The document describes designing a storage unit for a local brownie group to address issues with space, disorganization, and different heights using the same equipment. The storage unit needs to fit within a cupboard that is 208cm tall, 91cm wide, and 119cm deep. The designer aims to make the unit out of MDF or plywood and provide concise storage for various items and heights in an organized manner while using minimal floor space.

1. I am making the storage unit for a
local brownie group with issues
involving space, disorganisation and
children of different heights using the
same equipment. The size of the
cupboard of which I'm making the unit
for is 208cm tall, 91cm wide and
119cm deep. I aim to make the unit
out of MDF or plywood.

2. Corner plate
Ridge joint
Much like the ridge joint which is normally moulded in plastic or
metal which makes them strong but they can only hold two
pieces of wood. The corner plate can hole three which is very use
full when it comes to table corners normally made out of metal it
uses three screws, one with a winged bolt used to tighten and
bring the pieces of wood closer together.
This mechanism is quite
old but uses is very
innovative and effective
which is great although I
believe I will have trouble
figuring out a way to
incorporate this into my
design.
Block connector
This type of joint is used to fit modern cabinets such as
those found in a kitchen. It is a relatively strong joint
although it has the advantage that it can be dismantled
using a screwdriver.
Barrel nut and bolt
This is a very effective fitting as once screwed
in it is also most unseen and very strong. It is
seen in some Ikea design due to this and the
fact that as long as the holes are already drilled
in this mechanism is simple to but together.
This is a shelf fixing. It
allows the user to decide
on how big or small they
wont their shelf. It is very
common as it is simple
but an effective. Some of
my designs are in the
shape of a bookcase and
this item is used in a base
shelves so could be very
useful in order to make
my product more
versatile and reach a
wider audience
The common chest of draws is
again a very effective
mechanism. Using coin shaped
devise, the draw can roll
seamlessly along the metal
ledge allowing the draw to open
and close. This could be part of
my design when solving the
‘reaching problem’ as the
shelves could convert to steps.
This is a multi
purpose step
ladder its it
relatively
common but it
does its job
again might be
hard to
incorporate the
design but it in
a effective and
simple
mechanism.

3. The aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:
Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is seen in
schools as well for my user. The product does fulfil this as the amount of floor
space used is not a lot considering how much can be stored using the product.
In the sketch to the side you can see a problem with the
design that when shelf comes out it does not touch the
floor due to the base of the unit. This could cause
tipping of the whole structure when weight is applied to
the step. To solve this there is 3 options:
•
The unit could come with a block that could be
fitted under the shelf when used. Issues with this is
that children don’t always think of safety first
forgetting entirely or not placing the block in
correctly.
•
If you look to some of my modelling you’ll see that
another idea is that the shelf could come entirely
out of the unit and place of the floor. The issue with
this is that if the shelf is very heavy the children will
not able to put out without the help of an adult
defeating the purpose of the box (if the adult can
already reach the top).
•
The last option would be to get rid of the base of
the unit completely thus getting rid of the
problem.
Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of different
heights so this problem can be related to everyone specifically children of
different ages and different heights having to use the same equipment. This
idea deals with this problem in a simple but effective way by having a box/shelf
that could some how come out of the unit thus creating a step in order to aid
the user in reaching the top shelf (as demonstrated by the Lego figure).
Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to not having a
organisation system so not knowing where to put things herself but also the
children. Schools also have the same issue as the system will need to be exciting
for the children to want to tidy correctly. This design don’t not really solve this
problem as there is no clear place to put a certain object. But this could be
solved by having coloured boxes or crates that mean a specific item.
The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while
keeping safety and the target audience in mind. This idea does aim to please
the customer by helping to solve the issue of reaching and also by being a
rather large bookcase capable of storing lots of everyday items. This product
does not set out to cause harm to the client as there will be no small parts (that
can be removed easily) or sharp corners but children's fingers could get caught
in the sliding process of the box although this would not be common it is still
possible.
The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also
be a versatile product that would not be too big to fit though the average
door way. This design does aim to help and is not a very outlandish shape so
would still be able to fit though most door ways as it is designed after a
bookcase which can be found in most households and schools. This design also
makes use of ceiling height for storage but also finds a way of using this but
keeping to solve the problem of reaching
The materials used for making this need to be strong and durable
withstanding being drilled and daily use. I plan to use a mix of plywood for the
shelves and the sides including the base and top, but the back would be made
from either chipboard or MDF as these are cheaper types of wood so don’t
need to look nice as they wont be seen as much.
The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out
but still be a contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This
product will be made from wood so that will almost always blend with interiors
and the design does not interfere with the use of the product in fact it aids it.
Using auto desktop
I made an ordinary
bookcase.
Changing the
colour of the
design so it would
show up against
the background
and look more like
the product.
Next I created a box of the same
material that would slide out of the
bookcase creating a step. As you can
see from the pictures there would
still be a shelf full of items when the
box is pulled out so would not cause
disturbance. The items in the final
shelf would need to be either in trays
of some kind or I could look into
creating a barrier across the front of
the shelf to stop anything from falling
out when being used as a shelf.

