Marlen Chaidez

A Kohler Toilet - A toilet was developed from the inside, out. The functions of the traditional toilet were kept, only changing its' exterior form. The target client was Kohler.

Research: The Client, the Market, & the Functions - Kohler as the client had a wide variety in their toilet forms to study. Further research into the market was done to look for innovations in toilet design, as well as, the historical & cultural designs of toilets. After narrowing down to a traditional household toilet, the functions of the interior were studied.

Research: Configurations - Shapes & forms out of proto-foam were created to make the first rough concepts for sitting positions. Three different configurations were developed.

Concept Sketches - Visualizing a toilet with the tank on the side.

Concept: Development - Concept A was the best configuration because it offered more flexibility in terms of adding additional features. The space between the bowl & tank had potential, as well as, the extra space in the tank area.

Concept: Ergonomics - User-study mock-ups with the full-size dimensions were created to continue with further refinements. The final scaled model was to have accurate measurements.

Refinement - A second prototype was made with a more organic form. The lid of the bowl swiveled in towards the form on a pivot. A lid for the tank also swiveled, plus, a utile ledge as a layer on top of the lid. In the space beneath the tank & between the bowl, a toilet paper holder/storage, and a garbage can were provided.

Refining & Detail - The space between the tank & bowl was eliminated, so that the form would not look so extruded from the floor. More curves were added for a more pronounced organic feel. The edge & surface study models were to define the shapes more so that the final model may reflect the details.

Concept: Final - A couple of details were eliminated in the final model. The toilet lid did not swivel in, but out. The mass that it would cut through presented unused space. The sliding garbage can was hanging by material not worth the cost. Hence, a full open space for what ever the user wishes.