Furniture Rental System for Urban Nomads

Furniture Rental System for Urban Nomads

Meha Shetty FID UG 2010 Guide : Ramakrishna Rao Course : System Design

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Contents 1. Inroduction About the project..................................................................................................................................................................6 Project Brief...........................................................................................................................................................................6

2. Consumer Understanding Consumer...................................................................................................................................................10 Survey Sample Questionnaire............................................................................................................................................12 Survey Outcome..................................................................................................................................................................13 Inferences..............................................................................................................................................................................14

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

3. Research Initial Research....................................................................................................................................................................18 Rental Advantages...............................................................................................................................................................23 Furniture Characteristics....................................................................................................................................................26

4. Process Functionality of the system................................................................................................................................................30 Phase 1: Commencement...................................................................................................................................................32 Contract.................................................................................................................................................................................34 Payment.................................................................................................................................................................................35 Phase 2 : Termination.........................................................................................................................................................36 Business Model....................................................................................................................................................................38 SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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5. Furniture & Costing Material Conceptualization................................................................................................................................................46 Hardware..............................................................................................................................................................................47 Concept Sketches................................................................................................................................................................48 Joinery testing......................................................................................................................................................................49 Bed........................................................................................................................................................................................50 Table......................................................................................................................................................................................52 Cupboard..............................................................................................................................................................................56 Shelf.......................................................................................................................................................................................58 Chair......................................................................................................................................................................................60 Shoerack...............................................................................................................................................................................62

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Introduction

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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ABOUT THE PROJECT System Design project is the 5th and final Design project in the curriculum of Furniture and Interior Design Course at National Institute of Design. As the name suggests this design projects expects the student to take any systems perspective on a selected subject.

The Systems Design Project aims to achieve solutions based on understanding all the complicacies and contradictions in the apparent truth behind each scenario. The solutions may vary from merely being indicative in nature to a full fledged product.

‘Furniture Rental System for Urban Nomads’ was the topic chosen by me for the system design project. I began with an extensive study on the existing furniture rental systems existing in India. Also there was a constant interaction with the user group and their feedback was carefully studied.

Scenario - Urban Nomads ( Students & Young Professionals) Age group - 25 to 35 years

PROJECT BRIEF To understand and study ‘Furniture Rental System for Urban Nomads’ in India and there by develop solution that would provide a platform for them to rent such furnitures.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

“You are a nomad, a wanderer - just like me. You roam the desert and I roam the world. What’s the difference between us?”

Linda Ruth Horowitz, While the Sands Whisper

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Consumer

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Understanding User Urban Nomads are a small but diverse section of society that live and work in an urban area, yet does not own or otherwise reside permanently in any one location due to mostly professional commitments. These group of people generally consists of young professionals and students. As they are single and hence quite adaptive, they generally prefer staying in smaller houses and aim at cost cutting.

Due to their busy life they seek to come back home and avail some level of comfort depending on their affordability. As most of them do not own their own houses, they dont want to invest in buying furniture. But at the same time they dont want to come to an empty space without any facility of comfort at all.

Due to an unstable lifestyle that makes them shift houses and sometimes cities, they prefer not to hoard commodities as shifting makes things tiresome. In such a scenario a system of rental serves as a boon for them.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

The user group being educated expects an organized sector to undertake the task inorder to avoid hassels in the future. Their needs are basic and not luxurious in nature.

I did a user study with a verbal interaction and based on that I prepared a questionnaire for survey. The survey was conducted for 20 people and the information recieved was quite interesting.

The outcome of survey varied among men and women as both had different needs.

The survey included furniture, appliances and services. I tried to understand the user in a broader perspective and see as to what are their real needs.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Survey Questionnaire Sample

Questionnaire Name

Gender

Marital Status

You are a ...

Age

□ Male □ Female □ Married

Type of Accommodation

□ Young Professional

Chair

□ Existing

□ □

□ Existing

□

Shelf

□ Existing

□

Shoe rack Others

□ Existing

□ Existing

14

□ Existing

□ Existing

□

□

□

□ Unnecessary

Desired

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

Desired

□

□ Unnecessary

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□

Cook

□ Existing

□

Gas Supply

□ Existing

□

Laundry

Appliances Refrigerator

□

Newspaper

Bed

Cupboard

□ Existing

Cleaning Lady

Furniture

□ Existing

Steam Iron

□ Existing

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Services

□ Studio □ Shared □ Other

In your opinion, tick one.

