ConceptsI am making the storage unit for a local brownie group with issues involving space, disorganisation and children of different heights using the same equipment. The size of the cupboard of which I'm making the unit for is 208cm tall, 91cm wide and 119cm deep. I aim to make the unit out of MDF or plywood.

MechanismsThis mechanism is quite old but uses is very innovative and effective which is great although I believe I will have trouble figuring out a way to incorporate this into my design.

This is a multi purpose step ladder its it relatively common but it does its job again might be hard to incorporate the design but it in a effective and simple mechanism.

The common chest of draws is again a very effective mechanism. Using coin shaped devise, the draw can roll seamlessly along the metal ledge allowing the draw to open and close. This could be part of my design when solving the ‘reaching problem’ as the shelves could convert to steps.

Corner plate

Much like the ridge joint which is normally moulded in plastic or metal which makes them strong but they can only hold two pieces of wood. The corner plate can hole three which is very use full when it comes to table corners normally made out of metal it uses three screws, one with a winged bolt used to tighten and bring the pieces of wood closer together.

Ridge joint

Block connector

This type of joint is used to fit modern cabinets such as those found in a kitchen. It is a relatively strong joint although it has the advantage that it can be dismantled using a screwdriver.

Barrel nut and bolt

This is a very effective fitting as once screwed in it is also most unseen and very strong. It is seen in some Ikea design due to this and the fact that as long as the holes are already drilled in this mechanism is simple to but together.

KD Fittings

This is a shelf fixing. It allows the user to decide on how big or small they wont their shelf. It is very common as it is simple but an effective. Some of my designs are in the shape of a bookcase and this item is used in a base shelves so could be very useful in order to make my product more versatile and reach a wider audience

Idea 1 – Box (moveable)The aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:

Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is seen in schools as well for my user. The product does fulfil this as the amount of floor space used is not a lot considering how much can be stored using the product.

Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of different heights so this problem can be related to everyone specifically children of different ages and different heights having to use the same equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a simple but effective way by having a box/shelf that could some how come out of the unit thus creating a step in order to aid the user in reaching the top shelf (as demonstrated by the Lego figure).

Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to not having a organisation system so not knowing where to put things herself but also the children. Schools also have the same issue as the system will need to be exciting for the children to want to tidy correctly. This design don’t not really solve this problem as there is no clear place to put a certain object. But this could be solved by having coloured boxes or crates that mean a specific item.

In the sketch to the side you can see a problem with the design that when shelf comes out it does not touch the floor due to the base of the unit. This could cause tipping of the whole structure when weight is applied to the step. To solve this there is 3 options:• The unit could come with a block that could be

fitted under the shelf when used. Issues with this is that children don’t always think of safety first forgetting entirely or not placing the block in correctly.

• If you look to some of my modelling you’ll see that another idea is that the shelf could come entirely out of the unit and place of the floor. The issue with this is that if the shelf is very heavy the children will not able to put out without the help of an adult defeating the purpose of the box (if the adult can already reach the top).

• The last option would be to get rid of the base of the unit completely thus getting rid of the problem.

Developments:

Auto-desktop:

Using auto desktop I made an ordinary bookcase. Changing the colour of the design so it would show up against the background and look more like the product.

Next I created a box of the same material that would slide out of the bookcase creating a step. As you can see from the pictures there would still be a shelf full of items when the box is pulled out so would not cause disturbance. The items in the final shelf would need to be either in trays of some kind or I could look into creating a barrier across the front of the shelf to stop anything from falling out when being used as a shelf.

The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while keeping safety and the target audience in mind. This idea does aim to please the customer by helping to solve the issue of reaching and also by being a rather large bookcase capable of storing lots of everyday items. This product does not set out to cause harm to the client as there will be no small parts (that can be removed easily) or sharp corners but children's fingers could get caught in the sliding process of the box although this would not be common it is still possible.

The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also be a versatile product that would not be too big to fit though the average door way. This design does aim to help and is not a very outlandish shape so would still be able to fit though most door ways as it is designed after a bookcase which can be found in most households and schools. This design also makes use of ceiling height for storage but also finds a way of using this but keeping to solve the problem of reaching

The materials used for making this need to be strong and durable withstanding being drilled and daily use. I plan to use a mix of plywood for the shelves and the sides including the base and top, but the back would be made from either chipboard or MDF as these are cheaper types of wood so don’t need to look nice as they wont be seen as much.

The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out but still be a contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This product will be made from wood so that will almost always blend with interiors and the design does not interfere with the use of the product in fact it aids it.

Idea 2 – Foldable LadderThe aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:

Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is seen in schools as well for my user. The product does fulfil this as the amount of floor space used is not a lot considering how much can be stored using the product.

Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of different heights so this problem can be related to everyone specifically children of different ages and different heights having to use the same equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a simple but effective way by having a ladder that could some how fold out of the unit thus creating a step ladder in order to aid the user in reaching the top shelf .

Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to not having a organisation system so not knowing where to put things not only herself but the children do not know where everything is or where it goes. Schools also have the same issue as the system will need to be exciting for the children to want to tidy correctly. This design don’t not really solve this problem as there is no clear place to put a certain object. But this could be solved by having coloured boxes or crates that mean a specific item.

Developments:One development with this design was stopped when looking into the function mechanism of the idea I realised that once the ladder was lowered, it would rest on the corner. This would not be very supportive as there is not a lot of surface area and could cause the safety issues. To combat this I came out with some solutions:

• One idea was to have a rubber grip positioned on the end reducing the risk of sliding and could also create more surface area.

• Another idea would be to have a connector that could come out of the base of the book case and attach on the to ladder creating a triangle which would be more sturdy and secure.

• The last Idea involved cutting the ladder itself into a slight angle so when it was folded out it would be face to face with the floor creating more surface area thus more balance. This could also some how incorporate a handle into the design to make it easier for the user to pull down.

1

2 My next suggestion for a development would be to get rid of the foldable part of the ladder and instead make a ladder that can fit into the side of the bookcase. As seen in the drawing the ladder would have gaps on some of the rungs this would enable the ladder to fit into the side of the book case, which would be very handy cause you never know when you might need a ladder. The only down side to this would be that children might not be able to use it as the ladder could be quite heavy also one the ladder is in place there is nothing that really holds it in place which is a major safety issue so I disregarded the design

This is a model of my design as you can see this would be how the ladder would fold out for the user.

Side view

This would be how the ladder folds up into the bookcase as you can see it would fit in gaps left between the shelves.

Auto-desktop:

Pic of auto

desktop ladder

bookcase

Just like with the box design I used auto desktop to make an ordinary bookcase. I then had to change the design in order for my ladder design to work. This shows roughly how the design would look.

The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while keeping safety and the target audience in mind. This product does aim to help the user but could also cause some confusion on how you would actually get up the ladder as you would need something to hold on to. And if you used the bookcase itself there's a risk it would topple forward harming the user.

The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also be a versatile product that would not be too big to fit though the average door way. This one again is in the shape of a ordinary bookcase which manage to fit into many homes up and down the UK. So the shape of this product should not be an issue although when the ladder does fold out it will take up more space? Also when used by children they would not be able the reach the ladder to pull it down or put it back up defeating the whole purpose of the design and if left out could be a tripping issue.

The materials used for making this needs to be strong and durable withstanding being drilled and daily use. Like the box design I plan to use a mix of plywood for the shelves and the sides including the base and top, but the back would be made from either chipboard or MDF as these are cheaper types of wood so don’t need to look nice as they wont be seen as much. The ladder would have to be made out a material that could withstand a lot of weight so pine would be best.

The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out but still be a contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This design will look much like the average bookcase but with an innovative twist so should fit in fine with most interiors. Maybe adding a varnish to the wood to increase the longevity and the appeal of the bookcase.

Idea 3 – Tetris The aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:

Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is seen in schools as well for my user. The product does not really fulfil this in the initial sketches as the amount of floor space used is a lot as it was designed the represent the cubes on the video game Tetris, meaning the blocks could interlock and move where ever.

Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of different heights so this problem can be related to everyone specifically children of different ages and different heights having to use the same equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a simple but effective way as the design shows the unit can be changed to any shape or height making the product very versatile.

Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to not having a organisation system so not knowing where to put things herself but also the children. Schools also have the same issue as the system will need to be exciting for the children to want to tidy correctly. As the boxes will be different colours to match with the original idea being inspired by the video game Tetris. The boxes could be colour coded so if a box was blue this could have outdoor equipment in side or if a box was green it could contain craft stuff and so on.

Development :

The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while keeping safety and the target audience in mind. This idea does aim to please the customer by helping to solve the issue of reaching as it is low to the ground but can also be moved and stacked on top of one another to save on floor space making the product very versatile and appealing to a wide audience. This product does not set out to cause harm to the client but children could pull of the boxes and as there is nothing holding the boxes other than an interlocking system could cause some of the boxes or the contains to fall hurting the children.The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also be a versatile product that would not be too big to fit though the average door way. The shape of the design can be changed depending on the users needs. This makes the product very versatile and innovative and should be seen as one of the designs selling points. As it can be taken apart this means it can fit though can door way big or small.The materials used for making this need to be strong and durable withstanding being drilled and daily use. These boxes could be made from a strong plastic such as acrylic as it can be cut easy, is very hygienic and comes in a range of different colours. Acrylic can become brittle and scratch over time but plastic is cheaper and less time consuming than wood.The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out but still be a contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This product will be made from acrylic plastic so can come in any colour although it might not fit in with the rest of the surroundings but being bright colours solved the problem s of disorganisation as items can be colour coded and will excite children into what it is.

