ANTONIO, ABIGAIL EMILLE D.

D23 UID 2

Needs Analysis

I. The Product

The chosen product is a stool/chair made of a metal frame with a wooden base attached
as the seat and covered with a sufficient amount of foam for cushioning. It is a part of a dining
set (1 round glass table, 4 stools). The stools conveniently fit inside the circular table which
makes it suitable for small spaces such as the designer’s current dorm space where the set is
being used.

II. Issues
Given the advantages of the stool in terms of compactness, its main issue relies on the
comfort and safety during use. One, the triangular format of the seat makes it uncomfortable
when used for prolonged periods. Second, and arguably the most concerning issue with the
design, is its stability. The rounded metal frame makes it difficult to maintain balance when
seated. A common occurrence whenever the stool is in use is that the person falls backwards
when they shift their weight a little (either: adjusting their seating position, lifting a leg up,
pushing the stool backwards, or getting up). The current design doesn’t accommodate too well
for these scenarios.

Below are actual photos of the product with annotations as well as orthographic renders and
 III. Design Proposal

Three point stools are common in the market. In theory, three point stools offer more
stability (as the most basic plane can be created through three points) (McCallum, 2022). The
current product assumes a form similar to that of a triangle as it is derived from a circle (it is a
quarter of a circle).
 The first concept is just a straightforward change of the legs. Instead of a connected
metal frame, the stool just uses three outward-slanted legs.

The second concept takes on the observation that the 90 degree angled legs allow for
better stability. The curved base/leg is ultimately eliminated and instead a wicker basket is used
to achieve the curve matching the circular glass table of the dining set. The wicker basket could
be used for extra storage which is suitable for tiny spaces (similar to the designer’s dorm). The
items stored inside provide more weight towards the base which could help the stool move or
shift less.
 References

McCallum, T. (2022, January 5). The most stable stool has three legs - Tom McCallum -

Medium. Medium.

https://tommccallum.medium.com/the-most-stable-stool-has-three-legs-1e4f89ab

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