Table

□

Others

□ Salaried □ Non- Salaried

Employment

□ Existing

Washing Machine

□ Unmarried

□ Student

Geyser

□ Unnecessary

Garbage Disposal

Others

□ Existing

□ Existing

□ Existing

□

□ □

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

□ Unnecessary

Desired

Desired

Desired

□ Unnecessary

□ Unnecessary

□ Unnecessary

Cooking Stove

Utensils

Containers

Kitchen tools

Others

Remarks

□ Existing

□

□ Existing

□

□ Existing

□

□ Existing

□

Desired

Desired

Desired

Desired

□ Unnecessary

□ Unnecessary

□ Unnecessary

□ Unnecessary

Survey Population Males Females Age Group Profession

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

: 10 : 10 : 25-35 years : Students or Young Professionals

Survey Outcome

Survey Outcome

90 80 70 60 50 40 30

Women

20

Men

10

Stove Utensils Containers Kitchen Tools

Cleaning Lady Cook Laundry Gas Supply Newspaper Garbage Disposal

Refrigerator Geyser Washing Machine Steam Iron

Table Chair Bed Cupboard Shelf Shoe Rack

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Inferences The survey made it clear that the choices even in terms of basic comfort facilities varies among men and women. The mere defination of ‘basic’ itself is different for each.

On one hand men feel that self service is the best service and so cooking at home turns out to be a bad idea as devoting time for an activity like cooking from their busy lives is not possible. They feel that hiring a cook turns out to be a problem as the tastes and things like that vary. Whereas on the other hand women feel that money can be saved by cooking food at home and they therefore long for a facility to cook.

The survey also revealed that there is one aspect which both of them more or less agree upon and that is the idea of having furniture at home as a basic comfort facility.

Affordability being an issue either makes them rely on really cheap quality furniture which dont last even a few months as most of them are second hand or sometimes third hand and so on. They feel a system of rental furniture will come as a boon for them.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

The key problems dealt with finding good quality cheap furniture that fits in their living space and provides the level of basic comfort desired. Majority of the people did not have beds and other furnitures and some ended up buying brand new products which they did not plan on carrying with them wherever they moved next.

A sheer wastage and non utilization of products was taking place.

In a scenario like this a system that optimizes this wastage and rather makes sure that someone who is in need of such commodities recieves it, can make the lives of these young nomads much better.

The needs of this user group being different demands for a system specific to them.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Research

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Initial Research The initial research started with finding out the existing systems that run on similar lines. The furniture rental system is prevailing in the western countries since a couple of decades but in the case of India, such a facility is quite recent.

Today in India there are quite a few furniture rental firms who function , but most of them have a specific target audience to address. Most of them have an online portal to access their products and they deliver the pieces at their door step. These include both luxurious and cheap rentals.

There are firms like ‘Rent your Duniya’ whose target audience is upper middle class and hence the furniture emphasises on style and look and not so much on functionality. On the other hand their are small Kabaadivala, or Kabadi meaning “junk or scrap dealer” who sell old worn out furniture at cheap prices. In most cases these cheap furnitues that are brought from the Kabadi and it comes back to him at a really cheap price as the pieces are so worn out that people dont feel the need to carry it to their new destination. in this way the Kabadi sells it off again at the original price to another customer and maintains the cycle.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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As the concerns of the target group are different, the whole system that revolves around is different.

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The consumer that the project seeks has different needs and constraints hence there is a need to develop a system pertaining to them.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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The study done on the furniture rental system in India revealed that the major chunk of furniture rental is available for either office furniture rental or furniture for events like weddings or other such festive gatherings.

The seasonal nature such events and also the quantity of furniture required due to large number of people interacting makes rental system a success in such a scenario. Nobody will invest money in buying such furniture that too in such large quantities for such a short lived event.

Similarly, in today’s India where entrepreneurship is on the boom, people keep setting up new business ventures by taking up office spaces on rent. When the spaces they take are on rent and might not be stable they belive in renting the furniture as well. Due to the risk factor involved in the new business venture and shortage of initial funds, renting furniture for office has become a widely popular culture. Like renting furniture for weddings, even in office spaces the furniture required are in large quantities and hence the intial investment is huge, which is a burden on the businessman.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Rental Advantages In an urban nomadic lifestyle, a rental furniture system is the best possible option. It has a lot of advantages over buying new furniture : • • • • • • •

No long term obligation No capital outlay No maintenance hassles Significant cost savings over purchasing or shipping Custom design for the specific target audience No hassle, maximum flexibility Renting is Tax deductible

Shipping could be a possibility after purchasing, but that too can lead to a lot of problems like possible damage during shipping, huge costs associated with it, unreliable schedules of the shipping service and also the optimal fitting of existing furniture in the new settlement.

