity interpreted?

For the project the act of observing means to watch, gaze, stare, and notice. Observing can be done in a seated or standing position with slouched or relaxed body positions to give all attention and energy to observing.

Folding methods research

The benefits of folding help to accommodate the user to utilize different positions in the seated or standing positions. Folding allows the user to reinvent the action of sitting to their benefit and have ultimate control.

Persona (Phase I)

The chair offers versatility in how someone can enjoy sitting and is encouraged to stay longer. It is easy to get in and out of and gives optimal comfort at the right angles to observe and take in the surroundings whether it is at a park, local garden or in a shopping plaza.

Aesthetics

The chair is made to resemble the curves of the pedals and folds of a bluebell flower and other kinds of flowers such as a rose or peonies. The aesthetic is to give the feeling of being enclosed like an insect within the flower hiding away from the rest of the world. 

Chair assignment- rest

How is the assigned activity interpreted

My assigned activity was rest.  Usually people think of rest as an act after a strenuous activity, but there are other ways to rest as well.  Some definitions of rest are sitting calmly, recovering strength for different amounts of time, and clearing the brain of any thoughts.  Usually people associate rest with day dreaming, resting on a couch or bench, meditation, the time before sleep and the clearing of the mind.  I think the most common positions of how people rest are with their heads back and letting their body sink into whatever they are sitting in.  

Folding methods research

This chair folds in the basic way.  The back folds down to the seat of the chair.  The front legs fold up so they are tucked under the seat of the chair, then the back legs fold up and they are covering the front legs.  There is a snap that connects the back legs of the chair to the top of the back of the chair, so the chair stays together when being transported.  There is a handle by the snaps to carry the chair. 

Persona

I want people who enjoy resting to be attracted to my chair.  The chair should be very inviting and people should want to rest in it.  This chair is a chair that would be placed inside.

Aesthetics

Because my materials for this assignment are aluminum, and aluminum, my chair will be sliver in color, like the material.  

Play Chair Competition

How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted?

In my project, play is defined as an enjoyable or fun activity that requires mental and/or physical interactions with another person or object. The users of this chair are pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults from the ages between sixteen and twenty-four. The chair will allow the users to undergo different changes in position as they sit and engage in playing with their electronic devices or their friends.

Folding Methods Research

Aside from being a requirement of the project, the folding function is needed to the purpose of providing different sitting positions and different heights for the user to sit at. The back of the seat and the armrest are able to fold down to create a stool for the user to sit in. In addition, the spiral allows the user to adjust the height of the chair for their comfort relating to the ground and the person or object that they are interacting with. With the folding mechanisms and methods, the chair can also fold into a flat surface that can be stored away or left in place as a floor pillow. The chair can perform these functions with the lock folding mechanism on the backrest and armrest and the material, memory metal, for the spiral.

Persona (Phase 1)

This chair is of value to the user because during play, people undergoes a lot of change in position and this chair can support their different position as they are engaged through play because of the inflatable metal, which is very flexible for the users position, and the folding mechanism that can change the chair.

Aesthetics

The scheme for the why the chair looks the way it does is because it is meant to look fun and dynamic as well as flexible. The bottom of the chair resembles a metal spring that moves through the force of energy. The top of the chair is similar to most backrest and armrest chairs; however, this chair is able to fold into a stool.

Kim Williams - REST

Assigned Activity Interpretation
I interpreted my assigned activity which is rest to cater to the more spiritual individual. The person who rests to ease their mind body and soul through meditation.  The average meditator sits on the floor with their legs criss crossed or underneath them with their eyes closed with a straight back, but overall relaxed posture. In order to experience full spiritual rest one must clear their mind, close their eyes and in most instances be in complete silence.

Folding methods research
There are a couple of meditation chairs in the market, however many of the full size chairs are not foldable or portable. My meditation chair folds into itself. The seat folds down and the back of the chair  folds inward to enclose the seat. Once folded the chair looks like the side of a pistachio.

Persona
My chair appeals to the people who enjoy meditating outdoors, in their living, bedroom and more. It's easily transportable.

Aesthetics
The Chair itself is made from wood with aluminum details.

Rest- Erika Guldner

How is the assigned activity interpreted?

