Yelo
How can college students use furniture to maximize space in their living arrangements?
SPRING 2023
︎ Materials: Ash Wood, PLA Plastic, Felt
︎ Skills: Rapid Prototyping, Design for Manufacturing, 3D Printing, CAD, User Testing, Sewing
︎ Software: SOLIDWORKS, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Blender
︎ Credits:
• Hanbyul Lee (Model) https://onestarlee.com/
Yelo is the ultimate storage chair for compact living and on-the-go individuals like college students.
This portable and collapsible chair is designed to fit seamlessly into small rooms. Not only does it provide a comfortable seat, but it also serves as a convenient storage solution.
This portable and collapsible chair is designed to fit seamlessly into small rooms. Not only does it provide a comfortable seat, but it also serves as a convenient storage solution.
Process
Concept Ideation
Recognizing the limitations of dormitory living, such as storage constraints and minimal furnishings, I wanted to develop a solution that integrates storage, furniture, and flat-pack into a singular design.
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User Research
I conducted interviews with on-campus students to understand their storage challenges:
- Storage-related stress
- Budget considerations
- Current storage methods
Users mentioned using cardboard boxes for furniture storage, with many hesitating to buy due to limited space, seeking options under $70.
Market Research
Market research revealed existing collapsible or flat-pack furniture designs. My vision extends beyond seating, aiming to integrate storage functionality directly into the furniture.
Concepts
From this research, three main concepts emerged:
Sketches
With three drastic concepts in mind, I sketched out many ideas on how a product can be both durable for furniture and malleable for storing.
Prototypes
Despite numerous sketches, user testing revealed a comprehension struggle without guidance.
Realizing the need for a user-intuitive design, I turned to the recognizable silhouette of a chair, sparking a fresh sketching approach.
User Testing
CAD Model
I envisioned a chair with a lid-like design that could be opened to reveal a storage bag beneath. I also devised the entire product to be easily disassembled and flat-packed into a large cardboard box.
For a stylistic choice, I used 3D-printed joints resembling bricks to communicate their function as connectors between the chair's legs and upper section.
I made sure to limit my dimensions in order to fit a large cardboard box (18" x 24" x 18"), which is a common size among college students.
Prototypes
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Development + User Testing
Designing for manufacturing was crucial for this furniture due to its assembly requirement. To ensure user-friendly assembly, I simplified each part, making it intuitive for users to identify and fit into designated holes.
Ash wood emerged as the optimal material after breaking down material costs. Its durability and cost-effectiveness, particularly in college dorm settings, further solidified its suitability for the project.