All the above stated points make renting a better option for urban nomads due to their unstable living spaces and busy lifestyle.

The disadvantages associated with buying makes rental the best option urban nomads. Money involved in puchasing is a taxable income, budget never goes as far we think and also the major concern lies in the fact that the furniture becomes waste while moving cities as the money cannot be incurred back.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM SYSTEM DESIGN DESIGN PROJECT PROJECT | FURNITURE | FURNITURE AND AND INTERIOR INTERIOR DESIGN DESIGN | GDPD10 | GDPD10 | GUIDE: | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAMAKRISHNA RAO |RAO DONE | DONE BY: MEHA BY: MEHA SHETTY SHETTY | SEM| 7SEM 7 27

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Furniture Characteristics The furnitures that will be rented to the urban nomads, need to have certain characteristics pertaining to them specifically.

As they will be living in spaces that are small and cramped and maybe shared, the space availability will not be like standard house.

Most of the times students end up living as paying guests in someone’s basement or extended terrace. In such situations getting the optimum size of furniture that fits in their living space is hard to find in the common market as they generally address to the majority middle-class.

Another concern is that as the system is rental, wear & tear and careless usage is bound to happen and therefore the furniture has to be sturdy and should have an easy to clean finish.

Also due to the travelling nature of these furniture pieces, they should be made completely knock-down and light weight. The more the ease of trasportation the more will be the cost cutting.

Above all the rent that will be charged needs to be light on pocket and hence the cost of production also needs to less.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Process

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Functionality of the System Now that the basic idea is formulated, the functionality of the system needs to be addressed.The keys players for this system will be the people who produce the furniture and the other who take care of the orders, delivery and consumer relations.

A harmonious balance in the relation between the production unit, the service provider and consumer can make is this business a big success.

An existing furniture manufacturing unit can collaborate with a service provider to build the system. The service provider will be the main player and will act as a link between the manufacturer and the consumer. They will have to take care of orders and payments etc. The service provider acts as an intermediate and is a profit earning firm in itself. It will require a big team of individuals specializing in various sectors like BPOs, Accounts, Delivery & Assemblage etc.

The manufacturing setup will have to manufacture the produce and store it in their godowns so that according to the need it can be delivered to the consumers by the service provider.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Phase 1 : Commencement The system involves to main steps that take place one after the other. The service provider plays the major role in both the steps.

The consumer is at the receiving end but also at the same time initiates the system as they are in need.

The first step involves the consumer placing order with service provider and signing a contract. The consumer can call and place the order or can also order online. Once the consumer places order online, The BPO calls him/her on the phone number provided by them on placing the order.the telephonic conversation informs the consumer that someone from the company will visit him/her along with the contract for the payment and delivery formalities. A person from the service provider’s goes to the consumer’s house along with the contract on a date and time decided by the consumer over the telephonic conversation according to the convenience of the consumer. The contract is signed, payment is made and the order is confirmed along with the finalization of the delivery dates. A copy of the contract is given to the consumer along with the payment receipt.

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The second step involves collecting the order from the manufacturing set-up godown and making the delivery to the consumers house where it is assembled by the delivery boy.

A delivery van from the service provider’s goes to the manufacturing set up godown. The order pick-up information is provided before hand to the manufaturing setup. The delivery van then collects the order and delivers it to the consumer’s address. A handyman is accompanied by the delivery boy who then assembles and places the furniture according to the consumers desire. No payment of any sort is made during this step. the consumer is supposed to sign on the delivery form carried by the delivery boy to confirm that he/she has recieved the shipment.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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The Contract The contract acts as an official document that lays down all the terms and conditions of the bond to avaoid any future hassles. It mainly includes the total rental cost, the rental period, payment details and consumer details.

The rental cost is basically inclusive of the following things: • Basic rental cost : The cost specified for each piece of • furniture that is carefully calculated keeping in mind the cost of production of the furniture piece.

• Damage fee waiver : The cost that covers the minor damages cause to the furniture during the course of rent so that small wear and tear repairments can be done after the rental period so that the piece is fit for the next rental and no additional cost is incurred from the consumer at the end of the contract for expected damages.