In my project rest is defined as the literal stoppage of motion.  To create this effect in a chair I thought of inflatable pieces that would surround the person sitting in the chair in a comfortable manner.  These pieces would cushion the body by filling the empty spaces between the chair and the body.  Doing this will restrict motion but in a non threatening way.  Like a warm embrace the chair will hug the person sitting in it.

folding methods research

The folding part of my chair are the inflatable pieces.  Its function is to stop the movement of the person sitting on it.

Persona

This chair is of value to the user because it works as a normal chair but it can also be used to encapsulate the user in a restful state.

Aesthetics

The chair is a semi circular form emulating the moon it is suppose to look sleek so the technology of the inflatable parts fit the look of the chair.

Cassie Pettinati: Chair (play)

How is the assigned activity interpreted
1) In my project, play is defined as the support of conversation through the practice of small group interaction.
(I am going to be exploring the parallel between an extension of surface and an extension of invitation to sit down and join a conversation. I want to consider how to multiply a surface or a chair to create space for the invitation)




Folding Methods Research
2) Aside from being a requirement of the project, the folding function (in my case storing multiples, concealing more than one chair) is needed for the purpose of withholding the invitation until the situation presents itself.
(I need to question at what point does it become an invitation vs. an offer that is always there? Thus, exlusion is a necessary part of an invitation.)




Persona (Phase 1)
3) This chair is of value to the user because it allows them to encourage genuine open community. It allows them to extend an invitation for others to sit and join them while alleviating the brokenness and insecurity that might exist if an invitation was otherwise not offered. (The body language of invitation will be considered.)



Aesthetics
4) The scheme for why the chair looks the way it does is because it needs to look inviting
(perhaps with the use of color) yet inconspicuous (in the sense that you cannot tell right away that there are multiple chairs in one) in order for the grand gesture of “offering another chair” to seem like a substantial and meaningful offer.

Chair Competition

How is the Assigned Activity Interpreted?
  In my project observe is defined as to watch or be present without participating actively. It is to be or become aware of something, especially through careful and directed attention. Everyone observes throughout the course of the day- their surroundings, other people, personal items. The person using the chair is observing in a coffee shop; therefore, the chair is intended to comfortably support the users body weight.

Folding Methods Research
  The chair has a folding function, in which it completely folds into itself. The folding aspect of the chair provides a value to the users. It allows the users to easily store and move the chair when it is not in use.

Persona
  The chair is of value to the user, because it provides a more comfortable seating back than typical wooden coffee shop chairs. Many coffee shops have couches and chairs. It appears that more thought was put into the couches, which are extremely comfortable and are usually taken, than the stiff wooden chairs at the tables.  It also completely folds up so that when some coffee shops have open mic nights or other events, they can easily remove the chairs.

Aesthetics
  The scheme for the design of the chair centers around the backrest. The seating backing takes into account the fact that people typically lean back in their seats. The chair allows the person to lean back a bit.  The chair sort of resembles typical coffee shop chairs; however, the complete folding aspect separates the chair from others.

Chair Competition - Play - Brooke Gordon

How is the assigned activity interpreted?
I have defined play as mental or physical interaction with people or objects. Words that are often related to "play" are: energy, fun, physical/mental activity, motion, active and imagination. The person using the chair is doing the activity, however, in some cases of "play," a chair is not needed. In the target activity of playing video games, the chair is supporting its user.

When the chair is in it's folded state, what benefit is there?
  The chair I am designing has a folding aspect to allow for various options of how to use the chair and interact with the chair. The entire chair does not fold itself, however, it is compatible in that it stacks. The benefit that comes from this chair having the ability to stack is that when not in use it is easy to store.

The chairmaker will want to know why someone would want to buy this chair. Tell them why.
This chair is of value to the user because it provides the user with an aspect that the majority of chairs for this type of play do not have. The arms of the chair can be folded in, so when playing video games where most people are leaning forward in the chair with their elbows resting on their legs, they can now rest their elbows on the chair arms that have padding. This chair arms are also higher up than the user's legs, therefore, they are in an overall more comfortable position while playing video games. The arms of the chair also fold outward to be used as regular armrests that we see on airplanes for example.

Does the chair's outward appearance resemble something the average person is already familiar with? Is the shape based on another chair with the intent to idolize it, mock it, make us think differently about it?
The overall scheme of the chair is revolved around the aspect of the folding arms. The rest of the chair was designed the way it was to make sure it would serve it's function and work properly, as in hold the user's weight, not collapse and be durable and sturdy.

Discussion group CHAIR Competition