10˚ Desk Furniture Design Report by Dan Chua

Chua Yong Ho @ Daniel

A2068

Major Project

BA ( Hons ) Furniture and Product Design / Nottingham Trent University / KBU International College

Technical Report

Content Content / 1 Exclusive Summary / 2 - 3 Project Aim & Objective / 4 Design Specification / 5 Research / 6 - 7 Analysis / 8 - 11 Design Development / 12 - 15 Material / 16 Manufacturing Process / 17 - 18 Final Design / 19 - 20 Conclusion - Critical Justification / 21 - 22 - Time Management Evaluation / 23 Gantt Chat / 24 References / 25

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Exclusives Summary Wood is the most common material used in furniture design industry. The increasing demand of the wooden furniture globally is one of the factors of deforestation issues. This issue has already become one of the devastating impacts on many places around the world. It contributes to a lot of environmental issues especially to global climate change. Unsustainable deforestation also may cause the loss of the wild life species and the pollution of the water cycle. The use of reclaimed wood in the furniture industry is a trial and tested method of reducing the need for continued deforestation. A lot of the wooden material used in building and products such as wooden boat, pallet can be reused. Most of this material had been exposed to the harsh environment; this makes it more sturdy and stable compared to the fresh cut wood. By using reclaimed wood will also contribute as a recycled green building material and reduce the waste on the landfills. The project brief was to design a working desk for young working adult which at the same time aimed to promote the benefit of using reclaimed wood to the targeted user group. Based on the research finding, by engaging user emotional toward a product may help to archive the project aim. By adopting the 3 Level Design Appeal by Donald Norman in the design development process, it helps to firm a design direction for this project. The final outcome of this project has shown the possibility in using this type of material. Nevertheless, it requires a period of time in order to examine the level of effectiveness of this approach in achieving the aim of this project.

http://www.echo.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/forests.jpg

Project Aim and Objectives Project Aim This project aimed to create awareness and promote the benefit of using reclaimed wood in Malaysia furniture industry to the manufacturers also the users.

Project Objectives -To design a piece of furniture that made from the reclaimed wood. -To explore the source and the use of reclaimed wood in local furniture industry. -To explore and understand the wood preservation treatment towards the reclaimed wood.

Design Speciď&#x20AC; cation The challenge of the project brief is to design a work desk for young working adult that enable to promote the benefits of using reclaimed wood in the furniture industry to the manufacturers and the users.

The outcome also has to meet the following criteria. a. A functional furniture with the consideration on the aesthetic value b. A clear marketing positioning consideration c. Reclaimed wood as the main material, other material can be used as the supporting material based on the design requirement. d. Final finishing may be varied based on the design proposal

Research This project focuses on the use of reclaimed wood in the furniture industry in Malaysia. By understanding the reclaimed wood properties can help to identify the benefit and the drawback of the material. The reclaimed wood can be defined as the processed wood retrieved from its original application for the purposes of subsequence use. The source of reclaimed wood comes from timbers as well as decking reused from old barns, factories, old wooden boat and wooden pallet used in shipping industry.

The reclaimed wood often comes with aged look that created a unique appeal. The imperfection of the wood created a distinctive vibe to the material itself. Being exposed to the changes of temperature and humidity enable the wood to be even more durable. Understand the source of the reclaimed wood and the wood past life is important. Some of the reclaimed wood may be through certain chemicals treatments that contain toxins. This type of wood is harmful to human and is not suitable to reuse. The reclaimed woods may come with certain pets issue such as termites. Relevant treatment such as kiln drying and heat treatment process should be applied in order to ensure invasive pests are killed.

Research A brief case study researched on the desk design reflected that the design of a work desk is depending on the motif of design and the design direction of the designer. A work desk can be designed to be high functional with less aesthetic consideration or a desk with large form that accentuate their gorgeous shape but less in functional consideration. On the marketing and design trend investigation, generally reclaimed wood furniture is a niche market in Malaysia furniture industry. Majority of the local reclaimed wood furniture companies are operating in a small scale. Most of the product is bespoke product and being market through social media. Used wooden pallet is one of the common reclaimed materials used. Based on few field visits to local furniture retail, modernvintage style furniture is one of the current famous furniture trends for urban youngster. The furniture designed with the mixture of natural wood finishing and retro colour palette can be found easily in many local furniture stores. Questionnaire survey had been carried out to study the users' needs and to collect the feedback from the public on the reclaimed wood furniture. Based on the survey result, majority of the respondents did not familiar and did not know the benefit of the reclaimed wood furniture. However, majority of the respondents are willing to purchase reclaimed wood furniture but pricing is the main concern when purchasing this type of furniture. On the desk design feedback, majority of the respondents preferred the raw and vintage design. Respondents also wish to have more storage and hidden wire featured in the desk design. 7

Analysis This research pointed out a series of challenges in designing a working desk by using the reclaimed wood. For the source of local reclaimed wood supplier, several reliable reclaimed wood suppliers have been found. Majority of them are selling reclaimed local wood from old wooden houses and wooden pallet. Although the market of reclaimed wood furniture is niche, but based on the research, the need of this type of furniture is increasing. The design of the desk can adopt the style of current furniture trend in order to attract the targeted user group. Besides that, the acceptance of using the reclaimed wood furniture in Malaysia is relatively high based on the survey result. However, the understanding of the benefit by using this type of material is low. The main challenge in the project is how can the design been promoted and at the same time on how to educate the targeted user on the benefit of using the reclaimed wood?