• Delivery and Assemblage cost : The cost that accounts for a minimum amount for the delivery and assemblage.

The security deposit needs to be paid depending on the rental period which will be refunded at the end of the contract.

The consumer also needs to submit copies to ID proofs and address proofs as a formality to complete the contract.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Payment The payment procedure is very easy and hassle free. The payment amount would be made clear during the telephonic conversation and the consumer will have the flexibility to pay the money in either cash, cheque or via plastic money.

The payment will include :

Rental Cost

(Basic rent+ Damage fee waiver + Delivery & Assemblage cost)

Total Payment Security Deposit

(Amount derived depending on the rental period)

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Phase 2 : Termination Once the contract ends or so to say the rental period ends, there could be two main scenarios. After the contract perios ends, the refundable security deposit needs to be refunded, but for that to take place certain criterias need to be met that were stated while signing the contract in the begining.

The first scenario is when the rental period has ended and the person wants to extend its rental period. He/she can do so by simply signing a new contract without much hassles as the company already has his/her details registered. The person might even want to terminate the deal completely, so he/she can just return the furniture and collect the security deposit from the delivery boy who will come to pick up the furniture. In this case the furniture has to be in a fuctional condition only then the deposit will be refunded.

furniture so much so that it has become completely dysfunctional, then also his/her security deposit will not be refunded. For this, the consumer might question the idea of incurring a damage fee waiver which is included in the rental cost, but the fact is that the damage fee waiver only covers the minor damages and expected wear & tear caused to any piece of furniture during the course of usage. A complete dysfunctionality of the piece will lead to nonrefundment of the security deposit to the consumer.

The second scenario could be that the person has defaults in his monthly payment during the rental period. For instance the person failed to pay the rent assigned for every month for a couple of months or so. In this case the security deposit will not be refunded to him/her. Similarly if the person has caused damage to the

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Storyboard depicting the final System

1. Confused customer calls the service provider and seeks help.

2. A representative from the service provider The service provider informs the customer about the service and pays visit to receive the order and sign the a date of visit is finalized at the customer’s residence. contract and other formalities.

7. The delivery boy assembles the furniture and places it in the house accordig to the customer’s desire.

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3. The deal is finalized and the payment is made to the service provider. The date of delivery is also fixed.

8. The delivery boy arrives at the customers house to pick up the furniture. It is checked for damages and the formalities are completed.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

9. The security deposit is refunded to the customer depending on the state of the furniture picked up.

4. The manufacturing unit is informed about the order and date of pick up by the service provider.

5. The delivery van arrives at the manufacturing 6. The delivery boy delivers the order at the customers unit on the fixed date to pick up the order. doorstep and gets a delivery receipt signed. He gives a copy of it to the customer.

10. The pick up is dropped off at the manufacturing unit to be repaired for the damages.

11. The necessary repair is done at the manufacturing unit and the piece is stored at their godown.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

12. The payment settlement is made between the service provider and the manufacturer.

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Business Model As the system is established, the business aspect of it needs to be taken into consideration. Developing this system and putting it into practice can reap huge amounts of profit for the company who acts as the service provider.

Change in urban lifestyle and increasing in number of urban nomads makes this venture’s future very bright. An effective team of individuals including the Accounts, BPO and delivery & assemblage system dedicated towards the goal can make it a grand success.

This business has a lot of one time investment involved as the furniture pieces one bought will reap profits on each consecutive rental. Due to the ownership lieing in the hands of the service provider, he earns the profit each time. Paying the manufacturing unit is a one time investment. Setting up of a small office space for the BPO and the accounts as well as investing in purchasing delivery vehicles are all one time investments.

One of the main reasons for its victory will be the fact that there is no competion out there in the Indian market for them. All the other rental systems target a very different audience, whereas the audience required for this model is both in need and big in number.

The model can be initiated by applying in one city and then it has huge possibility of expnsion to other cities as well. These days all the metro cities are get crowded day by day with the urban nomads and even in the near future their number is going to rise.

With the increase in cost of living in urban spaces and fixed land resources, buying property is a challenge in itself. Space cramping leads to lack of ownership of many household goods.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

A good publicity of the idea that highlights as to how the service is benefficial for the customers and how this is only service provider giving such an opportunity will be the key steps to reach the customer.

The customers lives can be made happier with this idea as : • This is the only service provider that caters to Urban Nomads.

