Fall 2024
Academic: IPD 5510 Final Project
Prof. Sarah Rottenberg and Prof. Mike Avery
Academic: IPD 5510 Final Project
Prof. Sarah Rottenberg and Prof. Mike Avery
Objectives
I created the TableMate for my final project for the IPD 5510 Studio course during the fall of 2024. This was a semester-long project. TableMate is an over-the-bed table that allows individuals to work, eat, and perform other activities from a compact single surface from bed. TableMate has extendable surfaces that can be pulled out on each side from beneath the central surface to provide extra space for additional materials.
I created the TableMate for my final project for the IPD 5510 Studio course during the fall of 2024. This was a semester-long project. TableMate is an over-the-bed table that allows individuals to work, eat, and perform other activities from a compact single surface from bed. TableMate has extendable surfaces that can be pulled out on each side from beneath the central surface to provide extra space for additional materials.
Problem Statement and Ideation
We were instructed to develop a table-top product to enhance the dining experience while taking inspiration from Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa. I did research on how people make connections with each other while dining and how this differs from the solo dining experience. I discovered that while dining alone, people often are simultaneously doing other activities, such as working, and don't always eat at a dining table. This inspired me to further explore what else people do while eating, and how I could improve their dining experience. Eating and working at the same table can get cluttered and messy, so I wanted to redesign the table experience to separate eating and working, create a clutter free space, and promote a mindfulness (shown in the MoodBoard).
During my first round of sketches, I explored ways to redesign a table to have different inter- changeable surfaces to separate eating and working spaces.
During my first round of sketches, I explored ways to redesign a table to have different inter- changeable surfaces to separate eating and working spaces.
Sketch Models and Hand Sketches
My first sketch models were made using cardboard, museum board, and wire. I explored the ways in which surfaces could be extended, rotated, and inter-changed around each other. In order to understand the more realistic functionality of these ideas, I created some higher-fidelity, to-scale models. I used foam core, cardboard, laser cut MDF, and wire.
First Full-Scale Model
After making sketch models, I narrowed my ideas down to one design. I first modeled my new table design using OnShape. I used this CAD model to create a full-scale physical model.
My first full-scale model was made out of plywood and MDF, which were laser cut. The model, which only features the tabletop and not the table leg, has one main surface with two side surfaces that extend out from underneath.
User Testing and Crafting the Final Product
In order to refine my design, I brought my tabletop home to test with myself and others. I sat up in bed with the table and spent some time using my computer on it. I also brought it to my friends' apartments and had them test it out as well. This helped me refine the size and shape of the main surface and side surfaces.
My first design featured a foldable stand to hold up a tablet or phone, but through user testing, I realized that this part may not be easy to use and possibly unnecessary. This is one of the several changes I made before creating my final product. After getting feedback on my design, I began to create my updated full-sale model, with included the tabletop and the base.
My first design featured a foldable stand to hold up a tablet or phone, but through user testing, I realized that this part may not be easy to use and possibly unnecessary. This is one of the several changes I made before creating my final product. After getting feedback on my design, I began to create my updated full-sale model, with included the tabletop and the base.
I created the new tabletop using CNC-cut plywood and laser-cut acrylic. I sanded the edge of every piece and coated the table with a satin varnish. To construct the table leg, I created a waffling structure in Rhino that helped me mimic its curved shape.
Final Model and Renderings
These images show my final full-scale physical design. The TableTop is constructed form layers of plywood and acrylic sheets. The surface has a satin varnish, and the side tables rotate out using ball bearings and lock in with magnetic latches.
