Brief

The Chair
We live our lives surrounded by products and so-called inanimate objects. However as human beings we relate to these products more often than not in an emotional way. It may be down to aesthetics or the way it performs a certain function or how it has aged or remained with us through day to day existence. We begin to project characteristics and qualities which we see in other humans and animals onto these products. We can feel attraction/ repulsion, grow to love or hate them and even feel remorse when they stop functioning or have to be disposed of.These products may also have a perceived value or quality that reflects on ourselves when we own or use them. It’s almost as if when we use or buy a product it may become part of us and define who we are. Can ownership or usage of a product make us feel better about ourselves? Do we bring expectations to a product that are either exceeded (leaving us happy) or not met (leaving disappointment)? As designers we have to ask these questions and begin to explore the possibilities of our medium. The humble chair offers us the ideal example. This is an object found in a large variety of environments yet can vary between each other dramatically in both form and function. Subtle changes in form, colour, material and construction can all alter our perception and relationship with them. We have to learn to control these signs and relationships in order to give products this added value in the marketplace and to the user. You are being asked to design a utility chair that is suitable for a variety of environments, including: domestic, office, bar, restaurant etc. The chair needs to retail at a price between £60- £180 per unit, so realistic and accurate considerations into materials, manufacture and construction need to be investigated.