PUBLIC SEATING
Group 3
JULIANA COMER, VIVIAN SHIU, ABIGAIL LERNER, JEWEL INGRAM, ABIGAIL AUWAERTER
01 02
SCHOLARLY & USER RESEARCH Relevant research in the field of universal design and behavioral studies in downtown Ithaca
TARGET USER & GOALS
Summary of key issues and design aspirations
03 04
DESIGN PROCESS Development of our design solution
DESIGN EVALUATION User testing and evaluation of our design
SCHOLARLY 01. RESEARCH
Rittenhouse Square ASLA Universal Design: Parks & Plazas
Accessible Seating
Seating Options
The park has benches with arms along all of its pathways, providing accessible places to sit throughout the square and space for wheelchair users to stop next to the benches.
There are both sunny and shady options for visitors to sit and engage in a variety of different activities.
The Plaza at Harvard University ASLA: The Humble Public Bench Becomes Comfortable, Inclusive, and Healthy
Seating for Multiple Functions The plaza has benches with different designs, such as high or low backs and are upright or low to the ground, allowing for multiple functions such as stretching, lounging, or playing.
USER 01.1 RESEARCH
DATA COLLECTION METHODS 1.
Behavioral Mapping Tracked pedestrian movement and behaviors while using public seating in the commons.
2.
User Interviews Engaged with users in the commons to gather their experiences with seating.
3.
Simulation Interviews Worked with a friend with a previous foot injury to simulate what it might be like to use seating with assistive devices.
3 1
2
4
BEHAVIORAL MAPPING 2:00 p.m. - 2:07 p.m. 2:08 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
2:16 p.m. - 2:24 p.m. 2:25 p.m. - 2:31 p.m.
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
Musician Homeless person On the phone Trash
Data collected October 11,2020
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
MAIN LEARNINGS
40% 30% 80%
Reason for visiting/sitting down in Ithaca Common Factored in seating materiality into choice
50%
30%
Expressed concern for lack of seating contour
15% 5%
Weather factored into seating choice (shade vs sun)
Seating as engagement: Seating can double as photo opportunity and attract users
SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Seating facing shops is less preferred
Ithaca weather (snow and rain) can inhibit seating
Lack of amphitheater seating
Seating does not engage users
Seating can be too low or lack support for those with restricted movement
PROBLEM STATEMENT Users that use assistive technologies are neglected from comfortably engaging with seating in the Commons due to orientation, material, and design.
TARGET USERS & 02. GOALS
19
MILLION
People in the U.S. suffer from some range of mobility issues according to the NIH
TARGET USER GROUP create flexible seating that is inclusive to users with mobility issues and those with assistive technologies
USER PAIN POINTS
Dismount
Exclusion
Assistive Technology
DESIGN GOALS 1
Allow for spaces that users with assistive technologies can use including better dismount areas.
2
Create seating that provides partial protection from the elements and privacy.
3
Create seating that is flexible for different activities.
DESIGN 03. PROCESS
BRAINSTORM
Modular Seating
Initial Brainstorming
Seating that protects against the weather and maintains social distancing
Form Ideation
Initial Brainstorming
Conceptual Design
Chosen idea
Beanin is a modular system of public seating made especially for people with mobility issues.
SEATING TYPES
1
2
3
Red Bean Red Bean is an inclusive bench for users with mobility issues.
Lima Bean Lima Bean includes a planter for added greenery and potential privacy.
Pinto Bean Pinto Bean is the most basic seating and is adaptable for any situation.
Pieces are modular to accommodate different seating needs
DETAILS FlexFoam™ coating is made up of three layers; polyurethane primer, polyurethane reactor (A/B), and color coat. The end product is rated for high-traffic areas and is 100% waterproof – use it indoor or outdoor!
d
a b
c Lightweight wood panels
ARM REST GRIP To help users easily dismount onto seating
HOOK For user to rest their assistive technologies, bags, and more.
PROTOTYPING We created our prototype using foam and posterboard, which allowed us to easily create the organic shapes and curves of Beanin.
RENDERS
DESIGN 04. EVALUATION
EVALUATION METHOD 1.
In-person usability Moderated in person usability test with one student
2.
Survey 5 point Likert scale survey evaluating enjoyment, ergonomics, support for assistive technologies, Ithaca Commons needs, privacy, and rearrangement capabilities among other qualities Administered to small sample based on proximity
SURVEY RESPONSES Does the seat support you ergonomically? Was it an enjoyable experience?
Do you believe this seat supports those with assistive technologies?
Do you believe this seat supports the needs of the Ithaca Commons?
80% Of users feel that the Red Bean supports them ergonomically and that it both supports and enhances the Ithaca Commons
INCLUSIVITY EVALUATION Provides a back rest Mixture of seating with and without armrests Within appropriate height, width, and length range Contrasting color Use of material that resists heat/cold Ability for wheelchair to pull up
Beanin successfully fulfils the Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors Guidelines
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS 1.
Dimensions Currently seats two users comfortably. Beanin could have larger dimensions to accommodate groups of more than two.
2.
Weather Protection Looking into options for weather protection above.
3.
Security Ensuring that public seating is not stolen or vandalized, especially since it’s movable.
REBA ASSESSMENT
THANK YOU! Questions?