Public space solution to help people communicate. The project focus is on elderly citizens.

1. HÜTT
PROJECT REPORT
AUTUMN 2014/15

2. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Contents
Team and Tutors 4
Introduction 5
1 Research 6
1.1 Interviews 7
1.2 Online Research 7
1.3 Observation 9
1.4 Hands-on Research 9
1.4.1 Nõmme Social Centre 9
1.4.2 Mustamäe Day Centre 10
1.4.3 Internet Survey for the Nõmme Old Men’s Club 11
1.5 Gigamap 12
1.5.1 The Hearing Banana 14
2 Concept Development 15
2.1 The Bus Stop 15
2.2 The Interactive Wall 15
2.3 Chair 16
2.4 The Intersphere 16
2.5 Silent Arc 18
3 Prototyping 19
3.1 With or Without a Roof 19
3.2 Spherical Seating Area 19
3.3 Testing the Seating Arrangement 21
3.4 1:20 Model of Hütt 22
3.5 Full-Scale Model of Hütt 23
4 Design 27
5 Final product 29
5.1 The Story 29
5.2 Branding 29
5.2.1 Values 29
5.2.2 Vision 29
5.2.3 Mission 30
5.2.4 Personality 30
5.2.6 Positioning 30
2

3. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
5.2.7 Name 30
5.2.8 Branding dimensions 30
5.2.9 The Logo 30
5.3 Competitors 31
5.4 Renderings 32
5.5 Materials 33
References 34
3

4. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Team and Tutors
Team
Tutors
ALLAN
KONOVALOV
SALOME
TODRIA
TEA
TÜÜR
AIGAR
TÄLLI
MARET
MARTSEPP
MSc Mechanical
Engineering
BA Architecture Prof. Higher
Education
Technical Design
and Technology of
Apparel
BSc Product
Development and
Production
Engineering
Product
Development and
Production
Engineering
4
MARTIN
PÄRN
RUTH-
HELENE
MELIORANSKI
JANNO
NÕU
Faculty of
Mechanical
Engineering Chair of
Design Acting Head
of Chair
Faculty of
Mechanical
Engineering Chair of
Design Research
Scientist
Designer

5. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Introduction
The project began with brainstorming nuisances in public space. The aim was to find the right
problem to start solving through user-centered design. We discovered that there were a lot of
nuisances revolving around the elderly people and decided to investigate their needs and what we
could design for betterment.
“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it
everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and
applying the wrong remedies.”
― Groucho Marx
Design is almost the same, designers just try to diagnose correctly and apply correct remedies.
5

6. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
1 Research
Worldwide, the average life expectancy at birth was 71.0 years (68.5 years for males and 73.5
years for females) over the period 2010–2013 according to United Nations World Population
Prospects 2012 Revision, and 70.7 years (68.2 years for males and 73.2 years for females) for
2009 according to The World Factbook.
WHAT DO THE ELDERLY NEED TO BE?
A PRODUCT FOR SENIORS SHOULD BE:
• Physically suitable for the bodies of elderly people
• Safe
• Green
• No sharp corners/edges
• Soft lines, textures
• Big letters
• Clear images, texts
• Simplicity
• Mentally challenging
THE AIM OF THE RESEARCH WAS TO
FIND OUT:
• What would make elderly people come out of their
home
• What would make them move more
• How can we make the existing park equipment more
elderly-friendly
• What are the needs for elderly people
• What are the values elderly people cherish
• What is the extra value we can add for them
• How to make seniors feel good in public space, so
that they could be more happy
• How to relieve at least some of those issues coming
with age
Healthy Happy
Not dying too early Socializing
Feeling less pain every day Getting out of isolation
Being physically healthy Engaging in the world
Mentally healthy Having fun
Devices designed for people with movement
limitations/disabilities
Biological need to play
“Play deprivation”
Having the possibility to contribute to society
6
379.0
153.4
69.2
31.4
13.8
2050
2025
2000
1975
1950
Millions
Population Aged 80 and Over
World, 1950-2050
Distribution of Population by Broad Age Groups
World 1950-2050
1950 1975 2000 2025 2050
0
20
40
60
80
100
Percentage

7. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
1.1 Interviews
We started our research with interviewing some of our familiar elderlies (65+ years) and found
some of the problems:
• bus - they can not sit normally, change seats
• walking on slippery ice - falling down, break bones
• shops - some shelf is too high that it is difficult to get products from there
• stairs - too high steps, difficult to walk
• can’t lift heavy things (while going to shopping- carrying groceries bags)
• crossing the street with traffic light - it changes colour too quickly, can’t cross the street with the
time given
• no to technology- they don’t want to use new machines and if they have to they are afraid and
nervous (new mobile phones, self service cash register)
• they don’t notice the bus numbers quite often
- time schedule written in really tiny letters
- bad eyesight
- talking to someone, don’t notice the bus coming
- dim numbers on the bus
• eating soup (public places) - shaking, too heavy spoon
• some chilling place for elderly people (elderly people centre) - entertainment centre
• they need higher cars, because they can’t get in and out that easily from normal cars
• walking slowly, driving slowly
• pushing other people aside to get on the bus (afraid that the bus will leave without them)
• falling down
• lonely
• too much free time
• fear of death
• anxiety
• afraid of change
• living alone
• no reason for socialising
• deaths of family members, friends, also pets - all the important people around
“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little
song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and,
if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable
words.”
von Goethe
1.2 Online Research
The second step in our research was online research. The aim of online research was to get
started somewhere. We needed some information about elderly and Google is a really good friend
on cases like this.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE ELDERLY?
• Meaningful personal relationships - meeting regularly a relative, friend, making a new friend
• Regular social interaction
• Being engaged in some kind of activity
• Being independent
• Continuing to make contribution to society (volunteer, club member, grandparent)
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8. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
• Feeling valued as a result
• Need to participate in cultural activities
(music, reading, TV, radio, sporting events)
• Sense of self-determination
• Being “useful”
• Humour, giggle effect, joy
• Safety & security
• Good living environment
• Physical and mental health
• Sufficient financial resources
• Positive self-esteem
WHAT ARE THEIR BIGGEST
NUISANCES?
• Problem of mobility
• Health problems
• Illness/ disability
• Pain
• Bad eyesight
• Loss of driving privileges
• Depression
• Sparse bones - break more easily
• Bad eyesight
• Don’t know what to do in their spare time
• Mental issues
“People are living longer. It’s more important than
ever to keep your bones, belly and brain in tip-top
shape.”
EXISTING PARKS AND PLACES:
• Are designed for younger people
• Offer no conveniences
• No possibilities for socialising
• No interesting mentally stimulating activities for the elderly
Future cities designed for the needs of the elderly
8

9. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
1.3 Observation
We decided to also make an observation day in Nõmme. We discovered that three major groups of
people were seen walking the streets in the daytime:
• The elderly;
• Mothers with small children;
• School-aged children (7-14).
We observed the people shopping for groceries in the Nõmme market. No major nuisances were
found, though and further research was needed.
1.4 Hands-on Research
After some interviews and Googling we decided to step out of our comfort zones and visit different
elderly centres to meet face to face with our target group. We also made a action plan where to go:
• Nõmme Old Mens Club
• Nõmme Social Centre
• Mustamäe Day Centre
WE PREPARED SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK FROM ELDERLY PEOPLE:
• Where elderly people are going? What are the problems there?
• Why one place is sociable and the other one is not?
• Is it necessary to have daily walks? (Why do you think that?)
• Do you go out?
• If yes, how often?
• If no, then why? Would you like to go?
• What would make you go out daily?
• If you (would) go out - where (would) you go?
• Is there anything that could be better in your opinion? What could be improved? (In public
space)
• What would you like to do if you were younger / didn’t have any health problems?
• Which places are the best for communicating?
• Where do you get the ideas of what to do?
• If you are going to meet friends- where do you go? What do you do?
• What public places are you usually visiting? Why?
• How does the weather influence your going out routine?
• What are your favourite activities?
1.4.1 Nõmme Social Centre
We visited the Nõmme Social Centre. When we walked, we met the personnel that consisted of
one lady (there is also a manager, and the teachers, who vary; also visiting teachers). We talked to
the lady and she said, that the elderly enjoy get-togethers and the opportunity of self-realisation.
They have exhibitions (paintings, self-knitted rugs etc.), the elderly get to perform their dance
routines or singing. They visit other similar facilities and therefore meet the elderly living in other
cities. She said that they really enjoy guest visitors, for example, the last time they had Karl Madis
(Estonian singer) visiting. When I asked about how they usually get new members, the lady said
that people usually come with their friends or with their daughter for example. They rarely come
alone, but when they do usually a person who’s already in the group has invited them.
OTHER NUISANCES WE GATHERED:
• The benches are cold and metal-like;
• The bums conquer all the nice places;
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10. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
• The parks are awfully littered by the younger generation and not properly taken care of by the
government
• No neighbourhood watch
• The bus stops are cold and the glasses are shattered everywhere
• Weather is a big influence on their lives but the worst is slippery surface – ice but also wet
leaves
• they may feel lazy and choose to stay home when it’s bad weather outside
• Elderly men don’t want to go to a sports centre – they want to take their basketball and go play
outside, but the ballparks are starting to disappear because no ones taking care of these
• Noise is awful
• Some of them would love to live in the countryside but they would be very alone and separated
from the world there and wouldn’t be able to take care of the house and the garden maybe
• They love exercising, not just sitting and drinking coffee
• Men are more lonely and inside their homes – the women miss the men
• They don’t use the internet because people say terrible things there and say everything they
wouldn’t normally and they don’t need to hear that kind of nonsense
• It is most important not to keep emotions in because the people that gather everything inside die
early.
1.4.2 Mustamäe Day Centre
We also visited Mustamäe Day Centre several times. Firstly, we talked to the activity leader and
investigated the possibilities the centre offers. We visited the centre again to talk to the elderly
there, ask their opinions on our designed products and to bounce off ideas.
Exercising in Mustamäe Day Centre
10

11. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
1.4.3 Internet Survey for the Nõmme Old Men’s Club
After some time we realised that we need some more input from elderly since we decided to deal
with them. Since we also decided to deal with more active elderly we decided to make an online
survey and send it to Nõmme Old Men’s club to get some answers. After some time we made up a
summary out of it.
THE RESULTS OF OUR POLLS SHOWED US THE FOLLOWING:
• Most of the active elderly spend three to six hours outside their homes and fewer respondents
one to two hours.
• Daily walks are important, but not necessary
• People answered, that their hobbies would not differ from what they are doing now or differ only
a little if they wouldn´t have any health problems
• Weather conditions that are mostly disturbing elderly people everyday life are:
- Too cold weather
- Rain or other precipitates
- Too hot weather
- Bad weather in general (would cancel an appointment if had any)
• Most visited places are:
- Supermarkets
- Other
- Forest
- Park
- Cafe / restaurant
- Beach
- Grocery shop
• Best places to communicate with friends or new people:
- Other
- Beach
- Library
• The most appreciated things:
- Learning new things
- Family
- Friends / acquaintances
- Good humour
- Health
- Safety
- Good living environment
- Attending cultural events
- Contributing to society (charity)
- Money
• 100% of respondents said that they would love to learn something new
• Most visited places for elderly are:
- Health track
- Elderly centres
- Parks
- Walking roads
- Shopping centres
11

12. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
1.5 Gigamap
12
PLACES
Home library/
MUSEUM
social center spa shop/market swimming pool/
spa
park
IDEA CORNER
STATISTICS The Markers of Old Age
% saying that a person is old when he/she...
Turns 85
Can’t live independently
Can’t drive a car
Turns 75
Frequently forgets
familiar names
Finds his/her
health is failing
Has trouble
walking up stairs
Has bladder
control problems
Is no longer
sexually active
Turns 65
Retires from work
Has grandchildren
Has grey hair
79
76
66
62
51
47
45
42
33
32
23
15
13
The Challenges of Aging
It’s not as bad as younger adults think
Ages 18-64 expect... Ages 65+ experience...
32
31
21
13
9
20
12
8
14
Gap
Memory loss
Not able to drive
A serious illness
Not sexually active
Feeling sad or
depressed
Not feeling needed
Loneliness
Trouble paying bills
Being a burden
25
21
21
14
20
9
17
16
10
57
45
42
34
29
24
24
29
29
25
14
21
20
9
17
16
14
21
65
70
52
64
59
66
14
59
52
87
86
80
77
67
58
56
39
65
12
16
28
25
3
6
-8
-3
25
Gap
More time for
hobbies/interests
More time with family
Volunteer work
More travel
More financial security
Less stress
Not working
More respect
Second career
The Benefits of Growing Older
Reality doesn’t measure up to expectations
Ages 18-64 expect... Ages 65+ experience...
Distribution of Population by Broad Age Groups
World 1950-2050
1950 1975 2000 2025 2050
0
20
40
60
80
100
Percentage
379.0
153.4
69.2
31.4
13.8
2050
2025
2000
1975
1950
Millions
Population Aged 80 and Over
World, 1950-2050
Median Age of the Population
World and development regions, 1950-2050
23.6
28.6
21.4
19.5
26.5
37.4
24.3
18.2
36.2
46.4
35.0
26.5
1950 2000 2050
World
Less developed regions
More developed regions
Least developed regions
Number of Persons 65 or Over
Per Hundred Children Under 15
Major areas, 2000 and 2050
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Europe
Northern
America
Oceania
Asia
Latin America
and Carribean
Africa
2000
2050
The Hearing Banana
Audiogram
HearinglevelindB(ANSI,1996)
Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
110
t b
f s hkz v
j m d b i
ne
u
o
a
r
sh
ch
p n g
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
Typical Hearing Loss
Speech
Quiet
Loud
Hearinglevel(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Low pitch High pitch
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Normal hearing
OUR MISSION: GET THE ELDERLY OUT
RESEARCH
REASONS FOR INACTIVITY
G
O
O
D
M
O
R
N
I
N
g
B
R
E
A
K
F
A
S
T
h
e
a
l
t
h
y
l
u
n
c
h
t
i
m
e
s
m
a
r
t
d
i
n
n
e
r
g
o
o
d
n
i
g
h
t
f
u
n
gymnastics・
showdance・
yoga・
folk dance・
ballroom dance・
Nordic Walking・
swimming・
PREPARE lunch・
EAT lunch・
read mail・
wash dishes・
go to a cafe・
grociery shopping・
painting・
pottery・
learning a
new language・
handicrafts・
singing・
visit hairdresser/
manicurist・
BRUSH TEETH・
WASH UP・
GET DRESSED・
listen to the radio・
prepare dinner・
eat dinner・
clean the kitchen・
reminisce over
coffee and dessert・
take a bath・
get ready for bed・
read a book・
play bridge・
do crossword
puzzles・
play bingo・
watch a movie・
visit a friend・
PREPARE breakfast・
EAT breakfast・
have coffee・
discuss
the newspaper・
clean the house・
can’t lift heavy things
hard to keep up with it/technology
can’t reach high
many friends have passed
・Not enough time
・No one to exercise with
・Causes too much pain
・Exercise interferes with work
・Exercise interferes with social/family activities
・Cost
・Disapproval of others
・Lack of facilities
・Lack of transportation
・Limiting culture
・Too tired
・Too lazy
・Ashamed
・Do not know how to do it
・Injury
・Limiting health problem
・Poor physical conditioning
・Lack of motivation
・Inconvenience
・Exercise is boring
InternalExternal
VALUES
・Learning
・family
・friends
・humor
・memories
・money
・good food
・safety
・good living environemnt
・health
・participating in cultural events
・entertainment
・being valued in the society
NÕMME old men’s club
nõmme social center
mustamäe social cent
online sources
friends, acquaintanc
social workers
WHY?
・healthy, happy society
・fresh air
・regular walking
・socializing
HOW?
・Leaning chair
・Music chair
・“Talking” chair
・SAUNA CHAIR
women
- Longer life expectancy
Visit the doctor more often?
- Caretakers
- Find traditions important
- More social
- Depression in women is more likely to be
associated with anxiety disorders
Panic and phobic symptoms
Eating disorders
- Depressed women are less likely to abuse
alcohol and other drugs
POSSIBLE PROBL
・Balance problems
・newspapers are expensive
・loneliness
・aching joints
・no money for new clothes
・bad hearinG
・dental problems
・
・
・
・
・
・
・
・TROUBLE GETTING OUT OF BED
・FEAR OF FALLING IN THE SHOWER
・DECLINE IN REM SLEEP
・INCREASE IN SLEEP FRAGMENTATION
・having trouble with buttons,
zippers or other fasteners
・Exercise is boring
・trouble with motor skills
・decline in cognitive abilities
・insomnia
・little knowledge about
well-balanced diet and
special nutricional needs
for the elderly
MENTAL BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONAL
・LESS LONELY
・SAFE
・VALUED
・ALIVE
・SATISFYING
・COMFORTABLE
・CALM
・LISTEN
・TALK
・COMMUNICATE
・LEAN
・REST
・ENJOY NATURE
・safe
・COMPENSATES HIGH FREQUENCY
・ADJUSTABLE COMPENSATION
・DIRECTING THE VOICE
・GROUP COMMUNICATION POSSIBILT
・SOUND CREATION
・CHARGING STATION
・LISTENING STATION ・NEWSPAPER READING/
DISCUSSING PLACE

13. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
13
PLACES
Theatre/
cinema
restaurant/
cafe
bus stop church forest clinic training centre
CLARITY
VOLUME
MUSIC
NEWS
BOOKS
POEMS
CLARITY
VOLUME
Michael Jackson - Bad 03:34 / 04:58
PREV NEXT
PREV NEXT
Robbie Williams
Michael Jackson
Whitney Houston
RESEARCH
h
e
a
l
t
h
y
l
u
n
c
h
t
i
m
e
s
m
a
r
t
d
i
n
n
e
r
g
o
o
d
n
i
g
h
t
f
u
n
・running
・cycling
・go for a walk
・gardening
・take a bath
・get ready for bed
・read a book
・prepare dinner
・eat dinner
・clean the kitchen
・reminisce over
・coffee and dessert
・meet with friends
・spend time with
family
・babysit
・handicrafts
・learn something
new
・go to the barber
・grociery shopping
・PREPARE lunch
・EAT lunch
・read mail
・wash dishes
・take a nap
・listen to music
・see a movie
・see a play
・surf the internet
・listen to music
SKETCHES
NÕMME old men’s club
nõmme social center
mustamäe social center
online sources
friends, acquaintances
social workers
OW?
・make our product a part of their daily routine
・create the comfort of home outside
・create extra value that home and elderly
centers don’t have
WHAT?
・LISTENING STATION (NEWS, BOOKS, POEMS, MUSIC)
・FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT
・SAFE AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
・BETTER HEARING
- Shorter life expectancy
More dangerous occupations?
Do more dangerous things?
- More interested in technology, IT
- Providers in the society
- Want to be/feel useful
- Independent
- Achievers
- More prone to alcoholism
- Depression may lead to irritability,aggressive-
ness and sometimes hostile behavior
MEN
・BRUSH TEETH
・WASH UP
・GET DRESSED
G
O
O
D
M
O
R
N
I
N
g
B
R
E
A
K
F
A
S
T
・PREPARE BREAKFAST
・EAT BREAKFAST
・HAVE COFFEE
・MAKE CONVERSATION
・checking the news-
paper for death
notices
SIBLE PROBLEMS
・Bad weather
・No one to exercise with
・Causes too much pain
・Expensive
・Not enough special training facilities
・Transportation problems
・Lack of motivation
・used to being alone
・noone to talk to
・bad hearing
・bad eyesight
・overweight
・high blood pressure
・shaky hands
N THE SHOWER
RAGMENTATION
ith buttons,
・Gastroesophageal reflux
・disease
・keeping blood sugar level under control
・increase in the time it takes to fall asleep
・snoring
・afraid of change
・elderly playgorunds
・social centres
・higher benches
EXISTING SOLUTIONS
・vitamins・hearing aids
・EXOSKELETON
・non-slip bathroom mats
・Pill BOXES
・HAPPY PILLS
・cellphones for the elderly
・pick up and reaching equipment
・adaptive clothing
・books
・low bottom buses
・pain killers
・radio
・trolley bags・finnish sleigh
・dentures
・anti-slippery soles
・glasses
・adabtive eating utensils
・umbrella
・medical alert systems
・bathroom grab bars
・eating healthy
・elderly care centers
・care programs
・pets
・medication
・meditation
・tripod bar
・lift for the elderly
・toilet safety rails
・elevated toilet seats
・shower bench
・shower board・bathtub chair
・shower chair
・cane
・walker
・motorized mobility chair
・wheelchair
FUNCTIONAL PHYSICAL SENSORIAL
・NO SHARP CORNERS
・soft
・solid
COMPENSATES HIGH FREQUENCY
ADJUSTABLE COMPENSATION
DIRECTING THE VOICE
GROUP COMMUNICATION POSSIBILTY
SOUND CREATION
CHARGING STATION
・soft colours
How much is the energy consumption?
How does it work during winter?
How does it stand against vandalism?
PROBLEMS/FAULTS
USER INTERFACE

14. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Focused view - the main places that the elderly may come in contact with, the values the elderly
cherish the most and the main reasons for why an elderly person may become inactive and distant
from reality.
1.5.1 The Hearing Banana
The hearing banana got it’s name by it’s shape. It
represents the intensity and frequency of speech and how
people can hear it. In adults hearing loss within the hearing
banana can have serious implications on the person's
ability to follow what is being said to them (speech
discrimination). On the graphs it is shown what letters are
the most problematic. What we can learn from this, is - that
elderly people do not have to talk out loud, but put
emphasis on those letters that are brought out on the
hearing banana.
14
VALUES
・Learning
・family
・friends
・humor
・memories
・money
・good food
・safety
・good living environemnt
・health
・participating in cultural events
・entertainment
・being valued in the society
PLACES
Home library/
MUSEUM
social center spa shop/market swimming pool/
spa
park Theatre/
cinema
restaurant/
cafe
bus stop church forest clinic training centre
REASONS FOR INACTIVITY
・Not enough time
・No one to exercise with
・Causes too much pain
・Exercise interferes with work
・Exercise interferes with social/family activities
・Cost
・Disapproval of others
・Lack of facilities
・Lack of transportation
・Limiting culture
・Too tired
・Too lazy
・Ashamed
・Do not know how to do it
・Injury
・Limiting health problem
・Poor physical conditioning
・Lack of motivation
・Inconvenience
・Exercise is boring
InternalExternal
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
Typical Hearing Loss
Speech
Quiet
Loud
Hearinglevel(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Low pitch High pitch
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Normal hearing
The Hearing Banana
Audiogram
HearinglevelindB(ANSI,1996)
Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
110
110
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15. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
2 Concept Development
The visual ideas we summoned reflected the experiences, notes and thoughts gathered from
observations, polls and researches. The main idea from the beginning was connected with giving
the opportunity for people to relax and let them enjoy the things that they like to do. From the
following chapters you can find the developing of the final product - HÜTT.
2.1 The Bus Stop
The bus stop concept was the first mind child of our team. The idea of the design was to give a
chance for the people most commonly visiting the bus stops to use their waiting time efficiently by
doing some simple exercises. Keeping people happy through being physically active was the main
goal.
2.2 The Interactive Wall
The multifunctional wall combined with places for seating. Meant for placing outside - public park
for example. Gives people opportunity to enjoy visual art and also do some simple exercises for
keeping the muscles in your body happy. Focused on the ergonomic leaning chair for older people
to have no problems getting up from the chair.
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16. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
2.3 Chair
As the leaning chair idea started to show light at the end of the tunnel, the further development of
the chair progressed. For extra help the leaning chair now had tilting functions focusing on senior
citizens who might have problems with sitting down and getting up afterwards.
2.4 The Intersphere
Inspiration:
A sphere shaped inside room, containing
seating and activities for people. The
main material of the construction would
be so called “smart-glass” with touch-
screen functions guided by an online
server. Different applications with lots of
different functions which can be guided
by touch-motion. Quiet room where
people can use their brain for helping
themselves and everybody else
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17. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
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Have fun
closer to home
Learn new skills
Escape from the
city noise
Gather with friends
Meet new people
See what’s happening
in the world
Explore the world
of high-tech games
and entertainment
Relax
THE
INTERSPHERE

18. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
2.5 Silent Arc
How to shape the silence?
Cities usually mean lot of people. Lot of people usually mean a lot of noise. Noise is something that
people usually try to avoid. Separating noise from the sounds you want to hear can be quite tricky,
but that’s exactly what we wanted to do. Walls designed for eliminating the outer noise and
amplifiers used for bringing out voice and sounds was the main concept of “Silent Arc”. This was
the last non-successful concept idea before starting to work on the final product.
The image above is the CAD-drawing of the silent space designed for outdoors. The seating space
is surrounded by three walls, there is no roof. The transparent wall in front of the seating area can
be used as a screen. The inspiration came from the Estonian traditional “kõlakoda” (Image below,
left). We drew a schematic description of what would be needed in order for people to hear each
other better outdoors (scheme, middle). The third drawing is a sketch of the silent arc with a roof
that was after tested out (Chapter 3.2 Spherical Seating Area).
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19. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
3 Prototyping
3.1 With or Without a Roof
We started our prototyping with a simple task - testing out, whether we needed a roof for our
product or not. That is, does the roof change the sound travelling a lot or not very much. We
created a cardboard “room” and tested it in outdoor conditions, as our product will be designed for
outdoor use. The conclusion was, that indeed, our product should have a roof as the sound
travelling system is a lot better with the roof. We could hear our own voices a lot better when the
roof was on and also, didn’t hear so much of the outdoor disturbance.
Photos - testing the roof
3.2 Spherical Seating Area
Inspiration:
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20. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Photos. Cardboard model of the seating area.
Photos. Model of the spherical shelter.
After testing the roof, we decided to start to craft the model. We wanted the model to have a good
sound travelling system, and a seating area. Extras like the screen, speakers, table, shelves were
optional. We designed the chairs to be wide enough and tall enough to be comfortable. The chairs’
measurement are shown in the scheme below. We designed the initial model with enough room for
four people. The spherical shape is good for the sound travelling. We thought that the roof should
be at least two meters high, in order to be comfortable. The sides between the sphere and the
front wall are open for the feeling of being in the fresh air. The sphere was planned to be see-
through, so that the people would have a good field of vision to what’s going on on the outside and
the people outside would see, if anyone’s already in the sphere and know what to expect.
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21. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
3.3 Testing the Seating Arrangement
After finishing the prototype of the spherical seating area, we realised, that we need to scale it
down and find a way to make it into a easily transportable-installable product. As our original
intention was to make it easier for people to communicate with each other, then a product designed
for a single person was quickly eliminated. A design process of a product for two people began. We
started to think about how it would be the best and easiest for people to talk to each other. How far
apart are they from each other? What’s the angle between them? What are they looking at? We
tested the seating arrangement out.
Solution number five was chosen as the best one and the the new product was designed for this
seating arrangement.
Scheme. Seating measurements Scheme. Essential/optional components of the
model
Side Front
450 600
500
The seating area
Chairs, tables,
space for one’s purse,
shelves for books/games
Aroofforbetter
travellingofsound
Screen
Speakers
A wall blocking the street noise
1. Side-by-side 2. 90 degree angle
option 1
3. Face-to-face 4. 90 degree angle
option 2
5. 120 degree
solution
Uncomfortable to
look at each other
our hear each
other. Strangers
would not likely sit
next to each other.
Comfortable to look
at each other. Good
for hearing each
other. Not enough
leg space.
Strangers would
not sit next to each
other.
Good to see and
hear each other.
Not enough leg
space. Strangers
would not sit next
to each other.
Very bad for seeing
or hearing each
other. Strangers
would not be afraid
to sit next to each
other.
Enough leg space.
Good to see and
hear each other.
Strangers would
not likely sit next to
each other.
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22. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
3.4 1:20 Model of Hütt
Once the seating was tested and decided, we had a better view of what the product should look
like. We got inspired by the sculptural arch shape and started playing with it using different
materials like paper, plasticine, etc. Creating the outer shape of the product was simple and natural
but once more detailed design was needed, we started struggling in finally decided that it would be
best to build a full-scale prototype.
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23. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
3.5 Full-Scale Model of Hütt
After building the scaled models we decided to build a full-scale prototype of our product so we
could really see the proportions and later take pictures and start the sketching and design process.
Building the full-scale model allowed us to place the seating to correct place and see if the rest of
the shape would work.
Firstly, we took a trip to the forest to find some willow.
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24. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Then we built the seating area according to the measurements we got when testing the seating.
We started building the bone structure around the seating area.
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25. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
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26. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Lastly, we covered the construction with fabric to give it a more realistic feeling and appearance.
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4 Design
We had some picture in our heads, but since it was difficult to sketch it, we decided to built it in a
life scale so we could see how it really would look like. After this it would be easier to sketch it
down and make 3D drawings.
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28. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
We wanted to create a seating area that would be in a smooth connection with the arch of the roof.
We tested the final design out with paper before starting the 3D modelling:
3D modeling.
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29. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
5 Final product
Every great product starts with a great story.
5.1 The Story
In a world addicted to speed, the moments blur. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one
another and not say anything and still feel content. To be left alone is the most precious thing one
can ask.
We decided to do a product - that the first time you sit, you realise that you can sit, listen to silence
and and as silence is pure, watch the world around, and it changes you forever and no matter how
hard you try, that feeling just never goes away
We wanted the people to see that as soon as they look at our product.
“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a
lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one
another and not say anything and still feel content. The young,
brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste,
for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because
only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without
speaking. This is the great paradox.”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
5.2 Branding
The brand is the promise to your customer that tells them what they can expect from your products
and services, and it differentiates your offering from your competitors'. Your brand is derived from
who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be. Are you the innovative
maverick in your industry? Or the experienced, reliable one? Is your product the high-cost, high-
quality option, or the low-cost, high-value option? You can't be both, and you can't be all things to
all people. Who you are should be based to some extent on who your target customers want and
need you to be. To get the interest of people, these basic features should emerge from our brand:
What do we believe in; Where are we going; How are we going to get there; What only we do; How
do we express ourselves?
All the previous research was based on trying to figure out those features. And hoped that all the
other things can be made based on those values.
5.2.1 Values
Quiet, comfort, communication. Only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without
speaking
5.2.2 Vision
We want to give people peace of mind and an escape place from the city noise.
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30. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
5.2.3 Mission
Creating beautiful quiet spaces to the public spaces inside the city.
5.2.4 Personality
Calm, soft, social
5.2.6 Positioning
Create quiet spaces inside noisy cities.
5.2.7 Name
HÜTT - The Comfort of Silence
5.2.8 Branding dimensions
5.2.9 The Logo
As this was our first attempt to design a logo, at first we tried to take as simple approach as
possible, and made the logo:
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Source of Authority
Functionality
Distinctiveness
Personality
Brand core
Coziness
Seating option
Shelter
Noise blocking
Better sound travelling
inside the HÜTT
Calm atmosphere
It looks like it serves it’s
purpose
Calm
Soft
Social
Designed to withstand outdoor
conditions
Designed to be comfortable
for elderly
Public use

31. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
Problem with this nice logo is, that it does not reflect the product, so
we continued testing different kinds of logos, that would be more fluent
and go together with our product
Next, we created a new, softer logo with a brandboard.
Brandboard
5.3 Competitors
Competitors we have now are focusing on the silent areas indoors. Here are also some examples
of them:
Pictures. Sarkop products
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patterns
main logo
JOSEFIN SANS
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwz
fonts
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwz
MINION PRO
colors
PITCH BLACK
SILVER
POWDERBLUE
logo variations
SIMPLE LOGO ON A WHITE BACKGROUND
SIMPLE LOGO ON A BLACK BACKGROUND
FULL LOGO ON A WHITE BACKGROUND
FULL LOGO ON A BLACK BACKGROUND
C 17%
M 3%
Y 0%
K 0%
R 206
G 228
B 245
# cee4f5
C 12%
M 10%
Y 16%
K 0%
R 222
G 218
B 209
# dedad1
C 0%
M 0%
Y 0%
K 100%
R 35
G 31
B 32
# 231f20

32. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
So as we can also see from the pictures, our competitors are putting the emphasis on indoor quiet
areas. That brings us to our strength which is that we have found the niche where is need for this
product but there aren’t any products yet for outdoor uses.
5.4 Renderings
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33. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
5.5 Materials
The main challenge with the materials is to keep the cost down. The structure must be rigid, but
feel light at the same time. For this purposes we decided to use Corian®. Corian® offers a product
versatility, functionality and durability. This material is pretty much perfect for using in public places
because of many reasons. For example surfaces in Corian® are renewable which means that they
can be fully restored with ordinary mild abrasive cleansers and a scouring pad. For example-
cigarette burns can be easily removed in this way. Damage caused by abuse can usually be
repaired on site without having to completely replace the material. What is more, Corian® surfaces
are hygienic due to its’ non-porous material, bacteria and mould cannot be trapped and proliferate
in its joints nor underneath the surface. Corian® is an inert and non-toxic material. Under normal
temperature conditions, it does not emit gases. When burned, it releases mainly carbon oxides and
the smoke generated is optically light and does not contain toxic halogenated gases.
Products made with Corian®
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™.
Dyneema® is a super strong polyethylene fibre that offers maximum strength combined with
minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than
aramid fibres, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable
and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less
unlimited.
No Name Sample Use Characteristics
1 Corian® Savannah Chairs, arc Density 1.68 – 1.75 g/cm3
Flexural modulus 8040 – 9220 MPa
Flexural strength 57.1 – 74.0 MPa
Elongation at break 0.76 – 0.93 %
Compressive strength 175 – 178 MPa
Resistance to surface wear 58 – 63 (lost
weight mm/100 rev.)
Dimensional stability at 20oC < 0.16 %
change in length
Resistance to bacteria and fungi - does not
support microbial growth
2 Corian® Elderberry Back cover
3 Dyneema® corde Seating Diameter 9 mm
Average tensile strength 8618 kg
Specific gravity .97
Elongation at break 2.3 – 3.9 %
Critical temp. 150°F
Abrasion excellent
UV resistance fair/good
Flex fatigue very good
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34. Design and Engineering Hütt Autumn 2014/15
References
[1] http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/older-people-and-high-support-needs-full.pdf
[2] http://www.archdaily.com/443108/riba-examines-how-over-60s-might-impact-future-cities/
526ad2e4e8e44ef4c2000514_riba-examines-how-over-60s-might-impact-future-
cities_healthy_infrastructures-jpg/
[3] http://musthaveplay.com/index.php/our-playgrounds/social-engagement
[4] http://musthaveplay.com/images/client_downloads/why%20older-adult%20playgrounds
%20present%20a%20world%20of%20possibilities%20icaa%20june%202012.pdf
[5] http://pingmag.jp/2007/11/07/playground-equipment/
[6] www.corian.com
[7] R. Melioranski, M. Pärn, L. Meister, J. Siimar, I. Lehari. “Kuidas leiutada jalgratast?” Eesti
Kunstiakadeemia, Eesti Disainikeskus 2012.
[8] http://intoconcept.com INTO the Nordic Silence.
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