BiPod
The BiPod Modular Furniture System brings a fresh approach to Product design, focusing on simplicity, accessibility, and adaptability. Intending to make working, learning, and leisure spaces more accessible to everyone, BiPod puts the power in your hands to create personalized environments without any hassle
Timeline & Members
July-August 2020 (4 weeks)
Team members - 2
My Role
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Research
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Furniture design & detailing
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3d Modelling & Rendering.
Tools Used
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SketchUp
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Adobe Photoshop
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Autocad
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Vray
BiPod was designed for a product design competition held in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown.The design brief for the competition is as follows:
Competition brief
The brief for this design competition is to create a multi-functional product that enhances the overall well-being and adaptability of individuals during prolonged periods of confinement, such as lockdowns. The design should incorporate elements that foster a sense of comfort, productivity, and connection while accommodating various activities and adapting to changing needs.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic had gripped the world in the claws of uncertainty, fear, and chaos. People were affected by the pandemic in more than one way. However, as the world slowly tried to open up again with newer ways of living and interactions, "the new normal", we took this opportunity to aid this process through design.
The central idea was to create a modular spatial experience that not only helped us adjust to the newer ways of life but also served with a similar scale of usability and functions even after the pandemic had loosened its grip on humanity.
Who is this for?
We interviewed two people from each user group to understand more about the problems they faced during the lockdown. We then stated some of the common problems these user groups face for which a standard solution can be designed.
Understanding the User Problems
Students
Working Professionals
General Public
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Not enough space at home for online work & studies.
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Limited access to technology & gadgets.
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Feeling overwhelmed due to anxiety, uncertainty & limited access to the outdoors.
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Not comfortable studying/working from only home.
Ideation
Design Concept
The idea was to design a pod that enabled the users to adjust better to the altered ways of living during the pandemic.
During the research, we understood that we had to develop a product that not only addressed Urban needs but also served the Rural sector. The aim was to design a product that is not limited to indoor usage but can also use vacant spaces outdoors, making the product much more accessible to the common masses.
Where can we use this?
Building Terrace
Sidewalks
Empty Parking spaces
Public Parks
Offices & Co-working spaces
Libraries
+ Many more........
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While designing the product, we considered a few places and scenarios where it could be used effectively.
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For public places like Parks, Vacant parking spaces, Sidewalks, etc., the product can be owned by government agencies, PPPs, or Private businesses. It can be rented out to the people, which reduces the burden of ownership and storage from the users.
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For institutional spaces such as offices, Co-working spaces, and libraries, the pod can act as an alternative to the traditional cubicles or serve as an alternative seating concept.
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For Residential areas the product can be collectively bought by a group of individuals and set up in places like the building terrace, podiums, stilt areas, etc.
Form Development
The Proposed Design
Plan @ 850mm
Section a-a'
3d View
Material Board
Understanding the details
Half Pod Details
Full Pod Details
Placement of the foldable chair in the Pod.
STEP 1
Align the chair
Vertically
STEP 2
Slide out the seat
STEP 3
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How BIPOD can be used
BiPod can be used individually or in a cluster. Multiple pods can be combined to create a vibrant social space for various activities to be performed simultaneously.
The Pods and their connections are designed to ensure minimal contact, Privacy and appropriate safety measures during the tough times of Covid 19.
Bipods in public parks offer a distinctive and unique social seating solution, ensuring safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Arranging multiple Bipods in public plazas creates a dynamic social space, tailored to accommodate diverse needs and preferences of the people.
Going Forward
After completing this design phase, we sought opinions from potential users to gather valuable insights into the product. This exercise proved instrumental in identifying areas for improving and enhancing the user experience.
In the next step, our focus will be on:
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Exploring more sustainable materials for the product's shell, allowing for greater customization options.​
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Delving into new add-ons and accessories to enhance the versatility and functionality of the pods.