dt assignment 1 improving the design technology department 1daniel worthington candidate no. 100

DT Assignment 1Improving the Design Technology

Department

1Daniel Worthington Candidate no. 100

Daniel Worthington Candidate no. 100

Contents

•Introduction•Brainstorm•Main Focus•Design Brief•Justification of need•Questionnaire•Design specification•Plan of action

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Introduction

“Our Mission: To ensure that students of different nationalities grow to their full potential as independent learners in a caring British international community.” – Bangkok Patana Mission Statement

Bangkok Patana School is situated in South East Asia in Bangkok, located on Sukhumvit Soi 105 or Soi LaSalle. It provides a world class education to over 2100 students from over fifty three nations. The schools environment is drawn from both the culture of the region as well as elements of its philosophy. The first impressions intend to reflect a sense of peace and calm, and spaciousness. Patana is an academically directed school. It is focussed to offer all students the best intellectual and physical preparation for further studying. Patana is a school that respects and celebrates differences – in culture, language, tradition, as well as in learning and teaching styles. They teach within the National Curriculum as well as teaching the International Baccalaureate. The school has multiple facilities covering sports, arts, and sciences, one new addition is the schools sports hall (5), which houses multiple sports facilities for all ages. The latest addition is the new Visual and performing arts building (22), which has just finished construction and has been the main part of Patana’s refurbishment plan in the school. More recently the school as reconstructed a new library out of the old auditorium (not pictured) as well as a new exam hall at the front of school.


Identifying a situationThe Design Technology department is due for refurbishment. A large

budget, provided by the school, has been allocated for improving the existing facilities. In order for the school to take on board student ideas and opinions and as IB Design Technology student, I have been given the task of investigating the areas to be improved and integrated into the new Design Technology department profile.

I will start by analysing the different areas in the Design Technology department and taking pictures of four specific parts that I think could use improvement. Then I will brainstorm the problems in each area. I will then analyse my main focus in more detail, which will be the chairs of the Design Technology lab. After analysing the chairs, I will look at the existing solutions that are available in Bangkok and produce a design specification of what is needed to make a successful chair.

This is the design cycle model (right). It represents the process that designers take when they are designing and producing new ideas. In this project, we shall only be analysing the ‘Identifying needs’ part up to the ‘Research’ part of the model. The assignment is based in the Design Technology lab area, and will focus on problems with the safety and practicality of the area.

Identifyingneeds

Researching

Generatingideas

Developingsolutions

Realisingsolution

Evaluating

identifying or clarifying a need or opportunity

analysing, researching and specifying requirements

generating ideas and solutions

testing and evaluating the chosen solution

realising the chosen solution

developing the chosen solution


DT DEPARTMENT

Machinery

Seating

Drilling

SandingCutting

A lot of dust is

produced

Blades get damaged

Apply eye protection

Wear an apron

Install a vacuum

Replace blades

Maintain Blades on a regular

basis

Material improperly

secured

Drill bits can be improperly

secured

Drill bits misplaced

Use a vice/weight to

secure the material

Use chuck key to tighten drill bit

Do not leave the drill bits in machine

Put the drill bits into a drill

bit storage system

Chairs and stools are

constantly used

Joints in wooden stools weaken due

to overuse and may break.

Fabric on chairs wear and tear causing

discomfort to users

Back support on chair weakens due

to overuse and may break

Use better quality stools

Use a stronger and more

durable fabric

Enforce joints with adhesive

etc

Regularly replace fabric

Use solid material

instead of clothe

Use higher quality chairs

Strengthen the back support

Remove incline utility

This page shows a brainstorm that outlines where all the possible issues throughout the DT lab are and how they could be solved

Brainstorm

Storage

A wide range of objects must be stored

Insufficient room to store all objects

Different materials are often

mixed

Different types of objects become cluttered

Materials may break

when stored

Waste material must be

discarded

Waste is mistakenly

kept

Waste materials are not recycled

Discard waste materials and

organize stored objects more

efficiently

Enforce a more

organized, labeled

storage for products

Utilize more organized

storage products

Store products in a secure, protected

environment

Place bins throughout the

DT lab and regularly look

through the lab for waste

Incorporate a recycling bin system.

