final model

Here are the final rendered rhino models of the 'X0X0' chair. I decided to make the backs extremely simple as when they were linked to the legs, like the sketches, they were too difficult. The idea was good but the praticality  hindered the design

model making

making dirty models of the 'X0X0' chair gave an idea of how they would turn out and the different ways they could be placed. The idea is to have chairs to look like a game of noughts and crosses. This massively links in with the 'fun' theme that has been running through this whole project.

Rhino models of 'X0X0'

sketch ideas

here is the version of the chair

previous ideas

There was a previous idea i had of a chair that i really likes, with a 'O' shape in the back of the seat, and how the back twisted to form the legs as well. Then i realised that this could be used for my 'X0X0' idea.

sketches for 'X0X0'

here are some early sketches of the named 'X0X0' idea

Idea

I had an idea, as i was sitting doing university work, (and i will admit getting rather bored) i noticed that i had been playing 'noughts and crosses' by myself. This gave me th idea to design the utility chair to look like a game of 'noughts and crosses'.

more sketch ideas

looking into different, new and fun ways to design a utility chair.

sketch ideas

Here are a variety of sketch ideas for the re design of the utility chair.

something i found

i found a design by designer NENDO of a chair that creates an illusion of 'floating'.

http://pichaus.com/chairs-wood-wooden-unusual-@9354cab2a8c177e7c8a4b4fc97922400/

it creates a lot of ideas that could be used and is in keeping with the idea of having a utility chair that still simple and have a 'fun' side.

The seminal text in the field of play studies is Homo Ludens by Johan Huizinga. Huizinga defines play as follows...

"Summing up the formal characteristic of play, we might call it a free activity standing quite consciously outside 'ordinary' life as being 'not serious' but at the same time absorbing the player intensely and utterly. It is an activity connected with no material interest, and no profit can be gained by it. It proceeds within its own proper boundaries of time and space according to fixed rules and in an orderly manner. It promotes the formation of social groupings that tend to surround themselves with secrecy and to stress the difference from the common world by disguise or other means."

Something a bit different

The use of Thermography would be amazing to use for the utility chair. When the chair is not in use, it is an eggshell white, yet when it is in use the heat from the body causes a pattern to emerge of the heat that is created. This would be wonderfully playful, and incredibly different.

Retro space hopper

One of the most icon 'playful' toys are the Retro space hoppers. Since the 1960's this toy has been loved around the world for decades and created fun for adults as well as children. The shape and the design n the front are instantly recognisable. So linking with the re-design of the utility chair, the 'bounce' could be incorporated. Instead of the harsh look and feel of the chair a more cushion and bouncy feel could be used. Thus giving a more 'playful' feel to a boring chair.

slinky

One of the most famous child toys is the slinky. For years children and adults have enjoyed playing with them, so looking into the toy seems to be a good idea, as it fits the theme of 'play'.

different type of idea

This music video takes a blank canvas with the artist in front and paints it to a quirky, fun and playful way. With the mismatch shapes and the shades of cool nudes with a deep green work well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5M8IDOhwK0&feature=related

Theme

Looking at the utility chair it is dull boring and doesn't create a sense of fun. So to investigate what is classified as 'fun' could create influence to make the chair look, and feel more exciting.

Child toys are the best source of inspiration. They all show fun, excitement and vitaliy. The difference and variety give an endless show of ideas that could be used.