Next generation gate seating

Abstract

This project is based on product development of Green Furniture Concept’s
module based seating system, Ascent, targeted towards airport environments.
The project started with an open brief aimed at developing an add-on for the
bench series, based on user needs. The project lasted for 20 weeks. The
design process used is based on the Double Diamond process which divided
the work into four parts: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver.

The first 10 weeks were spent on Discover and Define. User needs were
identified by doing observations and interviews. Observations were executed
at three different airports and other public indoor environments. Interviews
were conducted with four people. Two pilot tests were conducted before the
interviews. Three of the interviewees had experience from flying with work
and two were parents of younger children. Also, an airport cleaner and a
traveller process owner from Swedavia was consulted.

The other half of the project was spent on developing concepts based on the
found user needs. Concepts were developed by brainstorming, sketching and
modelling in SolidWorks. The product evolved from an add-on to an entire
module of the bench. The new module is designed with consideration to the
Ascent series, to blend in while adding extra functionality. It utilised the look
of picnic benches and is designed to facilitate computer work at gate
environments.

Popular Abstract

What do people need at airports? That’s the question we asked ourselves after
receiving the assignment of developing a new add-on to Green Furniture Concept’s bench series, Ascent.

Ascent is a new module-based bench series targeted towards airports. But it is
not just any new bench. It is a bench with great focus on design. A bench that complements the architecture.

The brief of developing an add-on took a turn and evolved into developing a new
module to the series. A module which accommodates business travellers by
integrating a working station into the bench.

Why a working station?
Most of the daily passengers are work commuters. From interviews we understood
that they often have an established routine to optimize their time and make
things go smooth. This routine includes computer work and coffee. Yet, this
combo is hard to pull off at the gates.

One man we saw at a visit to a Swedish airport sat with his computer on a very
small table. It was a worrying sight. The computer was twice the size of the table and it looked like every keystroke could potentially knock the computer off. There must be a better way.

Why at the gate area?
Usually the gate areas are calm and quiet, which make them a suitable place for work or to relax while waiting. In addition the
gate area provides an overview of information about your flight.

Integrate with Ascent
To minimize space consumption the idea of replacing the backrest of Ascent with a
table was born. It is a basic idea, very similar to picnic tables, but one that we have not seen before. With an idea and motives
the most crucial part was to integrate the concept with Ascent. To do this, the
module follows the same aesthetics as Ascent. Shapes, angles and dimensions
have been reused. The design language of Ascent has carefully been assimilated
to create a table that seamlessly blends into the continuous curves of Ascent. The
module creates an oasis for travellers that are sick of the overwhelming monotony of traditional airports.

• author: Petersson, Hanna and Hanssen Bothin, Axel
• supervisor: Per-Erik Andersson; Anna Persson
• organization: Innovation
• course: MMKM10 20201
• year: 2020
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Modular seating, Airports, Gate environment, Product development, Double Diamond
• language: English
• id: 9021277
• date added to LUP: 2020-06-23 09:19:18
• date last changed: 2020-06-23 09:19:18