Harder materials


The tool shelf does not have any glass casing or doors in front of it. This means all the tools are exposed and could fall out easily, which is a concern, mainly for the younger design students, who will not be as experienced and sensible in the workshop. Placing a transparent door, made of materials such as glass, on the cupboard would cancel the risk of any of the tools falling out and injuring people.

The shelves in this cupboard are not organised in the best way possible. Especially the glues which need labelling so that people can find the specific glue that they require.

BrainstormingTool Shelf

The tools in the cupboard are not stored in the best way possible. It is a little bit untidy, and the only thing separating tools are baskets, which are not that big and therefore need to be used wisely to store all the tools, if any more tools were added space would become a problem. Including slots on the shelves for the specific tools, and categorising them in some order would help improve the organisation and make it easy to store and find equipment.

The chairs themselves are not extremely comfortable, they stick to one shape instead of allowing some flexibility to mould into the person sitting in it, it also lacks arm rests, meaning the occupant of the chair must rest his hands on the table.

The chairs are made of materials that can easily be damaged and ripped, which is not suitable for a chair in a place where sharp objects are constantly around

The stools are not crafted in the most comfortable way, they lack any support for the upper body which means it is not going to be comfortable for designers. Having so much as a small back support to make it easier to relax, would improve the comfort in the DT lab and reduce risks of accidents that occur due to stress

Seating

Seating


The guillotines are constantly left on tables and counters in the lab. This means that they take up space and are constantly in the way of people. Also, since the guillotines are sharp, having them left out exposed to everyone can pose a risk, especially to the younger students

The materials used for the tables are not suitable for the lab. In my opinion, they need to be made of a material that could be cleaned easier, removing paint stains, and glue, that sticks to the table. An example of an alternative material would be granite or marble

The wooden clamps are easier to break than the metal ones. The fact that they are easier to break leads to splinters, which could cause injuries in the lab, and equipment that does not work because it will not hold anything as well anymore

The goggles in the workshop also take up table space. This does not allow people to use the tables and therefore creates a lack of space They need a rack for them to be stored in so they allow more desk space to be used, and it makes it easier to store and find them

BrainstormingWork Benches Supplies cupboard

The items in the shelves are poorly stored and could use a lot of improvement, the use of boxes to store everything means there will be mess within the box. If drawers were to be used instead of boxes, then it would be easier to get to items instead of having to lift out a box.

All of the equipment on the floor is all unorganised. There are no indicating labels or shelves where to store these things, and there is a lot of floor space used up, which makes getting to items in the back harder. A bigger storage space would be one improvement needed for this area, as clutter on the floor can be a minor hazard.

This window has absolutely no use here. It is blocked by items being stored and does not even serve a purpose of checking what is in the store. The glass window should be replaced with a less dangerous material, for example a wall.


Main Focus: Seating

The current chair, used in the design studios in the DT lab could use some improvement. The back of the chair does not flex properly, which is irritating for the person sitting in the chair, as a rigid backrest is uncomfortable especially during long hours of work, for example when a student is meeting a deadline, he or she is most likely to spend the final days glued to their project which will mean a lot of computer time. If they have an uncomfortable chair then this is going to add to the stress they already feel Also the pivot by which the backrest leans back does not hold its position when it is set to upright, which causes it to lean back even if you want to keep yourself sitting in an upright position. Also, these chairs cost 3,707 baht each, therefore a replacement chair would have to cost the same or less to manufacture or buy

The stools used in the DT workshop could be made slightly more comfortable. The lack of a back rest on them does make it uncomfortable when a student needs to work at a workshop table for a long time. The stool face itself could be made a little bit bigger, especially considering the larger students may find it uncomfortable. By adding a larger stool face, and possibly designing the stool more like a bar stool with a backrest, the stool can be made more comfortable which allows students to sit down and work longer, especially during the final days of projects as many students will be spending a lot of time on either the computer or on their models, which means they will be sitting on these stools hours on end and the lack of comfort will not help with their concentration.

