multi-function bar stool

multi-function bar stool

1. Function

   • in limited space bar stools are a great choice, whether situated in a household kitchen or in a bar/restaurant it's job is to provide maximum comfort, durability and complement a room
   • stools usually provide a foot rest and higher views whilst eating, drinking and socialising
     • with the proposed idea that my bar will be multi functional it must be able to perform more than one task/compliment atleast two situations
   • easily adaptable, space efficient and minimalised materials used
     • it is an important aspect of my design to be environmental friendly as possible, by minimizing waste will help me achieve this as well as chosing materials which can be re-used, recycled etc.

2. Cost

   • depending on what materials are going to be used to create my product this will affect the overall price
     • as the environment of a bar/restaurant is likely to include more than one bar unit (several being purchased) I would like costs to be kept to a minimum so that it is affordable for business owners but also so that I can attain a high quality product that is durable and has good money value
       • as my product is also open to be purchased by homeowners as well as business owners I have to consider that my two focus groups may not be as willing to spend as much as eachother, for example a home owner may not want to spend as much as a business owner, another reason why I need to keep costs as low as possible

3. Materials

   • the common materials used to make stool are wood and metal
     • depending on the environment that it's going to be placed in the material may need to have certain properties i.e. waterproof for outdoor use, the following materials may be better suited for all weather purposes for example acrylic or fibre-glass, this would affect the overall cost of the product due to the high costs implemented with these materials
   • upholstery is also seen on bar stools and have different levels of padding, this may be affected by the target market however some products due to their function may need to meet certain safety standards for example it must be fireproof, this can affect what materials I may use, regarding this I may decide to use vinyl to create the upholstery

4. Aesthetics

   • modern and sleek
   • preference of curves to be incorporated into the design instead of rigid angles and straight lines, this is because with smoother edges and curves this will create a more fluid structureI think that you limite yourself to what structures you can achieve and from my point of view sharp edges can create a harsh look on the eye, with the use of curves it gives the product a different character and more fluidity
   • my product needs to be stylish and futuristic there are several opportunities for innovation i.e. use of curves, shapes, different heights etc. also due to creating a multi functional product it opens up the opportunity to experiment for example it could have a stacking feature, hidden compartments or even a modular design

5. Processes & Manufacture

   • as the design of the bar stool is going to be quite abstract, in order to achieve a modern stylish piece, the engineering of the design maybe a bit challenging
     • depending on what materials are used, if the product is going to be made out of a thermoplastic the structure is likely to be produced by rotational moulding or a process that involves the use of a mould/s, this done by hand can be very time consuming and to achieve a certain level of accurracy this would need to be done by highly trained technicians as well as the use of expenisve machinery however if the product was to be made out of wood or metal including a frame there are things to consider such as most suitable joints and/or welding techniques
       • processes will be challenging but complexities must be spot immediately and my design will be adapted where necessary to save time/money, this meaning that it is widely affordable
       • different mechanisms may also be included but further research will have to be done to chose what processes I will need to follow through
   • my product will be batch produced

6. Target Market

   • business owners
     • bars/restaurants/cafes/pubs
   • not gender specific which opens up the market
   • household owners may also be interested

7. Size

   • average height for a bar stool is 30" (76 cm)
     • extra tall 36" (91 cm)
   • different height stools are required for several environments, while the 30" stool is ideal to fit under kitchen counters the 36" is perfect for high bar counters/tables to create a different effect to the interior/decor
   • bar stools are available with or without armrests, backs, and upholstery on the seat, there are also bar stools with adjustable height, this can affect the overall visuals of the chair but also the measurements as not all stools in the current market are of the same height/width/size as each other

8. Safety

   • sharp edges must be avoided if possible to reduce risk to users, specifically younger children as families also visit bars and restaurants frequently
     • due to the stool providing a higher view, there is a possibility that a child of smaller height their head could come into contact with the edges of the seat
   • the stool may need to meet certain safety requirements for example being fireproof