This document outlines a research plan to design adaptive spaces that can be configured and reconfigured for different tasks in small living spaces. The research will involve primary research through cultural probes, questionnaires, photographs and first-hand observation of peoples' homes to understand user needs, habits and problems. Additional research will include speaking with experts, exploring ergonomics, accessibility, health and safety issues, relevant technologies and materials, and manufacturing and costs. The goal is to design multifunctional, modular furniture and components that can expand, contract and adapt spaces for different tasks in an original, efficient way.

1. RecapCompact Living: living in a small space - looking at the upper end of the market.Dedicated spaces: Spaces dedicated to a task.Combinations of products: combining products which go together.

2. Compact Living + dedicated spaces= Adaptive Spaces

3. Adaptive spacesWhat is it?Adapting your space to force or encourage you to be organized, efficient or convenient.Improving problems with tasks in the home.

4. What it could include:MultifunctionalModularExpandingContractingMechanismsComponents to fit any space

5. How I shall research!Primary research into peoples lifestyles - Homes, Habits, Tasks and Problems.Cultural probes: With questionnaires and photographs etc get people interested in the project and involved User needs and wantsI could also use this research to determine the market I want to aim at.

6. First hand observation and photographs of peoples homesLook at how people react and change their environment.Research into areas outside the home that work and don’t - e.g. Factory linesSpeak to experts in furniture making/design, manufacturing, interior design.

7. ErgonomicsAccessabilityHealth and safetyTechnologyMaterialsManufacturingCosts

8. I need to think of an original method of researching to involve as many people as possible and to get as much relevant information as I can.

9. HowI could get people to photograph certain areas in their homes.Find tasks that people like and hate.Perhaps observe first hand some home tasksMarket Research: Get people to chose between styles of existing products to try and determine taste.

10. Thank you