PUBLIC SEATING ‘B’ - PRODUCT ANALYSIS
V. Ryan © 2017
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| Product analysis involves looking closely at existing products and identifying how they work, the materials they are made from, the industrial processes used to manufacture them and their key features. It may also involves the designer asking the general public or potential customers what they think of the product. The aim of product analysis is to help the designer develop even better designs and products in the future. Study the seating system below. |
| This public seating system can be set up in a variety of ways / combinations. The wood beams have holes for the ‘red’ steel tube supports/joiniing rods. They can be set at different heights, in small or large groups and arranged to form almost any shape. the seating can be arranged so that people face each other or face away from each other. |
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SUITABILITY OF MATERIALS: Natural wood such as pine is used for the ‘beams’. The pine has been varnished so that it has a polished, smooth finish. The steel tube can be painted any colour and its is relatively lightweight and yet has a high strength to weight ratio. These materials can be used inside or outside. Both materials can be recycled. ERGONOMICS: The height of the seats can be varied depending on the length of the steel tube being used. The seats can be single of two beams in depth. In theory, this system is ergonomically suitable fo adults and young children. The seating system is comfortable for a short stay, as the wood surface is resistant and not particularly comfortable to sit on for a long time. STYLE / AESTHETICS: The seating system has an appealing modernist / minimalist style and would fit in well, in similar modernist surroundings and especially in a park / public area. Its straight lines, 90 degree angles and simplicity of construction make it an economically cost effective seating system. WEATHER RESISTANCE: Both the steel and natural wood can be treated to resist the weather. However, the holes in the wood for the steel connecting tubes would eventually allow water in, which could eventually rot the wood. The design could be updated to include an effective seal, where the tube enters the wood. SUITABILITY FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN: The seating is suitable for both adults and young children as the height and width of the seats can be varied. However, both the natural wood and rigid tube may pose safety issues with unsupervised children. If a child slipped, the surfaces of the materials are unforgiving. EXPANDABILITY: This seating system can be expanded to any size,by simply adding more lengthsof wood and connecting tubes. |
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