Refinement of the Gap
a comfortable, efficient and unobtrusive multi.fun.ctional side table for indoor and outdoor, which doesn't occupy space when not in use
Gathering data on needs
The needs assessment process through interviews proved to be more fun than I thought at first.
The five interviews were based on a first part in which the respondents were free to say what they thought and then a series of questions drawn from lecture 2e techniques:
Show me ...
Why did you choose X?
What do you like about X?
What don't you like about X?
What suggestions for improvements do you have?
What issues do you consider When choosing X?
among others.
At first the conversation began with laughter and skepticism, but after those first moments they began to give answers based on examples from their own experience.
Two of the interviews also included direct observation of their routines, taking notes and photographs. In the first case they used trays resting on their legs for dinner and even sat on cushions on the floor to have coffee, so they used the ground itself to sit and use it as a large table. In the second case the interviewees had a height-adjustable side table, measuring 60cm wide and 120cm long.
I must say that after the third interview the percentage of similar responses was very high, adding few new elements to the needs assessment analysis.
The five interviews were based on a first part in which the respondents were free to say what they thought and then a series of questions drawn from lecture 2e techniques:
Show me ...
Why did you choose X?
What do you like about X?
What don't you like about X?
What suggestions for improvements do you have?
What issues do you consider When choosing X?
among others.
At first the conversation began with laughter and skepticism, but after those first moments they began to give answers based on examples from their own experience.
Two of the interviews also included direct observation of their routines, taking notes and photographs. In the first case they used trays resting on their legs for dinner and even sat on cushions on the floor to have coffee, so they used the ground itself to sit and use it as a large table. In the second case the interviewees had a height-adjustable side table, measuring 60cm wide and 120cm long.
I must say that after the third interview the percentage of similar responses was very high, adding few new elements to the needs assessment analysis.
Needs for multiFunSideTable
- The side table is robust, durable and safe
- The side table is stable. It even supports little pushes without tipping over
- The side table is solid
- The coffee table doesn't creaks
- The side table has no sharp edges
- The side table has no protruding hardware
- The side table does not scratch the floor
- The side table fits discreetly in my life
- The side table takes up little space when used
- !The side table takes up little space when not in use
- The side table can be "hidden"
- The side table is economical
- The side table is easy to clean
- The side table is quick and easy to assemble or comes assembled
- The side table is quick and easy to disassemble
- The side table evoques admiration
- The side table is cool
- The side table is aesthetically elegant and decorative
- The side table is not cheap looking. It's built with quality materials despite being economical
- The side table has nice colors
- The side table blends with various types of decoration
- The side table is easy to move
- The side table is light
- The side table is easy to hold
- The side table is easy to lift with one hand
- The side table is easy to transport from the store
- The side table fits through narrow gaps. It fits loosely through standard doors
- The side table can be used in a variety of spaces
- The side table can be used in the living room
- The side table can be used in the study room
- The side table can be used in the bedroom
- The side table can be used in the dining room
- The side table can be used in the kitchen
- The side table can be used in the bathroom
- !The side table can be used indoors and outdoors
- The side table is versatile
- The side table allows to place items of various sizes
- The side table's dimensions allows to place a tray
- The side table can be used for coffee
- The side table can be used for snacks
- The side table can be used to have lunch / dinner
- The side table can be used as a reading desk
- The side table can be used for writing
- The side table can be used to make crafts
- The side table can be used to hold the laptop
- !The side table allows wires to pass when used with electronics
- !The side table can be used as a chair
- !The side table can be used as a footrest
- !The side table can be used as a ladder
- !The side table can be used as a kiddie table
- !The side table can be used as structure to set a table board and make it bigger
- !The side table can be used in different combinations with others
- The side table allows single and collective use. Adaptable to the number of users
- The side table fits my measurements
- The side table has a comfortable height
- !The side table is height-adjustable by a simple mechanism
- The side table requires just one hand to regulate height. Or at least one single person
- The side table can be used comfortably sitting on the sofa. No need to sit on the edge
- The side table's legs don't disturb
- The side table is eco-friendly