Video Prototype

I created a prototype video of an early chair concept set in the future work environment of 2035. 

The aim of the video was to interact with the future scenario to get a feel for what it would be like using the predicted technology and how certain working postures felt ergonomically. The prototype video was also a good tool for gaining insights and externalising thoughts and ideas in the real world in addition to sketches and CAD models.

Scenario & Concept Description

The scene is set in an informal work space in an open plan office at a large IT company's headquarters. At this stage of the project I envisaged people using large computer screens controlled by gesture, touch, voice and tablets. There are no tables in this work space as paper is no longer used.

Many different work postures are supported by the chair. Selection of posture depends on the users mood and work task. At the beginning of the video Martin (persona) is sitting in a traditional seating position, he then raises the chair so that he can perch on it. When a colleague comes over to collaborate, the chair is conveniently manipulated to allow two people to perch on the chair. At the end of the work day the chair is folded and stored out of the way.

Insights

• Whilst making the video and helping a colleague with their's we discovered that using gesture control for as little as 5 minutes was enough to make our arms ache. Although gesture controlled computer screens could be useful, they would have to be used for short periods of time. This insight suggests that gesture control will not be the technology to replace keyboards. 
• Ergonomically the users interaction with the chair and technology need to be improved. Working in these positions for long periods of time would be very uncomfortable, especially for the elderly who will be working to a much older age than in the present day.  
• Although the video was made at an early stage of the project the insights mentioned above led to the realisation that my scenario required further development. 

Outcomes

• Advantages and disadvantages of the chair design and context were established. This will direct the research and development required to take the design forward.   
• Externalizing my work through the video instead of explaining rough sketches allowed my colleagues and tutors to give detailed feedback because of a better understanding of the overall context.