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Ideate Stage

The ideate stage of the design thinking process has the power of infinite possibilities. We start to define the problem and then develop human-centric solutions. It's a process of developing innovative solutions on paper through sketches. This stage of the design thinking process excites me as we get to do the part that product designs are made for - solving problems. I drew few thumbnail sketches and then developed 5 among them on the Ideate worksheet.

My problem statement is to design furniture for waiting areas having limited space where the seating maintains proper social distancing. I further developed solutions through 5 concept sketches. Sketch 1 is a chair with a wooden seat, metal base and legs and, a partition with a translucent cloth. Sketch 2 has a shutter-style partition by the side which can be folded down when not in use This chair can be used post covid where the users can decide if they want the shutter up or down. Sketch 3 is capsule-shaped furniture that has 3 sides covering the person. Sketch 4 has wooden block seating with an L-shaped partition. Finally, sketch 5 is a bench design with a glass partition in the middle over a table-like structure which can be used to keep your belongings or a person can sit on the table part and keep their laptop on the seat portion to work too. 

It's best to think of the Ideate stage as a space where we can open possibilities. It's crucial to bring your ideas forward as you transition from identifying problems to generate potential solutions.

Do tell me in the comment section below which concept sketch among the 5 do you prefer. Any additional suggestions are welcomed. Your feedbacks are valuable to me. Thank you for reading my blog.

Comments

  1. Great update! I like your sketches they are neat!

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  2. You've got a couple of nice ideas there! I personally like idea 4 the most, something about it seems inviting to me and the partition looks to be the easiest to maintain. Cloth can get dirty easily and glass can scratch. The shutter partition might need more maintenance for it to work and that might add to the cost overall cost. The capsule one seems interesting but it looks a little bit too confined. It might induce claustrophobia to some people.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Kenneth!! Thanks for some great feedback. I totally agree with your points.

      My interviewee had a similar feedback and he liked the idea 4 as well.

      I'll be Iterating into it so do visit again to discover my concept development for thumbnail sketch 4.

      Your feedback was very helpful. Thanks again! :)

      Delete

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