The A-Frame is a furniture concept designed to meet the needs of tech-savvy young adults. It provides comfortable seating, storage for devices, and can stack or fold up for small spaces. The design went through several iterations, starting with a deckchair concept and evolving to the final A-frame shape. Technical considerations included the ability to open up for use as a table or chair and fold completely flat. Physical models and 3D renders were used to develop the design. The goal was to create multifunctional furniture with sturdy construction.

1. A-FRAME
A sit+store solution
Design Development
PowerPoint Presentation
by Alison Gray Thomson

2. A-Frame is a sit+store solution
designed for IDI Communication 3:
Digital Skills.
The idea is to create a relevant piece of
furniture which can realistically
address the needs of a tech-savy next
generation of ‘net-gener’ young adults.
These so called net-geners have less
traditional ideals then their
predecessors and require a completely
new kind of functionality.
The ideals to be met for this project
are as follows:
Storage for Tech-devices like I-pads,
mobile phones and charging devices.
Comfortable seating for periods of
time while working .
Stackability, storability, movability for
small or shared spaces
sturdy construction with a
Concept Insights
A-FRAME
facili
tate
store
easy access

3. A-FRAME
First Concept Attempts
For the first attempt at
conceptualization, I looked at re-
imagining a simple deckchair with a
simple adjustable pine & canvas
construction.
In addition to the standard
construction, I added a storage flap to
the back of the chair which could act
as storage pockets.

4. A-FRAME
Selected concept for developm
I was inspired manly by the SHAPE of
the A-frame construction language.
Simple, practical construction, and
aesthetically pleasing and conceptually
adaptable.

5. A-FRAME
Technical Considerations
Part of the charm of the A-Frame is the
ability to open up into a table, chair &
storage
… then…
Fold away completely flat
It can be used for Hanging lights,
cloths, bags, pot plants, WHATEVER
THE WEATHER
And can be used as a quiet place to sit
and work

6. A-FRAME
Scale Model
Paper, scissors, thumb tacks. I love
this playful mini model making the
most. It is the best way to DEVELOP A
PHYSICAL RELATIONSHIP with the
design and also is key to helping to
resolve physical design issues.

7. A-FRAME
3d Model
A-Frame has been 3d Modeled in Rhino
5. The main pro to using Rhino5 is its
ability to create natural curves that are
not made up strictly with geometric
arcs and lines.

8. A-FRAME
Ergonomics
Ergonomic requirements for the A-
Frame are crucial.
The seat should be padded somewhat
but firm to give support as there is no
backrest.
I foresee the getting in and out of the
seat being tricky but not impossible.

9. A-FRAME
Render
Here we see a Rhino Render of A-
Frame. The lights have been set up in
an ‘in studio’ setting.

10. A-FRAME
Cad Animation
The CAD animation was made using a
plug in for Rhino called Bongo. The
frames were exported to Photoshop
and then edited into a giff.

11. A-FRAME
Moving giff count slowly to 5…

12. +
A-FRAME
A sit+store solution
www.alisongray.co.za
by Alison Gray Thomson
A-FRAME VIDEO –
http://alisongray.co.za/?p=151
A-FRAME ONLINE MAGAZINE –
http://alisongray.co.za/?p=127
A-FRAME BLOG – www.alisongray.co.za