4. The aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:
1 One development with this design was stopped when looking into
the function mechanism of the idea I realised that once the ladder
was lowered, it would rest on the corner. This would not be very
supportive as there is not a lot of surface area and could cause the
safety issues. To combat this I came out with some solutions:
Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is
seen in schools as well for my user. The product does fulfil this as the
amount of floor space used is not a lot considering how much can be
stored using the product.
Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of
different heights so this problem can be related to everyone
specifically children of different ages and different heights having to
use the same equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a
simple but effective way by having a ladder that could some how fold
out of the unit thus creating a step ladder in order to aid the user in
reaching the top shelf .
•
•
Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to
not having a organisation system so not knowing where to put things
not only herself but the children do not know where everything is or
where it goes. Schools also have the same issue as the system will
need to be exciting for the children to want to tidy correctly. This
design don’t not really solve this problem as there is no clear place to
put a certain object. But this could be solved by having coloured boxes
or crates that mean a specific item.
This is a model of
my design as you
can see this would
be how the ladder
would fold out for
the user.
Side
view
•
This would be how
the ladder folds up
into the bookcase as
you can see it would
fit in gaps left
between the
shelves.
The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user
while keeping safety and the target audience in mind. This product
does aim to help the user but could also cause some confusion on
how you would actually get up the ladder as you would need
something to hold on to. And if you used the bookcase itself there's a
risk it would topple forward harming the user.
The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but
to also be a versatile product that would not be too big to fit though
the average door way. This one again is in the shape of a ordinary
bookcase which manage to fit into many homes up and down the UK.
So the shape of this product should not be an issue although when the
ladder does fold out it will take up more space? Also when used by
children they would not be able the reach the ladder to pull it down or
put it back up defeating the whole purpose of the design and if left out
could be a tripping issue.
2
The materials used for making this needs to be strong and
durable withstanding being drilled and daily use. Like the box
design I plan to use a mix of plywood for the shelves and the sides
including the base and top, but the back would be made from
either chipboard or MDF as these are cheaper types of wood so
don’t need to look nice as they wont be seen as much. The ladder
would have to be made out a material that could withstand a lot of
weight so pine would be best.
The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in
mind though out but still be a contemporary design that will fit
in with todays furnishings. This design will look much like the
average bookcase but with an innovative twist so should fit in fine
with most interiors. Maybe adding a varnish to the wood to
increase the longevity and the appeal of the bookcase.
One idea was to have a rubber grip positioned
on the end reducing the risk of sliding and
could also create more surface area.
Another idea would be to have a connector
that could come out of the base of the book
case and attach on the to ladder creating a
triangle which would be more sturdy and
secure.
The last Idea involved cutting the ladder itself
into a slight angle so when it was folded out it
would be face to face with the floor creating
more surface area thus more balance. This
could also some how incorporate a handle
into the design to make it easier for the user
to pull down.
My next suggestion for a development would be to
get rid of the foldable part of the ladder and
instead make a ladder that can fit into the side of
the bookcase. As seen in the drawing the ladder
would have gaps on some of the rungs this would
enable the ladder to fit into the side of the book
case, which would be very handy cause you never
know when you might need a ladder. The only
down side to this would be that children might not
be able to use it as the ladder could be quite heavy
also one the ladder is in place there is nothing that
really holds it in place which is a major safety issue
so I disregarded the design
Just like with the box
design I used auto
desktop to make an
ordinary bookcase. I
then had to change
the design in order
for my ladder design
to work. This shows
roughly how the
design would look.
Pic of
auto
desktop
ladder
bookcase