• In my modelling stages I realised the danger and impracticalities of having moveable boxes as in having boxes that were not some how supported this could result in issues such as boxes becoming unlocked and falling on the children.

• So during modelling I came up with the idea of a box like frame surrounding the other storage boxes insuring that nothing would able to fall and hurt anyone.

• Again there were problems with this design:- Fingers of both children and adults could be caught during

the moving of the boxes - If the boxes are heavy children would not be able to move

the boxes- There is still the issue of taking up to much floor space - There is no system into how the boxes would actually

moveBy incorporating my design with the common bookshelf and solving to problems mentioned before I came up with this design. • This design would be able to fit into most

cupboards and homes due to its common size.• This design would run on the

same sort of idea and mechanism as those sliding puzzle games. Theses work by a gap being left in the block leaving room for the other blocks to move.

• Also these blocks are colour coded which help solve the problem of disorganisation.

Although the puzzle idea is innovative when looking further into there were a few problems. Firstly being able to move the boxes would require height that primary school aged children do not have bringing up the issue of reaching again.Next would be the question into what would stop the boxes from falling? Especially if the box was heavy bring back the possibility of harming the user and the innovative mechanism not working at all

The different shape boxes that make up the design would fit together using an interlocking mechanism much like the one used on front doors. One box would have the panel and the other the key which would slide down and lock into place.

Idea 4 - RubixThe aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:

Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is seen in schools as well for my user. The product would probably be the width of the average door frame but squared so wouldn’t take up to much room but would be bigger that an average bookshelf. It does have a lot of storage opportunities to make up for taking up more floor space.

Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of different heights so this problem can be related to everyone specifically children of different ages and different heights having to use the same equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a simple but effective way by being the height of roughly 750mm which most school aged children should able to reach.

Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to not having a organisation system so not knowing where to put things herself but also the children. Schools also have the same issue as the system will need to be exciting for the children to want to tidy correctly. This design is inspired but the rubix cube toy it, so the sides of the unit will be painted accordingly this would hopefully encourage children to put away into the separate compartments

Development :

The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while keeping safety and the target audience in mind. This idea does help the user as it solves all the highlighted problems. And safety would be a key factor making sure all components used to make it are tested so not made from or with any harmful chemicals that could have health risks on some children. Also keeping in mind that no screws and small objects can be got at by children.

The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also be a versatile product that would not be too big to fit though the average door way. This product can still fit through most doorways and being square shaped it would be able to fit into any corner. Although it will have to be moved out slightly when spun around. With the ability to spin it makes the product more useful as children will be able to reach more of the stuff stored.

The materials used for making this need to be strong and durable withstanding being drilled and daily use. I plan to use a plywood for most of the design as it is relatively cheap but can withstand drilling and everyday wear and tear. I will need to get multi coloured paint for the sides making it more fun and colourful for children also helping with disorganisation and being inspired by the rubix cube. I will also be getting components such as screws and hinges to fit the pieces together and make it more secure.

The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out but still be a contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This product will be made from wood so that will almost always blend with interiors with the brightly coloured storage compartments it will add a little vibrancy. The function of the product was how the design came about and there is nothing that would distract or get in the way of the product working to maximum efficiency

The idea here shows the different options as to how I would get the unit to spin. • First being a ball race or bearing this works

by to the two different pieces of wood rotating on marbles.

• Next is the idea that like a spinning top toy the unit could move an one fixed point but this would not be very secure or move very smoothly.

• And lastly the idea that I could buy a spinning rack display that would normally be used to sell key chains and stuff using the base and mechanism I could attach the pole to the unit and let it spin on the base. Only problem is that they are normally used for selling light weight products and the base might not be big enough this could cause the unit to topple over or not be very sturdy but when with children it needs to be.

Modelling :These models of the idea show how it would work rotating on a ball race. As you can see the design does change shape when spun round.

This development shows the idea of not the whole thing moving but like a rubix cube the horizontal units would move allowing for a mover versatile product the containers would still come out of the product allowing for maximum storage usage.Another add on would be that the colour instead of being painted of would be acrylic plastic this could then maybe be able to come off and slot back on this creates a game for children to complete much like a rubix cube. Also by incorporating the removable plastic into the design if the adult user didn’t not want a brightly coloured rubix cube style unit in the room they could take off the plastic and have an ordinary wood or whatever colour the box is painted storage unit in the room this incorporates more with the aesthetics in the room and was specified in the specification