YEAR Designed in 2025
DURATION 12 weeks
TYPE University client work
SOFTWARE Fusion 360, Keyshot, Photoshop
SKILLSET Research, CAD, DFM, prototyping, sourcing,
manufacturing and animation
Brief
Create a footstool for the RedBrick customer market focusing on style and user interaction
Modern furniture and changing needs
There is a changing requirement for footstools in the modern day. There is more
required from footstools than just being a footstool. It needs to be able to do
more and provide more functions such as being used as a table, a side table and storage
and be versatile in movement and place.
Comfort comprised by
lack of versatility
Products only has one use at a time
Choice influenced by size of footstool
Very limited function
Design question
How do I design a footstool which balances function, form and comfort?
A fresh perspective with refreshing ideas
Through a vigorous ideation phase using mood boards, creativity and small models I explored many possibilities
Narrowing down
As the designs flow I begin to narrow down to the ideas which I like. The process becomes more refined and I begin to think about the ideas in more detail
Refinement
Through 1:5 scale models the details of the footstool was refined. Details such as the base and how big the top is as well as the feet were decided
Exploring frames for efficiency
I experimented with different frames to make it as material efficient as possible as well as simple to assemble
Simplicity
A frame designed for easy assembly relying on only CNC cutting, screws and PVA holding them together.
Creates manufacture more efficient, simpler and less costly.
The use of Fusion 360 allowed for the creation of all these pieces
Applying the other layers
Using simple templates cutting out the foam and wadding was simple and efficient and the use of webbing made the manufacture process much simpler
Each piece creates the bigger picture
Each part the frame forms sits on top of each other to create both halves of a piece forming one quarter creating the full show
Ease from the off shelf
To make the manufacturing process simpler the feet are off the shelf components which are screwed into the bottom.
Very easy to switch out if problems occur and increases the life span of Clover from ease of disassembly.
Born from the ground
Clover
The footstool comprised of 4 separate pieces
The footstool can be split up allowing multiple people to use the footstool at once for a variety of purposes as they see fit.
Clover has a variety of uses
It can be used as a footstool as individual footstools which can be divided up among people in the house or kept all together as one
Trays can be placed on top to be used as a table to place drinks, play board games, refreshments or everyday items
Clover can mould into an extension of the sofa becoming more than just one item of furniture it is an extension of the living room as a whole
The internal storage helps to keep the living room clean storing blankets, toys, trays, glasses, pillows, cleaning supplies or the general household clutter
A project designed for the clients RedBrick. Creating a new product bringing different perspectives
Made with Hygge
Matches the client research desiring style and comfort
Providing more than just a footstool
Function where you need it
A seamless blend of functions with style and comfort. To match the lifestyle of the RedBrick customer, the footstool spills out over the floor, divided up around the room, all together provided for all the different needs and wants of the customer. Clover lets the customer use it as creatively as they want
