Biombo
The smart, double-sided space divider for compact living. Group project with textile students.
Live studio brief with Pearson Lloyd, UK.
4 Week Project
The Brief
There is a growing demand for micro-apartments in London and other big cities around the world. Our challenge was to design a living space within 15 square metres and a product. The product must allow users to:
-
Have a separate work home space
-
Comfortably entertain guests at home.
E-Textiles Workshops
Additional E-textiles workshops were attended to learn about coding and uses of E-textiles. This inspired and informed design development.
E-textile Circuit: Wires
E-textile Circuit: Conductive Threads
LED Yarn
Conductive Fabric
Programming
Target Users
Age: 30-40
Location: City Dwellers (e.g. London, New York, etc.)
Marital Status: Married Couple
Lifestyle:
- Socialise regularly.
- Flexible working from home and office.
- Don't have children.
- Career oriented.
Personal Attributes:
- Interested in modern technology.
- Trendy.
- Adventurous.
- Very sociable.
Pain Points:
- Find it hard to work at home without distractions.
- Can't arrange their apartment in a an optimal way.
- Wish they had a bigger home.
-Find it hard to entertain guests at their small apartment.
User Journey Mapping
To understand the needs and pain points of users, user journey mapping was utilised. Researchers conducted an entertainment and work at home related task in a 20 square foot studio flat. This highlighted key design opportunities.
*User Feelings: 00 = Unpleasant
10 = Pleasant
Task: Working at Home Whilst Partner is Watching TV
Task: Hosting a Social Gathering of 4-5 people.
Actions
Actions
User Feelings
User Feelings
A 15 square foot living space was marked out on the floor to gain better understanding of the scale and constraints of the living space. A basic apartment layout was marked using masking tape.
Chosen Product: Foldable Space Divider
Origami Form Exploration
For the foldable element of the space divider.
Final Concept: Biombo
The smart, double-sided space divider
Work.
Insulated noise cancelling panels allows the user to work with no distraction at home.
Relax.
Connect to speakers and create your own symphony by touching the sound panels powered by conductive paint.
Nature inspired graphics combined with a tranquil playlist creates the utmost zen atmosphere.
Play.
Side 1: Play
Biombo uses conductive thread which plays sounds when different geometrical shapes are touched (as shown to the right)
Side 2: Work
Sound insulating panels between both layers of fabric allow the user to work at home, free from distractions.
Drums
Guitar
Piano
Set the mood with the Biombo app which controls the speakers and LED lights.
Compact Storage
The screen is constructed in the form of the herringbone tessellation which folds flat when both wooden panels are pushed together. Wheels allow for biombo to be moved around the house effortlessly.
Herringbone Tessellation
There's a colour for every home.
Fresher and cleaner air in your home.
Using catalytic textiles, Biombo neutralises indoor pollutants when it comes into contact with outdoor and indoor lights.
Simply spray on our special purifying formula made from titanium dioxide every two weeks to replenish it's air purifying properties.
