STACKLAB Felt Series (https://stacklab.ca/object/side-chair)

Felt 2.0 (https://designto.stacklab.ca/)

Design TO (https://designto.org/event/2-0-by-stacklab/)

"The Felt Collection is a collaboration with two regional premium Merino wool manufacturers, one based in Toronto and the other in Upstate New York, as well as Toronto metal manufacturers and computer programmers. STACKLAB identified surplus off-cut and end-of-bolt felted wool that, when stored, occupy significant factory space for these manufacturers. In turn, they designed a computer aided system that makes productive (re)use of the off-cuts and end-of-bolt felt in the form of household furnishings. The collection includes benches, stools, side tables, and chairs. The Felt Collection has a distinct form logic that is unabashedly linked to efficiency and re-use."

Felt 2.0 is a new approach to the felt series. It is a fully digital design configurator, which will allow consumers to create their own customized pieces. We have designed a system which connects the user directly into the material resource databases, allowing new products to be designed within the scope of material available. The material and colours available within the design stages of the configurator algorithmically optimize available material for your unique purpose.

I have been focussed on creating a streamlined workflow and easy to use UX/UI. STACKLAB has multiple sales channels, from direct client relationships, to international dealer networks, and interior designers representing all types of client. It was important to start the design process with clearly identifying who our user personas were, and begin breaking down the configurator functions into modular units.

"The Felto 2.0 installation for DesignTO at Stackt Market will feature two second generation prototypes configured using a new proprietary digital application developed in collaboration with STACKLAB alum James Munroe, Toronto-based programmer William Harford and Devansh Shah, a mechanical engineering and computing technology student from the University of Ottawa. STACKLAB’s configurator enables users to create a wide range of furnishings from a database of felt remnants supplied by Toronto-based Interior Felt and New York-based Filzfelt. The felt is supported by an aluminum structural system developed in collaboration with Toronto-based COFO Design. Improving on the original ‘Felt Collection’s virgin steel structural system, the ‘_2.0’ uses recycled aluminum that is powder-coated using repurposed powder."

My Role

UX Research

UX / UI Designer

CAD Assets

We identified the edge cases of the configurator, and ensured that our dimension ranges were based on material optimization, and design intent. Using parametric design techniques (Grasshopper) we were able to explore the range of possible outcomes and design directions to include in the UX/UI.

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Once our parameters were defined, I began designing each step of the design workflow into a digital tool and unique UX. Initially we realized that our approach was building off of standard design software, with tools, work zones and workflow markers in set location's. For users without design experience, this was quite confusing.

Through breaking out each step into its own UX, it allowed users to hone in on the the design, and confirm details along the way. The further along the user goes within the workflow, the more they have confirmed and defined their product, fostering deeper engagement with the process.

With each step as its own modular unit, the order can be adjusted, adapted, and re-arranged easily based on the type

of product being designed, or through user feedback down the road.