• Their needs being quite different requires a separate system.

• The facility being a rental system makes it exciting as the money involved is less.

• The setup being an organized sector buils in a level of trust.

As the whole system runs on the customer satisfaction , a customer friendly BPO will help build good customer relations. A clearly laid out contract which makes the customer understand the simple system without any hidden clause.

The key partners will be an “existant big manufacturing setup” like Style Spa, Godrej etc. along with the main Service Provider who will deal with the customer directly.The Service Provider will require a BPO ( Orders, complaints, customer service etc.), Delivery & Assemblage Unit.

Initial spening will be the cost of production of the furniture pieces, arranging delivery vans etc. But all these are mainly one time investments which will last long and the returns incurred from these are going to be constant and long lasting. The initial investment can be easily incurred in the first couple of years and the consecutive years are all going to reap profits.

The target audience is mainly Urban Nomads, i.e. Young Proffessionals and students as they need such a rental facility due to lack of affordability and short term usage due to unstable living spaces.

A dedicated team of delivery and assemblage department and the BPO along with good relations with the manufacturing setup is required to make the idea work.

The customers will be kept in touch with telephone and also via online communication.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

The initial couple of years will help incurr the investment made for the business and upcoming years after that are gonna make profits for each piece of furniture as the system is a rental system hence the ownership lies with the company.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

The revised business model demonstrates as to how the business will function in reality. It lays down who can be the key parterners in the business and what will be their roles. It states the resourses needed to make it work and what is its USP. It is a culmination of all aspects of the system including the capital. Both capital in terms of investment and revenue is depicted and also in inflow and outfloe of cash.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Furniture & Costing

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Material Conceptualization As thought of previously, the furniture that will be designed for Urban Nomads will have characteristics pertaining to them specifically due to their needs and desires being different from the common public. Hence the materials chosen for designing these pieces should also be durable and at the same time cost effective.

Both Plywood and MDF (medium density fibre board) are cost effective and sturdy, though MDF has certain advantages over plywood. MDF is available in the market with lamination. It is available with lamination that is on single side (OSL) and also on both sides(BSL). The presence of this lamination maked the surface look nicely finished and also at the same time increases it life as it cuts off moisture contact. It even maked the surface easy to clean.

Aluminium Pipes are light weight compared to other metal pipes and also at the same time are resistant to corrosion. Steel is also resistand to corrosion but its more expensive than aluminium. As the furniture will be knock down there will be no welding involved hence aluminium can be used.

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Plywood

MDF

• Normal plywood gets weakened when exposed to moisture.

• With changing seasons, plywood bought at the same time will surely start warping.

• Plywood contains internal gaps called voids. No manufacturer can avoid creating them.

• Pre-veneered surface is coarser, and does not accept veneeras well. This results in excessive chipping and tear out during machining.

• No matter how you cut it, you will be ripping some layers, and crosscutting others. This makes its cutting with a fine laminate blade more difficult, with a greater tendency to burn.

• Saw cut egdes are not so clean and smooth like other products hence it does not take edge gluing well.

• Contains grains inside which split earlier than expected.

• Can stay long without getting affected by moist weather.

• MDF can remain flat even after many years from the day it was bought.

• MDF doesnt not contain any voids like plywood.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

• MDF readily accepts veneer and prevents termites from entering it.

• MDF is very much fire resistant and easy to machine either by saw or router. MDF avoids tear outs after being sawed or machined.

• The cut eges of MDF are smooth and excellent for glue adhesion.

• Since it doesn not contain any grains, it doesnt split.

Hardwares As the furnitures are supposed to be completely knock down, a variety of hardwares are being used like Minifix. D-nuts, Jumbo clamp. etc.The handles of drawers and cupboards are simple SS handles and a self closing concealed hinge is used for the doors of the cupboard. Simple JCB screws are used in all the furniture pieces.

Concealed hinge

Door Handle

JCB screws

Bed joint detail

Minifix

Jumbo Clamp

D-nut

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Concept Sketches

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Joinery Testing

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Bed The bed is mainly made up of Both Side Laminated (BSL) MDF and metal fixtures. The joiney used in the legs is jumbo clamp which is sturdy and knock down at the same time. The joinery in the legs is supposed to be the strongest as all the load gets accumulated there.

The horizontal planks are also concentrated more in the central part of the bed as that is where the most weight goes during each time of use. Hence this reduces the intake of material and hence helps cost cutting.