The material used to make the chairs in the design studios, is very weak and can be ripped easily. Also these holes that form in the chairs, no matter how small, cause students to start poking pencils into them, which enlarge the holes and also get stuck inside the chair. Using a stronger material, possibly one that is not hollow on the inside, would strengthen the chair and allow it to last longer.

The stool legs tend to bend easily and the cushions come apart from the frame. The stools in the DT could use some reinforced material for the legs and have a better attachment method, for example using longer screws to hold the stool top in place.

Chairs Stools


Daniel Worthington Candidate no. 100 9

Design BriefI intend to focus solely on the chair aspect of the seating issue within the Design Technology lab. I intend to design a

chair that can be used in the DT lab. The chair is to be comfortable, and made of a durable material that can withstand sharp objects. I intend for the design to be directed in a more youthful direction and have a more youthful design to appeal to the students, for example shaping the chair with more curves, like many modern arts pieces today. Furthermore, I intend for the new chairs to be more durable and tougher, and to withstand the sharp objects that are present in the DT lab. The chair should also be affordable, and not be too expensive for its location (i.e. Should not be expensive and fancy), when there is the risk that it will be damaged, and then be replaced which costs more money. Also, the chair will have the same extras that the current chairs have, such as height adjustment, and inclination adjustment, all whilst improving the current product.

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Justification of needIn this section I will examine some alternative solutions that are already available to solve my situation.

Evaluation of productThis design is quite bland, and has no youth appeal whatsoever, which makes it quite dull for a school environment. Also it has an upright and rigid backrest which will make it uncomfortable, especially during long hours of work, for example when a student is working on meeting a project deadline. This chair, though cheap and easily affordable for the school, does not make a suitable solution, as the quality is defiantly sub-standard compared to the current chairs

Evaluation of productThis design appears very comfortable, and it has wheels underneath so it can be moved around easily. However, it is a relatively pricey chair, and the material needs to be looked after. Leather is not the most suitable material for a school chair, as it will get scratched easily and requires constant maintenance. Also this chair would be costly to the school in the long run because when they would need to buy replacements, it would cost them a lot of money, as would buying a whole set for the lab.

IKEA: JANNE swivel chair

IKEA: ALLAK swivel chairKey features-Seating surface in easy care split leather.-Height adjustable for a comfortable sitting posture.-Adjustable tilt tension; increase or decrease the resistance to suit your movements and weight.

Key Features-Height adjustable for a comfortable sitting posture.-Removable and washable cover; easy to keep clean.


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Evaluation of productThis design is slightly more funky than the previous two, however it is very basic and sticks to one shape only. Furthermore, it lacks wheels and therefore requires the students to carry it, should they want to move it around. Also it lacks the armrests once more, and that is a key function in what I am looking for. It also lacks an incline function on the backrest which is something I think would be quite important.

Evaluation of productThis chair has a very basic shape, and although padded for comfort it looks way too slim to support a range of people comfortably. Also the synchronised tilt function may get tiresome after some time. As having the backrest follow you when you lean forward may not be something you want. Also, the chair lacks armrests, which is what I am trying to improve with the current chairs.

Justification of needIKEA: JAKOB Swivel chair with pad

Key features-Swivel function; allows you to sit down at and rise without having to move the chair.-Pad with filling for enhanced seating comfort.-The pad is kept in place by touch-and-close fastening; easy to put on and take off.-Hard-wearing cotton/viscose blend with structure.

IKEA: JERRIK Swivel chair

Key features-Height adjustable seat and backrest for maximum support regardless of body height.-Adjustable and lockable tilt function for increased stability and control in different sitting positions.-Synchronised tilt function in seat and backrest; the chair follows your movements when you lean forward or back.-Built-in lumbar support; provides extra relief and support for your back.



