Lucy O'keefe Design Process Blog

Further Exploration of my chair design  I decided to simplify and return to develop a design from abstract thinking inspired from the form of a cube.   Joints in relation to the spatial verb Notch and a cube Cube with a notch (Wrapped for strength and unwrapped to expose inside) Experimenting strength of construction                    Compacts down  I found that it was extremely sturdy and this can be seen withstanding the weight of the heavy plant pot. It can also compact down which is an aspect I would really like to consider in my chair design.  Other Considerations with construction    Construction of Cardboard Prototype                    First mockup                  ...

Model Making  Once I was given my spatial design verb I began exploring and experimenting how a chair could be designed in relation to 'Notch'.  We were given the task to complete three mini models which were design driven by our spatial verb. These are what I had come up with From these three mini prototypes I found the 1st model to be very sturdy. This was because it is very solid and is highly supported by the overall piece wrapped around. It is also the most pleasant and funtional.  The 2nd model is much more organic demonsrating the verb notch through its overhanging form and criss cross joint connection. This is an aspect from the design that I wish to develope and experiment with.  The 3rd model was taken inspiration from a cube which usually solid twas made void through a 'V' notch taken in the from of a seat and the 4 pieces cut through.  I re-evaluated these models and at first considered how I could improve my se...

Experimenting with carboard Joints To start off my project I explored a range of cardboard joints and techniques to give my proposed cardboard chair structure with the restriction of not  using glue, tape or paint. After drawing some sketches I constructed some models with cardboard to test their form and strength . The Joint I found most Interesting and reliant was the slotted joint because when using two pieces of cardboard it can provide a sturdy base and can compact down which are both important aspects in my brief of designing my seat. I explored its formation and created this circular arrangement.  I was also intrigued by the pull through Joint where I further designed two more mockups. The pull-through technique here is both used as pegs to support the structure.