Material

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

15

600

Jumbo Clamp

Rs 7/piece

4

28

CKS Screws

Rs 5/piece

48

240

Hardware 1

Rs 5/piece

2

10

Hardware 2

Rs 50/piece

1

50

Nut & Bolt

Rs 3/set

13

39

Rs 5/piece

48

240

D-nut Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

Total Cost

210

1417

Rental cost of all products will be 12% of the total cost.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Table

Table (1 door 2 levels + 2 drawers)

The Table is designed in such a way that it can be customized according to the needs of the consumer. As stated earlier due to unusual sixes of their living spaces the option of choosing the most suitable dimensions will be available to them.

Simple knock down joinery of minifix is being used for the table.

There is an option of choosing either doors or drawers for the same.

Material

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

44.2

1172

Door Handle

Rs 50/piece

3

150

Hinge

Rs 35/piece

2

70

Minifix

Rs 7/piece

48

336

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

620

Table (1 door 2 levels)

Material

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

36.5

1460

Door Handle

Rs 50/piece

1

50

Hinge

Rs 35/piece

2

70

Minifix

Rs 7/piece

23

161

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

Total Cost 54

Cost

Total Cost

2948

512

2253

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Rental cost of all products will be 12% of the total cost.

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Cupboard (2.5’X 1.5’X 4’)

Cupboard

Material

The cupboard has a modularity and customization option like the table. It comes in varying sizes according to the need of the consumer. It is also a simple BSL MDF and minifix joinery, which is completely knock down and portable. It even comes with a lock to ensure safety in case of valuables. It has a self closing concealed hinge which makes the cupboard door nicely shut even when unlocked.

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

Door Handle

Rs 50/piece

1

50

Hinge

Rs 35/piece

3

105

Minifix

Rs 7/piece

35

245

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

50.75

Material

3140

Cupboard ( 2.5’X 2’X 7’)

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

Material

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

60

2400

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

60

2400

Door Handle

Rs 50/piece

1

50

Door Handle

Rs 50/piece

1

50

Hinge

Rs 35/piece

3

105

Hinge

Rs 35/piece

3

105

Minifix

Rs 7/piece

49

343

Minifix

Rs 7/piece

49

343

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

840

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

Total Cost

3738

Rental cost of all products will be 12% of the total cost.

58

2030

710

Total Cost Cupboard ( 2.5’X 2’X 7’)

Cost

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

Total Cost

840

3738

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Shelf Material The Shelf has simple BSL MDF and minifix joinery combination.

It is perfect for storing books and other accessories. The best part about it is that if two people are sharing and living together they can rent it together and use it as it is big enough to accomodate two peoples’ belongings.

The sleek looking simple design goes with the language of the rest of the range and is also at the same time very functional.

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

22

880

Keyhole Hardware

Rs 2/piece

2

4

Rs 7/piece

16

112

Minifix Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

Total Cost

304

1300

Rental cost of all products will be 12% of the total cost.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Chair The chair is designed using bent ply and aluminium pipe of oval section. The idea behind using bent ply was that the sizes requires are readily available in the market and also at the same time the backrest is exactly half the width of the seat, hence making workmanship easier. Also, bent ply gives the gentle curve that the human body takes providing good comfort.

Aluminium pipe is light weight and also as the whole structure is knock down, therefore no welding is involved. this makes aluminium a good option to use here. Also the oval section gives more surface area under contact for screw joinery and hence stronger joints.

Material

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

Bent Ply 10mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

1.85

Aluminium Pipe 30X15mm

Rs 95/ft

12

1140

CKS Screws

Rs 5/piece

6

30

D-nut

Rs 5/piece

6

30

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

Total Cost

74

427

1701

Rental cost of all products will be 12% of the total cost.

62

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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Shoerack The Shoe rack is a simple design of BSL MDF and minifix like the other furnitures in this range. Customization is not possible in this piece as depth is constant for most shoes and customization is hence not necessary.

Material

Per Unit Cost Quantity/Length

Cost

MDF(BSL) 20mm

Rs 40/sq.ft.

21

840

Minifix

Rs 7/piece

35

245

Manufacturing Cost

35% of material cost

Total Cost

295

1380

Rental cost of all products will be 12% of the total cost.

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SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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66

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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68

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

69

70

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECT | FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | GDPD10 | GUIDE: RAMAKRISHNA RAO | DONE BY: MEHA SHETTY | SEM 7

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