In our world of design and manufacturing, creating a chair seems like a straightforward task. At Collective Design Consultancy we know all about the materials, technology, and processes involved. Whether it is artisan furniture making or industrial molded designs, we’ve been there and love the process to create and realize with dedicated makers.
But we feel the need to continously challenge our perspective and not jump into the same processes, simply because we are familiar with them. We contemplate on the question itself and its consequential actions.
What are the broader implications of developing this new chair?
What will it need to do?
Where will it be used?
Who will it serve?
And important for each product, what will be the impact on the environment during creation, during use, and at the end of its life cycle?
Here are some key factors to ponder:
- Design: Does the design reflect its true purpose in the best possible way?
- Commercial Need: What is the demand for this chair in the market? How does it align with consumer preferences and trends?
- Materials: Manufacturing often involves the use of resource-intensive materials like plastic, metal, or wood. We commit ourselves to keeping up to date about alternatives with a lower environmental impact.
- Production: The methods we use to produce chairs significantly affect their ecological footprint. We know new ways to optimize production processes to reduce waste, energy consumption, and emissions.
- Longevity: Can we design chairs to be more durable, repairable, or recyclable, ensuring they stay out of landfills? Or should we, in contrast, make one that is less durable but easy to dispose of instead?
- Logistics: How far do the raw materials and finished product need to travel, and what is the carbon footprint associated with this transport?
- Sourcing: Is it possible and feasible to source materials and labor locally, reducing transportation-related emissions and supporting the local economy? Does the design reflect the boundaries of local manufacturing, or should we adapt?
- Ethics: Is it safe and satisfying to produce?
- End-of-Life Consideration: What happens to the chair when it reaches the end of its usable life? Can it be repurposed, recycled, or responsibly disposed of?
These questions challenge us to think innovatively. To incorporate new practices from the inception of a design and avoiding to replicate what already has been done before. To create and realize a future proof design and process.
So, our answer to the question; Can you create a chair? is a resounding “yes,” but in the world of design and innovation, the question isn’t just “Can you create a chair?” but “How can you create a chair that makes a difference?”
To keep progressing we are committed to new, sustainable practices and keep an open mind to design and manufacturing. Embracing these principles not only benefits the planet but also positions your brand as a responsible and forward-thinking contributor to a sustainable future.
In the next months, allow us to make you part of our journey forward, as we are determined to answer this question with a surprisingly new answer!
#Challengedesign #ChairCreation #Createimpact #Innovate