Final Research

Multi-purpose Office Chairs Continued

These are unusual types of office chairs that perform various other functions than that of the traditional work seat. Not only do they include a place for a laptop or screen, but they also provide a small table for users to put either a keyboard or other work materials on.

But perhaps the most important function they perform, is that of a compact workspace which allows individuals to enclose all their materials in a small capsule type design when finished utilizing them. Although these are interesting benefits which I intend to explore further in my design, the materials used provide further aspects to think about. The materials used for chair #2 makes it look rather cheap, unappealing and un-business like. This is not ideal for the type of clients I want to target my work chair design to. Although the materials used in chairs 1, 3 & 4 are slightly more classy and professional looking, the seat and workspace itself does not look entirely comfortable for heavy users.

1. http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/seating/modern-ovalia-chair-the-adjustable-computer-workstation-085618

2. http://elitechoice.org/tag/workstation/

3. & 4. http://gizmodo.com/347890/globus-mobile-is-office-in-a-bubble

These two examples offer insight into a more functional and portable workspace if I were to incorporate it into my work chair design. Its storage capacity is greater than chairs 1 through 4, yet it offers similar design features than the above, but with a new creative twist. However I would now need to consider how to include this in a design of an office chair.

These designs effectively combine two things; a workspace and a chair thus I am interested in attempting to do something along these lines with my own design. However the materials used do not do well to convey a classy, businessman design aesthetic. Rather its focus remains on functionality and convenience over aesthetically appeasing design patterns and materials.

5 & 6. http://dornob.com/modular-office-furniture-wood-box-storage-desk-chair/

7. http://dornob.com/mobile-box-office-convertible-metal-desk-chair-cabinet/

8. & 9. http://www.itechdiary.com/kruikantoor-portable-office-desk-made-from-eps-foam-material.html

Materials and Textures

After gathering research on various types of office chairs I have found a common problem; that some of the materials used in many of the multi-use office chair designs do not do well to reach the target audience in which I want to aim my design. I intend to look into materials that will effectively appeal to a moderate user, who is of a reasonable wealth and class. Therefore I aim to create a multi-use chair that conveys a sense of modernness, class, creativity and comfort.

As previously mentioned, I really like the idea of combining wood and leather as this supports the overall classy visual dynamic I wish to convey. I believe this would provide an interesting contradiction to my office chair design as I will be incorporating a wooden antique visual aesthetic with a modern concept in which I will design a multi-use workspace and chair capsule.

I like the idea of including some carvings in the material and texture of my work chair to contribute to an overall traditional vs. modern aesthetic.

This will make my design more visually interesting, and hopefully set it apart from other office chairs.

1. http://www.chairaddict.com/antique-chairs/carved-oak-gothic-chair/
2. http://www.artfactory.com/chair-african-antique-chieftan-chair-cc361-p-5088.html
3. http://rjhorner.com/page/2
4. http://www.hudsongoodsblog.com/?m=200906