ERGONOMIC-BRUTALISM CHAIR.
design brief: A chair that feels hostile to approach but keeps the user comfortable when in use through its ergonomic design. VOLT balances industrial materials with the novelty of adjustability to always keep the focus on the work at hand.
role: Product Designer
BRUTALIST PHILOSOPHY.
Height-adjustable blinders isolate the user in their own world to cut out external distractions, adhering to traditional brutalist ideals of functionality and structure. Polished steel and an imposing, throne-like chair contrasts with its ergonomic measurements to create a smooth experience through a hostile perspective.
FORM DEVELOPMENT.
Inspiration for the overall silhouette came from observations of chairs in local study spaces, such as libraries and working interiors. Preliminary views emulated a single, continuous line across the back and seat of the chair with minimal embellishments to adhere to my original design attention.
ERGONOMICS.
Alongside form, ergonomic studies on human proportion, seating patterns, and user preferences defined the dimensions of each component to ensure a comfortable seated experience integrated with human factors design.
PROTOTYPING.
Transforming 2D sketches to 3D physical models, proportional dimensions and material selections were determined and adjusted based on user feedback. Over 30 cardboard and aluminium wire chair prototypes converged into one final form based on visual language design, material connection points, and joinery techniques.
CONSTRUCTION.
26 feet of 3/4-inch steel pipes polished, cut, and bent into the chair frame with a hydraulic tubing bender and joined via T.I.G. welding. Half-inch pinewood wrapped in cotton batting softens the seating panels for additional comfort.
BLINDERS.
The primary feature of VOLT was its height and angle-adjustable side partitions that blocked out environmental distractions for the user, known as Horse Blinders.
SEATING EXPERIENCE.
Curved armrests follow the natural slope of the user's hands and protects them from the sharp edges of the pipe. The bottom feet are fitted with rubber stoppers to prevent floor damage and do not extend to the front to reduce the required floor space.
