fit[table]2
It's also called multi.fun.sidetable,
a comfortable, efficient and unobtrusive
multi.fun.ctional side table for indoor and outdoor, which doesn't take up room space when not in use.
It comes from the "C" concept, a nice coincidence because its shape is a "[" too.
I think that the name clearly evokes what it is and the best attribute inherent in it. It's a pun that it's just a word or two –it depends how you read it– so it's easy to remember.
The square root gives it a cool accent but some people told me that maybe could distract and make it difficult to write on a website, so I'll think about it further.
On the other hand, fit[table]2 domain is available for a possible use.
Personally, I think it fits, don't you think?
fullyFunctionalPrototypes
byJoCoDsign_updated pictures
byJoCoDsign_updated pictures
byJoCoDsign_updated pictures
Primary+Latent needs
The side table fits discreetly in my life
!takes up little space when not in use
The side table evoques admiration
The side table is easy to move
The side table can be used in a variety of spaces
!can be used indoors and outdoors
The side table is versatile
!allows wires to pass when used with electronics
!can be used as a chair/footrest/ladder
!can be used as a kiddie table
!can be used as structure to set a table board
!can be used in different combinations with others
The side table fits my measurements
!is height-adjustable by a simple mechanism
The side table is eco-friendly
matchNeeds
As you can see it fits everywhere, even beside a bed, so you can use it for reading or having breakfast on a sunday morning.
Because of its thickness and material used, it's very light. Under 5,5kg –12pounds– each. The "C" concept was called woodenminimalist, so I had to find a wooden material which also had to be light, sturdy and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. I also wanted to use a non ordinary material –for furniture at least– in order to make a difference in its design.
So I chose OSB3 –structural Oriented Strand Board suitable for humid environments. It's very used in construction, but here, out of context we can take advantage of its structural qualities and give it a chance as a material to be seen in beautiful artifacts. I really love its texture. It's the minimum expression of wood but still recognizable.
When you already have wooden furniture in your home and a wooden or laminate flooring –as it is my case– choosing a different kind of wood could make it kinda difficult to combine. But I've discovered that the particular look and texture in OSB nicely combines in every ambient. And the good thing is that it's very affordable too.
Such a simple shape design allows many uses and configurations, above all when combined with others. At the end I decided not to open a hole for wires because it breaks the sense of a minimalist piece and still can be placed beside and beneath the table. So, if it makes no much difference in comfort but allows the artifact to preserve its simplicity, I reckon that it would be better to preserve its purity.
There are two possible heights without complicated mechanisms or systems that could compromise the stability. Just flip it and you got it!
Finally, it's eco-friendly, because:
- OSB uses selectively prepared new wood strands during its manufacturing process and is recyclable into other products.
- The fiber for OSB is grown in sustainable forests and tree farms.
- OSB is safe to use.
- Resin binders and waxes are completely cured and stabilized, so there is no measurable off-gassing from panels.
For more info click here.
Process
Yes, summer has come to Spain to stay.
When I bouht the OSB3 board I had made an optimization for the cuts and asked the supplier to cut it for me because the board dimensions are too large to be transported by car –250cm x 125cm/97.5in x 48.8in
I also bought the wooden wedges, but since then, everything was done by hand by myself.
Here I show you some pictures of the making of prototypes.
nextSteps
I would like to try other materials, such as high quality woods or –at least– mdf panels with natural wood veneers to keep a low price of materials.
Regarding magnets, I reckon is a pretty simple and effective way of align combinations, but I think that I should try more powerful magnets. Neodymium ring magnets are a very good solution to keep them still with screws, but the hole makes them having less attraction power.
specialThanks
To my father in law –still not, but as he actually were– for lending me the tools, of which more than a half that I used are his.
To all who participated in the survey to choose the concept for the alpha prototype, and all the Coursera classmates who have encouraged me and pushed me to the limit.
To Professor Karl T. Ulrich, Amy Bennett, the University of Pennsylvania and Coursera for such and incredible and extraordinary course. I'll never forget this truly amazing experience.
And to my parents, because they always support me in everything I do.