Exploring several depths and sizes of the table tops, I came up with a variety of options. Originally the table top was timber but now it has been replaced with a clear top so that the users can see through the table. The Colour schemes that are seen in the seating will be transferred to the inside of the coffee tables. Allowing each table to compliment the seating range.
After exploring several ways to create a product that could involve some kind of storage that could accommodate for belongings but also could store magazines, leaflets ect. I came to the conclusion that the idea that i was going to take forward was to create a body that would act as that coffee table, and this could be assembled to the range of legs that OCee design. After playing around with specialist software i was able to create a CAD model that i expect to create.
After visits to a variety of areas with coffee tables, I was able to understand the behaviour from the users and the way in which they act around the tables. The most noticeable thing I picked up on, that many people did in all the areas i visited was putting their belongings on the coffee table. It came to my realisation that there was no designated area for belongings other than the floor or the seating. It was when I was reflecting back on my journey, I saw that there was a gap in the market for such a design that could hold the users belongings, paperworks, magazines, books ect. Considering that they were at a comfortable height to reach and that the surface of the coffee table wasn’t affected due to involving a storage facility, giving people the intended surface space for use.
This has directed my concept ideas and put more focus into what other function I could include. I plan to make my design versatile so that it could collaborate with the whole range of the soft seating at Ocee design. One way in which I could achieve this, is to design a body that would remain the same but allow the legs to be altered depending on which seating it is to be matched with. Another idea is to involve colour, something that the current range on coffee tables at Ocee do not have. By adding colour, it will make the design more vibrant which will engage the users and collaborate the seating much more effectively with the coffee tables.
I would still like to explore the ways in which I could make a design that could be easily stored/stacked. Im not ruling this out of my product specification as such, as I think that a product with that ability to be stored more efficiently would be a highly desirable product in many settings. However, trying to figure out how I could use the current style of the soft seating legs and make them have the function of easy storing is something I need to develop further.
Here are my concept idea’s focused on the current range of soft seating at Ocee Design. I chose the legs of various designs of the soft seating range to help direct some idea’s for the coffee table, this will ensure the collaboration of both pieces. I personally prefer the venus seating angled legs and the stretch seating legs for the coffee table design.
Looking at the current range of products that Ocee Design have on offer, I particularly like the way that some of the products have flexibility within the design. For example the Soft Seating ‘’Stretch’’ can be configured together to make a large seating area, but can also be arranged as individual seats, suitable for relaxing. Another product example would be the ‘’Kite’’ table, which the table top can be folded, making the table easy to store. The table can also nest with other Kite tables to make larger surface area’s to work on.
My main focus would be to involve some flexibility within my design, possibly by taking forward the idea of creating a coffee table that has the power to be stacked and stored efficiently. My initial thoughts are making the legs collapse into the bottom of the table, giving the product a flush finish when collapsed and the ability to be stored easily. The other idea I had would be to make the legs removable which could be placed in the table when looking at the storage aspect of the design.
I would also like to look into designing a coffee table that could nest with other tables. This wont be a priority of my intended proposal, however it is a route that I would like the option to involve which would give the table a much more versatile quality for use in a large selection of areas/spaces.
Design a stylish and original timber based coffee table with future markets in mind, which will complement the existing (Ocee Design) ‘soft seating’ furniture range and be suitable for use in social areas such as cafes, bars, restaurants, receptions, atrium’s, and break out space. The coffee table should be designed to fit with a specific product range such as Stretch or to complement other seating products within the Ocee product portfolio. The range must be appropriate for use in both the work/commercial/cafe/refectory type environment.
During Tuesdays site visit to Ocee Design, we were fortunate enough to also visit Stonesbridge. Stonesbridge are a company that produce and manufacture parts that Ocee design cannot make. The visit was of real interest and was an insight to how companies work within the furniture industry. Most of the parts needed will be made by a 2 part high frequency mold. The company use high frequency to cure the glue, this takes around 5-6 minutes. Each cycle would roughly be around 10-12 minutes. Once the plywood has been formed in the mold, several of the designs would be sent to a large CNC router to be cut into the correct shape. Birch and Beech are used for their plywood.
The shape after the plywood has been molded.
The final outcome once the piece has been machined on the router.
The visit to the warehouse at Ocee, was a real insight for me as I was given the opportunity to see how furniture is constructed. We were given a tour to show their production line which was interesting as you could see how many stages are needed to create the final outcome. The ‘Henray’ range of seating was one of the designs that was on production at the time of our visit. We were informed that each chair that is produced can be expected to take around 6 hours (this would be the ‘Henray’ model with the high back and two arms).
Here is the base of the seating in its true form, without the upholstery covering.
Another example of what we were shown was the ‘Chamfer’ seating. The basic structure of the seating would be made on site at stonesbridge. These are a company that Ocee design work alongside with so that they can produce the items Ocee don’t have the facilities for.
The basic structures can be expected to be made up of Plywood sheeting. Stonesbridge use 1.5mm thickness ply, which are C grade Beech and Birch. Another material that can be found for the making of basic structures, is Millboard. The ‘Klub’ seating range use this material as it is much more efficient and flexible with the shape of the seat. However, Stonesbridge don’t use this material.
During the visit to Ocee Design we were given a briefing to inform us more on what the company are about. It was an opportunity to gain a better outlook on the company and to clear up any queries that we had.
I had learnt that Ocee design take great pride in the service element to the distribution of their products to their clients. This is a real quality to the business and puts Ocee Design ahead of most competitor companies. Depending on the product, deliveries are made in a week of the order being made, these are mainly the simple designs such as chairs. The more complex to produce such as sofa’s are put on a 4 week delivery wait.
When thinking about the style of the all the products made at Ocee Design, the style tends to be vibrant, smart and responsive. This tends to make the customers enthusiastic with the bold colours, reassured and also cared for with the smart and responsive design.
Roxanne Bentley 