Analysis By engaging the user emotional experience and the interaction between the products may help to promote the benefit of the material to the user subconsciously. Donald Norman 3 Level of Design Appeal explained on how human emotional system affects the user experience towards a product. Visceral level is about the product appearance, touch, and feel. According to him, attractive design work better. The behavioural level is about the performance of the product. A fun and easy to use product gave a positive effect to the user. The visceral and behavioural level is about the instant experience by engaging the product while reflective level is about the long-term experience with the product and the personal satisfaction that the product can bring to the user.

Analysis

“… the product must be attractive....it should be pleasurable and fun. But it must also be effective, understandable and appropriately priced…” Donald A. Norman, Emotional Design; Why we love (or hate) everyday things.

Analysis According to Donald Norman, a product designed to be visually attractive caught the user attention easily. The experience of using and the performance of the product effect the emotional engagement between the user and the product itself. An attractive and functional product may give the user the feeling of satisfaction by using the product itself in a long run. By adapting Donald Normand 3 Level of Design Appeal into the project brief, it forms a clear design direction for further development. A reclaimed wood desk that is visually attractive will attract the user desire to purchase it. It has also to be functional and useful to the user. This can help the user to build up the trust and the understanding on the product itself. Subconsciously, the feeling of satisfaction will help the user to understand the benefit of the material in a period of time. The fun and functional concept becomes the core of the design direction. By engaging this concept in the desk design aimed to help to increase the user desire and the product usability in the visceral level and behavioural level.

3 LEVELS OF DESIGN APPEAL

Visceral

Looks , Aesthetic

Behavioral

Performance

Reflective

Experiences

Design Development The design ideation process started with the various design sketches that manipulating the concept of fun and function. The balance between the two elements is important in order to ensure the design can achieve the project aim. Unfortunately most of the proposed preliminary ideas did not achieve these criteria. Various approach of fun elements proposed in preliminary ideas is over decorative. The functional element of the design is overshadowing by the fun element. It did not create much impact to the user on the visceral and behavioural level. More development of the idea took place in the later stage where the functional element became the centre focus of the design. One of the potential designs chose for further development. The design idea was inspired by the mid-century modern furniture clean and minimalist characteristic. The desk designed with a slated drawer structure that created the asymmetry shape. By twisting the simple form into an asymmetry shape, it helps to create a visually fun and attractive element. The balance between both elements was found in this idea proposal.

Design Development By remaining the unique asymmetry form from the chosen design proposal, the design development started to focus on the proportion and the functional parts. Based on the survey result, majority of the respondents wished to have more storage and a better cable management system compartment in a desk design. The detailed design on the storage compar tment and cable management system was developed to suit the user need. Power strip compartment added to the desk design served as a part of clutter-less cable management system.

1st Scale Model

Scale models were made to test out the size and proportion of the desk design. The scale models were built with different type of desk leg design to test out the different design combination. Once the size of the desk was finalized, a 1:1 scale mockup was built to try out the structure design and the manufacturing possibility. Several types of manufacturing and joining technique had been proposed and tested in this stage. Alteration of design occurs at this stage after realizing the weakness of the slanted drawer structure design. Slated structure design will increase the cost and difficulties in manufacturing process. It will also increase the waste of material which clash with this project aim. In order to overcome this issue, the design of the desk structure was changed to a flat base panel meanwhile the drawer front panel designed with the initial asymmetry shape. The alteration of the design helps to simplify the overall manufacturing process while remaining the initial design proposal.

2nd Scale Model

3rd Scale Model

Design Development

Drawer Design

1st Mock Up Design

Power Strip Compartment

Structure Design

Design Development

Drawer Inner Structure

2nd Mock Up Design

Drawer Design

Drawer Structure Design

Material As the use of the reclaimed material is the main point of this project brief, a series of research into the source and the use of the reclaimed wood has been conducted and analysed. Field visit to the local reclaimed wood supplier helps to identify the types of reclaimed wood available in the market. One of the suppliers located at Kuala Lumpur area selling the local reclaimed wood from old wooden houses and buildings. Majority of the wood type selling by the supplier is Chengal, Merbau, and Balau. The price is slightly expensive due to the extra labour cost incur before make it ready for the market. On the other hand, another reclaimed wood supplier from Klang is selling the pinewood plank from the used wooden pallet. The cheaper cost and availability makes reclaimed pinewood pallet become the famous materials to be used in the local reclaimed furniture industry. Besides that, the beautiful wood grain makes it unique and attractive. After analyse and compare the wood properties and the cost consideration, the reclaimed pinewood had been chosen as the design prototype material. The beautiful wood grain of pinewood can be one of the attractive elements of the desk design. Besides that, the cheaper cost of material could suit the targeted market positioning for the desk design. The chosen reclaimed pinewood was being treated with kiln drying and heat treatment process. The wood stamp showed the grade and the treatment toward the wood itself. By choosing treated wood can avoid the invasive pets' issues on the raw material.

