DESIGNINGMAKING- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

For my latest project my brief was to in a group  research, develop, design and make a piece of furniture or object reflecting contemporary culture and domestic life. I firstly started by looking at contemporary furniture, product design and sustainable materials. Through brain storming we became interested in flat pack furniture and found some interesting approaches to this.

 We also agreed that we wanted to design a multi functional piece of furniture. This image is probably what started our flow of thought:

It's sleek, contemporary and can be used in multiple ways. We started to think about what we could design which is multifunctional, not only can it be moved but is also easy to put together and small enough that it can be useful in small dwellings. We researched into Ikea and the types of furniture they sell, who there target market is and sales statistics. From this we got a better idea of what route we should go down for our design. Through much development we eventually came up with quite an interesting design:

It is a desk, storage, bookcase and seat so would be suitable for any working individual in either a small dwelling or office. We have decided that we would use glossy laminate formica sheets in lime green and white as these are very fresh, funky and contemporary colours. To hold all the finger joints together were using cable ties as this is a different approach from using glue and is easier to transport the furniture as cable ties can be removed easily and are so widely available.