Walnut Seat
Pushing the limits of comfort
What are some ways to make a hard surface comfortable for people? How can I conduct user research and usability testing on the idea of “comfort”?
In the beginning, I wanted to challenge myself and create a complete chair that explored the concept of “comfort” using hardwood. However, after careful consideration, I decided to concentrate my efforts on the seat itself. I researched various seating forms and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from bicycle seats, airplane seats, rollercoaster seats, horse saddles, and race car seats. With the notion of “comfort” as my guiding principle, I iterated through different shapes and forms to evoke a “sinking feeling”, akin to that of a cushioned seat.
I envisioned the material for the seat to be dark walnut wood with a very sleek, glossy finish. I love how dense it is, and the rich color variations it offers, ranging from pale yellow- grays to light browns and deep chocolate browns. I also aimed for curved and rounded edges to create an elegant, smooth transitional flow throughout the design.
Ideation: Concept Sketches and Mapping
To collect data and research, I used Bio-Foam, a closed-cell, low-density impression foam engineered to capture detailed impressions of surfaces. In this case, I focused on users of various ages to collect their buttock and thigh impressions. I studied the shape and form of these impressions to understand how individuals from different age groups would interact with the chair seat, as well as the weight and pressure they exert when seated. Additionally, I researched sustainable impression foams suitable for eco-friendly design, ensuring they are biodegradable.
User Testing with Bio-Foam
By studying user groups aged 18 to 80+, I collected samples of buttock and thigh impressions to get a better understanding of the shapes and forms required for the seat design.
Impressions highlighted in pink represent the 60-80 age group, which became my primary focus for the final design iteration. This group’s impressions were less pronounced, contributing to a more universally comfortable experience. In contrast, impressions highlighted in green were from the 18-50 age group, where the majority left deep impressions. The impressions marked in both green and orange were similar to those of the pink group, indicating a shared comfort profile among these users.
Analysis After Testing
I found that the 60-80 age group (pink) was shallow compared to those of the 18-50 age group (green). Interestingly, only 2 users from the 18-50 age group exhibited impressions similar to those of the older group, attributed to the lower force exerted on the bio-foam. When collecting data, all impressions displayed an organic and continuous flow in terms of form. I also interviewed users, revealing a strong preference for chair seats with minimal or no front hump. Users expressed that such a design would allow for greater leg movement and prevent them from being restricted to a single sitting position, which is very important for achieving true comfort.
Final Sketch Rendering
