STUDIO Charette Final Design

Model

How will the proposed solution improve the emotional attachment of the user to the chair?
The ways that will improve the users emotional attachment to the chair are through improved aesthetics and enhanced comfort. The user will be attracted to the improved aesthetics of the chair with respect to it's presence, as well as a heightened class and impression it has on others. In terms of usage, the user will be attracted to the chair as it is more pleasant to use for its enhanced comfort. The fact that the user has experienced the discomfort of the original design, then they have essentially 'solved' the problem 'themselves' then the comfort is not as much a peripheral thing. Every time the customer uses the chair and notices the enhanced comfort they compliment themselves for the benefit.

What are the proposed materials?
The attachment modification will be made from bend plywood with varnished and polish finish, similar to the finish on the woodgrain components on the famous Eames lounge chair and chaise. Wood is a bespoke and traditional material and due to it's diversity (many different types and finishes achievable) it can be adjusted to have a more contemporary appeal. To avoid conflicting visual languages, the selection of plywood was largely influenced by the fact that the original chair itself is pinewood.

How do you expect the consumer to use it?
The backrest is attached by removing the lower original backrest panel and using a locking mechanism is inserted into the trenches already machined into the frame. The original seat is removed as part of the disassembly process and the ergonomic modification seat is attached using the same existing system. The user sits in the chair in the same manner that most chair users are familiar with however with increased comfort due to the now present lumbar support, smooth and continuous backrest surface and moulded seat surface.

What stimulus will encourage the user to modify the chair or buy the aftermarket attachments for the chair (eg, change in life circumstances, etc)?
We could assume that this chair would have been purchased in a hurry as the customer was stocking up on IKEA furniture to furnish a new home. We could also assume that the user bought the chair because it is cheap, semi-disposable and the purchase would have required little thought. As the user becomes settled in to their new environment and monetary balance is restored they may be looking for something new enhance their quality of life. By purchasing the modification they are 'renovating' their existing possessions the user doesn't have the onus of disposing of old furniture.
Another consideration is the leftover components of the chair that are discarded when the new parts are attached. To increase environmental awareness IKEA could offer discounts on the modification parts if the user brings the unnecessary parts back to the shop so they can be used for other applications.

Mind Maps

Charette Exercise Reflection Questions

How has this task challenged your design thinking about promoting long-term satisfaction, product attachment and product endurance?
Admittedly I've always thought of obsolescence in industrial/product design as an issue that should be addressed solely through the design of a high quality product. And hence those products would be more expensive. Other than that I've never given it much thought. So this exercise was valuable to me as it got me thinking about a whole other facet of design that involves enhancing the value of a product but applying techniques that extend lifespans and add qualities to increase customer satisfaction. When I am playing the role of a consumer I will desire a product and work towards having that. Sometimes initially the product is very enjoyable but after time it becomes old and stale and my attention is focused elsewhere. Being able to design in addition to enhance a product after a consumer have purchased and adapted to it is a very interesting field with a lot of opportunity I believe.

How do you feel about designing beyond the original product?
In terms of the environment I feel very good about extending beyond the original product if it means that consumers satisfaction will be extended and enhanced and the products perceived obsolescence will be deferred. So in conjunction with changing peoples attitudes about desiring what they don't have, the field of using design to sustain the life existing products is very admirable and something that I look forward to understanding and implementing further in the future.

How did you feel about the collaborative problem-solving activity?
Being able to work with my friends on a problem solving exercise is great fun. The collaboration of ideas in brainstorming exercises produces results that I believe could often never be achieved working alone. Consultation with other people and taking on different perspectives brings about some amazing results. Hands on elements such as model making and working in physical spaces I feel is the perfect situation for vocalising your thoughts and achieving an overall result together.

If you were to design a piece of furniture from scratch, how would you do it differently?
I would design it to be more comfortable. I would use the materials in a more interesting way. I would choose a less generic form. I would explore alternative manufacturing techniques. I would incorporate more visual language to suggest an overall ethos of the piece - eg if the material was harvested from sustainable plantations I would push for a more organic form. I would do all of this within the means of the budget of course. I think to simply make a 'chair out of wood' is a bit of an injustice to design. A designer has the opportunity to use their knowledge in a creative way to incorporate messages and points of interest. This chair looks like something a carpenter would make. The only real application of 'design' I can see is the flat packaging aspect. Otherwise I think it leaves a lot to be desired. That said, it does serve it's purpose as a chair and is affordable and probably suitable for some peoples situations and contexts.