Manufacturing Process The prototype of the desk design was sent out to an external furniture factory to manufacture. Throughout the prototyping process, some alterations of design were applied to the prototype design based on the advice from the factory technician. For instance, the desk base structural panel was replaced by other solid wood material. This is due to the chosen reclaimed pinewood is characterize as soft pine. It is not suitable to use as the structure support material. The base support replaced by the rubber wood plank. Furthermore, the tappers splay designed desk leg support was replaced by a mid-century inspired arched design. This alteration enhances the desk design with the vintage touch.

Manufacturing Process Apart from that, several design features was added to enhance the overall desk design. For example, the factory technician suggested to partially cutting out the thickness of the cover for power strip compartment in order to provide extra room for socket. This feature can be made manually by using router machine or CNC machine cut when it comes to a mass production. The power strip rest inside the compartment designed to be in 30째 angle. Slanted design feature allowed the user to plug in or out their socket easily. The both separator structure between the power strip compartment and the small storage compartment added with a small arch opening. This arch used to allow the electric cable passing through from the power strip compartment to the small storage compartment for storing the power adapter. The angle cut opening on the storage compartment cover used as the opening for the cable to the desk top. The edges of the angle cut opening was added with the chamfer cut detail in order to enhance the user experience. On the other side, the drawer designed with a compartment divider. This feature provides various ways to the user to keep thing organize. A custom-made desk organizer tray added as an accessory for the desk design. It can help the user to organize their small stationary easily.

Final Design The final design of the desk named as 10° Desk. The 10° represent the slanted angle of the drawer design. The geometrical asymmetric shape of the 10° Desk is the focus point of overall design. An asymmetry shaped desk it is unconventional and unique. With the combination of the mid-century colour scheme, 10° Desk can easily catch people attention at the first glance. Although the 10° Desk is made from reclaimed wood, but it is also designed to be in a polish finishing that looks no different from fresh cut wood furniture. A polished wood finishing not only can protect and increase the durability of the material; it is also able to portrait a different image to the user apart from the common perception towards this type of furniture.

Final Design

The drawers finished with the pop-contrast colour finishing creating a fun and unexpected effect to the user. The bright and attractive mid-century inspired colour scheme can easily fit in any modern contemporary interior and enlighten the interior space with the modern-vintage vibes. Various design features added during the manufacturing in order to enhance the functionality of the desk design. The added features to the desk design can help to build up the satisfaction towards this product in a long run.

Conclusion - Critical Justication

“…the only way to satisfy a wide variety of needs and preference is to have a wide variety of product” Donald A. Norman, Emotional Design; Why we love (or hate) everyday things.

Conclusion - Critical Justiď&#x20AC; cation

As an evaluation towards the overall design approaches that applied in this project, the design outcome has met all of the objectives in this project. Theoretically, the project aim can be achieved since the design outcome has fulfilled the design criteria based on Donald Norman 3 Level of Design Appeal. However, it required a period of time to examine the level of effectiveness of this product in helping to promote the benefit of using this type of material. Other than that, an in-depth study towards the reclaimed wood properties is needed in order to understand the material better. This can help to identify the suitable material to be used in the design so that the wastage of material can be minimized and simplified the overall manufacturing process. The 10Â° Desk design can be further developed into a series or collection in order to aim at a greater market and audience. This can help to expand and spreading the benefit of using this type of material to the society. Lastly, with the successful marketing and promotional strategy, 10Â° Desk could be a piece of furniture that is truly beneficial to the environment as well as the user.

Time Management Evaluation The timeline of the Gantt chart was not strictly followed due to the simultaneous running of several projects. The ideation stage took up most of time in finding a better design solution caused the delay of the initial plan. However, the progress is back to track at the manufacturing stage. By outsourcing the external prototype manufacturer, with the help of the experience technician and machinery, it shortens the prototype manufacturing process. More time were spent on the CAD modelling and preparation of the presentation materials. Although there were many challenges throughout the project, however these challenges had been overcome successfully and the most important was the timeline were met.

Gantt Chat

Reference Books Norman, A. Donald, Emotional Design: why we love ( or hate ) everyday things ( New York, Basic Books, 2004) Website Jimmy Wong, (2014) ‘ 6 Things you should know about reclaimed lumber ’ In: Dwellcandy 2014 [online] At: http://www.dwellcandy.com/informational/6things-you-should-know-about-reclaimed-lumber/ (Accessed on 1.11.14) Wood Paper The zone, (2014) ‘ Why choose reclaimed wood furniture ’ In: Wood Paper The Zone 2014 [online] At: http://www.wpthezone.co.uk/whychoose-reclaimed-wood-furniture.html/ (Accessed on 21.02.15) My Woodhome Timber, (2014) ‘ Reclaimed Timber: The Benefits of Recycled Materials’In: My Woodhome Timber 2014 [online] At:http://www.timberhomeliving.com/reclaimed-timber-the-benefits-of-recycledmaterial / (Accessed on 21.02.15)