9 million tons of wood, metal, glass, fabric, leather and foam waste ends up in landfills (Cummins, 2022).
Conscious shopping is not enough. Corporations need to change their fast furniture practices (Jones, 2023). The cycle is linear currently and needs to be made circular to reduce further harm to the environment.
Problem: There is a lack of accessible, comfortable, and aesthetic furniture available to individuals across diverse economic backgrounds. This can negatively impact mental health.
"Dopamine Decor" is a trend that benefits mental health but requires financial commitment (Nast, 2023). The cost of furniture can isolate individuals from the ability to fill their home with items they enjoy. Covid-19 shed light onto current issues in the home during lockdown. (Hatton, 2023).
The following are how Dopamine Decor can show itself on the market:
Word cloud based off of survey results from 22 participants. The users prioritize comfort and not the brand of their sofa.
This helped to inform the criteria that would heavily impact my design.
Users (20-60 year olds) are more likely to invest in a couch when it is functional, sustainably made, reasonably priced, and aesthetic.
Companies on the market currently focusing on sustainability. They are not exempt in greenwashing some of their products for personal gain.
Customizability is a high priority for these companies as well but that comes with a high price tag.
Imperative to research current trends, as to create something that users will want. These pieces can grow with them over time due to their modularity - leaving an ever-changing positive impression, ability to be fixed due to easy construction, and increase in dopamine due to decor that mimics chubby shapes (Pinatih, et al., 2023).
Modular couches have gained popularity in recent years, with sales increasing by over 20% annually in the furniture market.
Vizcom (AI Generation) saved time and helped receive visual feedback early on from users.
Prototyping
Blue Foam: Rounded shapes and multiple orientations
Cardboard Mockup: Easy to manipulate
1/4 inch plywood: More imaginative shapes
Initial sorting of potential modular organic shapes and the possible orientations. Feedback from users decided which combination to build.
Learning Moments
1. Easy to over structure with supports.
2. Measure twice and cut once.
3. Sourcing reclaimed wood helped keep price low.
Cushion Foam: Combining different pieces cause for rough transitions.
Weight test: Held up to 400 pounds.
Feedback: Upward lounging support is necessary but seating is very comfortable.
Final feedback of Inizio!
