Product Designers (Furniture Design)

Relation to Construction Industry and Drawings Involved in the Design Process

Product DesignerPersonnel involved in the design of products in terms ofits aesthetics, functionality,and ergonomics, for the intended application of theseproducts, by the end user.

Figure 1- Product design often focuses on improving andinnovating upon objects, to create “new” products for the benefit of end users, besides the creation of new products

How are furniture designers related to the construction industry?

Large Scale Projects

Roles of a Furniture Designer Furniture Designers are involved in the process of the development of the project:

1) Pre-construction

2) During construction

3) Post construction

Figure 2- An inexhaustive process description, describing key points of product development

Pre-Construction

Private Sub-contraction Tender publication

Engagement of Furniture Designers?

Furniture Designers Engage with Clients

Product optimisation

During Construction

Manufacturing Process-Materials-Overseeing Manufacturing

Coordinate Installation of furnishings.Site visits!

Post Construction1) Product designers are involved in post sales customer service

2) Product designers research, and optimise the product post-sales for future purposes

Types of Drawings involved in the Design Process

1) Why drawings?

2) The roles of drawings in the various stages of construction of the building.

Pre-ConstructionProcess sketches-An analysis of the problem. Occurs pre-construction with the problems/needs of the client in mind, Rough sketches, corresponding with information gained during client-designer meetings.

-A lot of writing and notes. Questions to accompany drawing.

-Only meant for the designer’s understanding. May not even contain furniture sketches.

Various process sketches for chairs

Figure 3, 4- Process sketches are hard to understand, except for the designer’s instance as demonstrated in these two images

Ideation sketches-Ideas are more fleshed out, and a process of development occurs.

-Sketches are still rough, but furniture is designed, according to the results of analysis in the process sketches.

-Usually excluding details.

The designer fleshes out the form of his chair in these ideation sketches

Presentation Drawings

- To illustrate design concepts to a client

- The drawings highlight key areas of the product design

- Ensures that the client can understand the designs presented

SCHEMATIC DRAWING

WorkingDrawings

Location Drawings

Component drawings

Assembly Drawings

Definition: In building construction projects, comprehensive drawings are being used. These projects will also include structural and services

engineer's drawings etc.

1. Location drawings (a.k.a general arrangement drawings)○ It shows floor plans, elevations and sections.○ They show where the construction elements are located.

2. Assembly drawings○ It shows how different parts are being put together.

3. Component drawings○ It enable self-contained elements to be fabricated in a

workshop and delivers to site to complete and get ready for installation.

Schematic Drawings● During the 1st phase of schematic design, an architect will

consult an owner to know what requirements need to be reached and also to determine goals.

● Schematic design also is the research phase of the project, when requirements or restrictions are discovered and addressed.

● When the owner agrees after several discussions and consultations with the architect, a final schematic design will be produced.

● Costs are estimated based on overall project volume.

Manufacturing Drawings

References1) Studiocraft (2011). Fascia Installation. [ONLINE] Available at: http://studiocraft-hm.com/?p=403. [Last Accessed 22 Aug 2014].

2) Jaime Derringer (2010). A DAY IN THE LIFE OF KINGSTON SHAW. [ONLINE] Available at: http://design-milk.com/designer-dailies-kingston-shaw/. [Last Accessed 28 Aug 2014]

3) Sarah A. Rigg (2009). University of Michigan construction continues, but few large-scale projects on horizon. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/annarbor/index.ssf/2009/01/university_of_michigan_constru.html. [Last Accessed 20 Aug 2014].

4) Small Business Tool Kit (). What is Tendering. [ONLINE] Available at: http://toolkit.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/part/26/134/623. [Last Accessed 1 September 2014]

5) Karina Sokolava (2011). Basic Guidelines To Product Sketching. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/basic-guidelines-to-product-sketching/. [Last Accessed 4 September 2014].