Kindergaten
Furniture
Introduction
This project focus on creating a furniture for a kindergarten in Kampung Naga. We were given options to choose what we will design. Options include the classrooms (first floor), lounge area (second floor) or the public library (second floor). My group pick the library and we will be collaborating with Djalin in this project. The main materials we are working with is rattan along with bamboo.
Prototype
I made the model 1:1 scale so that i could test it out. At first it seem really big when I made the mock up (as you can see in the photo) so I decided to test it out if I needed to change the dimensions. I invited some children to test the prototype out for me and I was glad that the size was just right for more than 4 children.
Observation
The kid in yellow started to lie down on the mock up and the rest of the others kids followed his action.
Pros
Able close interaction
Full backrest
Cons
Limited space
Kids may fight over the backrest
Not really able to interact with children behind them
The high backrest restrict the children's movement. (Elbows hitting against it, have to move to the side to get off, etc.)
Interaction between children and teacher
Refinements
High back rest to low back rest.
Observation
- The kids are able to seat in any position or stretch out the legs without entering the other children’s personal space
- More children will be able to join in as there are more free space after the refinement
- Even without the high backrest, the little girl lean against another child
- The little girl was able to interact with the children behind her
- Just like the 1st mock up, the kid in black used it like a bed
- Another interesting observation is instead of using it as a backrest, the kid in red on the right used it to support his legs. The kid on his left saw what he was doing and decided to copy his action
Cad Models/ Rendering
Refinements
The kid may fall back when they lean against the back rest, so I add reinforcements. As you can see the reinforcements are those in red. You can also see a slot in the 3rd photo which the reinforcements will slot in. Another refinement was that, after talking to more people, low back rest may not be the best option for kids of younger age so I change the measurement to a mid-range back rest.
Mini Prototype
The one in black without the rattan patterns is cushion for the kids to seat or rest on.(one of the other refinements I made)
The mat is actually 4 separated individual mats by itself and is connect with magnet stripes. It allows the users to used as individual or as a group.
When they want to put away, they can stack it up and lay it against the wall.
Final Rendering
The 3rd photo is how to keep the product
The 4th is how to slot in for the back rest
The 5th and 6th is the different colours choices and combination
Feedbacks/ Learning Point
The feedback I got was that I could design it in a way that one child get a seat and a back rest (individual floor chair) which does not limit the amount of people to seat as a group (unlike my current design)
When designing things for people to use I not only take into consider the user experience but also the ergonomics as well.