The focus of this project was to create three forms that demonstrated the functional use of primary, secondary, and tertiary visual elements in an intimate date setting. The project was used as my senior thesis and was completed in 18 weeks. Over the 18 weeks, the design went from ideation to full-scale production using local manufacturers.

Based on research of seating and ergonomics, a few goals were determined that would guide the design. These goals were to elevate the user from the floor, encourage an active posture by lowering the seat back, and lower peripheral elements of the furniture to make it easy to focus on one another.

The form study began with many rounds of sketch explorations. Each idea was designed to differentiate itself from the others. 1/8th scale models were constructed from foam, paper, and sticks to quickly ideate. Forms were later narrowed down and a few higher-fidelity 1/4th scale models. This was supplemented by quick digital studies in Rhino. Finally a full-scale foam model was constructed that would accurately describe the design intent. The final model was tweaked to insure that there were clear primary, secondary, and tertiary elements to the design. It was also adjusted to ensure stability and manufacturing ease.

Once the design was dialed in, the design was sent out to locally sourced manufacturers. Small tweaks were made that would make production easy without compromising the design intent. Wood was manufactured in-house using the tools I had available, while the metal was bent to spec and powder-coated locally. Almost every component was designed to pressure-fit together.

The set was showcased at Teague in Seattle alongside the furniture designs of my other classmates. The show had an incredible turn out and many people expressed an appreciation of the detail in the project.

The skills I learned from this project were mostly due to repetition during drawing and modeling. I also learned a great amount about scaling elements so that the viewer wouldn't get confused about what to look at.