Stool - Concept Development and Prototyping
A personal study of unusual geometry and structure in an everyday object like a stool.
Objective: Ideate, 3d model, render, then fabricate a personal project within 2 weeks.
Deliverables:
Must include 3 forms of fabrication
Laser cutting
Heat bending
Woodworking
CNC machining
Mold casting
Understanding The Modern Problem
The Issue:
Steps stools are built to be compact and easy to store out of sight and because of that, they are often forgotten and never used.
Step-stools have become irrelevant items lacking opportunity through its one function in a space.
Step Stools aren’t interesting; they are forgotten
The Switch
The solution: cylinders
fluid
inviting
calm
belonging
Step stools often follow a repetitive design language. The defining motif is their rectangular, tapered form; a shape that appears consistently across nearly every design.
The Inspiration
These images will be the basis of the design language moving forward
Concept Process
From start to finish of the 3d model process.
Key concepts throughout the design iteration
simple form
structural stability
manufacturing and assembly
final design
The starting point
analyzing structural stability
Upper connection points
Testing fillet's
Experimenting with design
Final connection points and assembly breakdown
FINAL DESIGN
The process
Prototyping prints
Fully assembled ½ shell and interior bridge assembly test
Fabrication
Putting the design into production with only a week left in the deadline.
3d printing
sanding
painting
assembly
Print production
ext. shell printed
Dowel connections
1/2 full print
1/2 ext. shell assembled
1/2 cylinder assembled
Ready for painting
CNC MDF base
Tolerance check!
First layer
Fully painted
FINAL
User Testing
