Images from research - playgrounds through history
Group brainstorming
We identified as many user needs as we could and analyzed them down to the 5 most important. These needs were critical throughout the design process as every idea was considered in terms of meeting these needs.
We interviewed students outside of the course about their experiences of traditional classroom seating and extracted some of our favorite quotes
Based on the interviews we extracted the main likes and dislikes of traditional classroom seating arrangements
The design process begins - our top 10 concepts within the group
Some research for what is already on the market for similar products
We set up a booth and presented our ideas of the top 10 concepts. Each person who stopped by voted for their favorite concept.
Prototype A: Blocks inspired by the meeting rooms at Google. The idea behind this was to keep the classroom environment interactive and playful
Prototype B: 3D Model of one of our concepts in SolidWorks
Prototype C: Mobile tables, benches and stools
Prototype D: Seating arrangement inspired by circular shapes encouraging teamwork and interaction
Prototype E: Fixed seats and sliding supports for the back encouraging mobility and movement. This idea stems from the fact that sitting still for long periods of time slows creativity.
Cutting wood in preparation for building our final prototype
Putting together our final prototype
Demo: Group discussion while making use of the cubes whiteboard side to take notes
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Demo: Writing on the whiteboard side while sitting
Demo: The cube as a support to lean against while using laptop
Demo: The cubes are light enough to be moved around the classroom
Demo: Showing the versatility of the cubes
Demo: May be used to work while standing if user wishes to take a break from sitting
Demo: Cubes fully stacked
Demo: The hollow side of the cube may be used to store items such as backpacks and books to keep the workspace tidy
Displaying our final product at the tradeshow
A passerby tries out our product for himself
Explaining our design process
Our busy booth at the tradeshow
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Product Design Project - Active Classrooms
5 students teamed up and created "Active Classrooms". Our goal was to encourage a more playful and collaborative seating arrangement in schools, universities, companies and general group settings. The cubes allow for multifunctional use including stacking, storage and carrying. They are covered with a soft surface for comfort and contain a whiteboard surface on one side for brainstorming.