QuestionnaireIn order to find out what the client is looking for in a chair, I have created a set of questions that can give me an idea of what the clients want.

1. Does style of a chair matter to you? Y: N: 2. If style does matter, which of the following would suit you best?Modern (funky concept designs):Classic:Colourful:Plain:3. Do you prefer armrests on a chair? Y: N:4. Do you want a recliner? Y: N:5. Do you want an option to change the height of the seat? Y: N:6. What would you consider the best material to make the chairs out

of?Leather:Cloth:Canvas:Net:

yesno

Questionnaire Responses

yesno

Question 1

yesno

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5 Question

6

yesno

modern

classic

colourfull

plain

leatherclothcanvasnet



Design SpecificationI intend for the design to:• Be made from durable materials that will resist being cut from sharp objects easily• Be styled in a more modern youthful style that appeals to the students.• Have armrests, so that students can relax easier during long periods of working.• Have a reclining lever, to allow rest periods to be more comfortable.• Have the suspension to change height, to allow the chair to be practical for people with different heights.• Be affordable, without being too poorly made for a cheap price, but keeping it affordable and within a price range

that lets the school buy replacements if need be, without trouble.• Have a backrest that is more flexible or soft, to allow it to mould into the back of whoever is sitting in it.• Have a sturdy lock on the reclining lever, so as it does not recline when it does not need to.• Not have holes and a hollow inside, to remove the temptation of students poking pencils into the chair.


Initial specification point Research required Method and source

The chair will be made from durable, and strong materials

The safety and strength of the materials will have to be checked e.g. Flammability and durability of chosen materials.

Primary data. Investigating materials available in Bangkok, using the internet.

Cost to be under 4000 Look at costs of different materials and manufacturing process used to make a chair. Research prices of existing products to check what chairs will normally cost.

Internet

Style to appeal to the youth, without being offensive to school conduct.

Research design styles aimed at the youth generation. Search for concept designs for inspiration. Look for designs that will not cause a hassle in the lab, for example chairs that are too large or too comfy (e.g. Sofa chairs). Research what the youth generation aspire to in styles, what trends they are in to.

Internet, furniture catalogues, furniture shops in Bangkok, opinions of potential clients who might buy the product.

Safety of the chair. Look at the safety of materials being used and research on what material will resist objects in the DT lad, for example sharp objects.

Internet

Ergonomics of occupant of the chair. Research the relationship between user group and chairs. Conduct tests and trials.

Surveys, internet, books, primary research.

Function of the chair. Look at the situation the chair is being made to solve, find out what the client is expecting to receive when the chair is made

Surveys, primary research

Components that make up the chair Research the separate parts that make up chairs, look at all the different components used

Internet, books

Manufacturing process to make the chair Look at what is needed to make all the components and how they are put together, find out how all the components fit together to make the chair

Internet, books, surveys to people in the manufacturing business

Size of the chair Find out the sizes of the clients and how much space they require on a chair, research competing chair designs and analyze the sizes already available

Internet, books, surveys


Plan of Action

Below is the plan of action I intend to follow for the making of the chair.

1. Create a set of initial ideas that can solve the need2. Chosen idea is chosen based on how well it fits specification or if improvements are possible.3. Chosen idea is developed and new research is carried out on the concept.4. Suggestions from research are taken in and more development is done if it is needed.5. Once the concept has been developed to its full potential, manufacture of a prototype is started.6. The prototype is then used for a test run after manufacturing with a user group.7. Observed comments about products performance will be noted8. Test group will then fill out an evaluation form on the product, which will then be used for final

evaluation.9. All comments and suggestions are used for a final evaluation of the product before it goes into

mass production.

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Bibliography

Introduction inspired from www.patana.ac.th, accessed on January 2010

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http://www.patana.ac.th/

dt assignment 1 improving the design technology department 1daniel worthington candidate no. 100

Documents

design technology lab

ib design technology

new addition

new library

different areas

existing facilities

new exam hall

multiple sports facilities