DESIGN NAME: FCSS
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Folding Chair
INSPIRATION: The project was inspired by the inefficiencies and discomfort associated with traditional folding chairs used in outdoor dining, which demand high labour from employees and often don't match the aesthetic or comfort expectations of customers. We developed a novel folding mechanism and design approach to enhance operational efficiency, reduce physical exertion in handling, improve transport logistics, and align with various dining themes for better customer experience and employee satisfaction.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This folding chair system is designed for ergonomics to lessen labour intensity and prioritise transport ease and comfort. It features a unique longitudinal folding technique that increases height while minimising thickness for better storage and leaving room for cushion and styling. Unlike traditional folding furniture, it offers modular customisation for alignment with diverse restaurant aesthetics, enhancing staff efficiency and customer satisfaction through improved folding ergonomics, visual harmony and comfort.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: -
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in January 2023 and prototype finished in March 2023.
The project is mainly carried out in Beijing, including preliminary research, mid-term design and the first-generation prototype. Part of the production and proofing work of this project was completed in Foshan City and Dongguan City, Guangzhou Province.
At present, the project has been listed in the Chinese market for catering companies.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Our design approach for the aluminium profiles focused on sustainability and efficiency, emphasising material and energy conservation during machining. We significantly reduced waste by optimising the cutting volume, particularly for the customised L-shaped aluminium profiles.
The customisation of the oval tube was guided by computer simulations and aesthetic considerations, ensuring optimal performance and appearance. With a wall thickness of 2mm, the oval tube underwent a meticulous heat treatment post-bending to eliminate internal stress, thus extending its service life.
To streamline assembly and maintenance, we integrated all components into four oval tubes, utilising locking screws with pyrolytic screw glue for secure fastening. This design meets our high durability and functionality standards to let product life include an iterable use cycle.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The designed overall dimensions of the basic transport vehicle unit are:
Length 1310mm, width 860mm, height 1820mm,
Such a car can hold up to 16 chairs and 8 tables.
TAGS: Folding Chair, Ergonomic folding chair, Staff Friendly Design, Commercial Furniture, Public Furniture, Dining chairs, Restaurant Seating, Outdoor Dining Furniture, Customizable Furniture Systems
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: In our project, we deeply relieved the employees who handle these chairs on a daily basis and the customers who use these chairs. The research process mainly conducted deductive on-site investigations in multiple restaurants, including the service experience as a customer and the labor experience as an employee.
We mainly focused on two aspects of the problem:
1. Improper design of folding and storage methods increases employee workload
2. Customer discomfort due to lack of cushions.
The research included a wealth of usage details, giving us a unique brief to create a folding chair with a completely new way of folding. The resulting research led us to develop a folding chair that would be strategically spaced to not only make it easier for staff to manage, but also more comfortable for customers while aesthetically blending into the outdoor environment. This approach ensures operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, making outdoor dining spaces more attractive.
CHALLENGE: -
ADDED DATE: 2024-02-26 18:06:18
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Yuchen Cai, 2023.
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