5. The aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:
Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which is
seen in schools as well for my user. The product does not really fulfil
this in the initial sketches as the amount of floor space used is a lot as
it was designed the represent the cubes on the video game Tetris,
meaning the blocks could interlock and move where ever.
Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people of
different heights so this problem can be related to everyone specifically
children of different ages and different heights having to use the same
equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a simple but effective
way as the design shows the unit can be changed to any shape or
height making the product very versatile.
Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to not
having a organisation system so not knowing where to put things
herself but also the children. Schools also have the same issue as the
system will need to be exciting for the children to want to tidy
correctly. As the boxes will be different colours to match with the
original idea being inspired by the video game Tetris. The boxes could
be colour coded so if a box was blue this could have outdoor
equipment in side or if a box was green it could contain craft stuff and
so on.
The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while keeping safety
and the target audience in mind. This idea does aim to please the customer by helping to
solve the issue of reaching as it is low to the ground but can also be moved and stacked
on top of one another to save on floor space making the product very versatile and
appealing to a wide audience. This product does not set out to cause harm to the client
but children could pull of the boxes and as there is nothing holding the boxes other than
an interlocking system could cause some of the boxes or the contains to fall hurting the
children.
The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also be a
versatile product that would not be too big to fit though the average door way. The
shape of the design can be changed depending on the users needs. This makes the
product very versatile and innovative and should be seen as one of the designs selling
points. As it can be taken apart this means it can fit though can door way big or small.
The materials used for making this need to be strong and durable withstanding being
drilled and daily use. These boxes could be made from a strong plastic such as acrylic as
it can be cut easy, is very hygienic and comes in a range of different colours. Acrylic can
become brittle and scratch over time but plastic is cheaper and less time consuming than
wood.
The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out but still
be a contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This product will be
made from acrylic plastic so can come in any colour although it might not fit in with the
rest of the surroundings but being bright colours solved the problem s of
disorganisation as items can be colour coded and will excite children into what it is.
• In my modelling stages I realised the danger and impracticalities of
having moveable boxes as in having boxes that were not some how
supported this could result in issues such as boxes becoming
unlocked and falling on the children.
• So during modelling I came up with the idea of a box like frame
The different shape boxes
surrounding the other storage boxes insuring that nothing would
that make up the design
able to fall and hurt anyone.
would fit together using an • Again there were problems with this design:
interlocking mechanism
- Fingers of both children and adults could be caught during
much like the one used on
the moving of the boxes
front doors. One box would
- If the boxes are heavy children would not be able to move
have the panel and the other
the boxes
the key which would slide
- There is still the issue of taking up to much floor space
down and lock into place.
- There is no system into how the boxes would actually
move
By incorporating my design with the common
bookshelf and solving to problems mentioned before I
came up with this design.
•
This design would be able to fit into most
cupboards and homes due to its common size.
•
•
This design would run on the
same sort of idea and
mechanism as those sliding
puzzle games. Theses work by a
gap being left in the block
leaving room for the other
blocks to move.
Also these blocks are colour coded which help
solve the problem of disorganisation.
Although the puzzle idea is innovative when looking further
into there were a few problems. Firstly being able to move
the boxes would require height that primary school aged
children do not have bringing up the issue of reaching
again.
Next would be the question into what would stop the
boxes from falling? Especially if the box was heavy bring
back the possibility of harming the user and the innovative
mechanism not working at all

6. The aim for this idea was to solve the problems faced in first page:
The idea here shows the different options as to
how I would get the unit to spin.
• First being a ball race or bearing this works
by to the two different pieces of wood
rotating on marbles.
• Next is the idea that like a spinning top toy
the unit could move an one fixed point but
this would not be very secure or move very
smoothly.
• And lastly the idea that I could buy a
spinning rack display that would normally be
used to sell key chains and stuff using the
base and mechanism I could attach the pole
to the unit and let it spin on the base. Only
problem is that they are normally used for
selling light weight products and the base
might not be big enough this could cause
the unit to topple over or not be very sturdy
but when with children it needs to be.
Floor space: this issue that’s there is not a lot of floor space which
is seen in schools as well for my user. The product would probably
be the width of the average door frame but squared so wouldn’t
take up to much room but would be bigger that an average
bookshelf. It does have a lot of storage opportunities to make up
for taking up more floor space.
Reaching: an issue that can be seen in every day life due to people
of different heights so this problem can be related to everyone
specifically children of different ages and different heights having
to use the same equipment. This idea deals with this problem in a
simple but effective way by being the height of roughly 750mm
which most school aged children should able to reach.
Disorganisation: this problem is very apparent with my user due to
not having a organisation system so not knowing where to put
things herself but also the children. Schools also have the same
issue as the system will need to be exciting for the children to want
to tidy correctly. This design is inspired but the rubix cube toy it, so
the sides of the unit will be painted accordingly this would
hopefully encourage children to put away into the separate
compartments
The function of my product was to help and not hinder the user while keeping safety and
the target audience in mind. This idea does help the user as it solves all the highlighted
problems. And safety would be a key factor making sure all components used to make it are
tested so not made from or with any harmful chemicals that could have health risks on some
children. Also keeping in mind that no screws and small objects can be got at by children.
The ergonomics were designed again not the hinder the end user but to also be a versatile
product that would not be too big to fit though the average door way. This product can still
fit through most doorways and being square shaped it would be able to fit into any corner.
Although it will have to be moved out slightly when spun around. With the ability to spin it
makes the product more useful as children will be able to reach more of the stuff stored.
The materials used for making this need to be strong and durable withstanding being
drilled and daily use. I plan to use a plywood for most of the design as it is relatively cheap
but can withstand drilling and everyday wear and tear. I will need to get multi coloured paint
for the sides making it more fun and colourful for children also helping with disorganisation
and being inspired by the rubix cube. I will also be getting components such as screws and
hinges to fit the pieces together and make it more secure.
The aesthetics for the ideas must keep function over form in mind though out but still be a
contemporary design that will fit in with todays furnishings. This product will be made
from wood so that will almost always blend with interiors with the brightly coloured storage
compartments it will add a little vibrancy. The function of the product was how the design
came about and there is nothing that would distract or get in the way of the product working
to maximum efficiency
These models of the idea
show how it would work
rotating on a ball race. As you
can see the design does
change shape when spun
round.
This development shows the idea of not the whole
thing moving but like a rubix cube the horizontal units
would move allowing for a mover versatile product the
containers would still come out of the product allowing
for maximum storage usage.
Another add on would be that the colour instead of
being painted of would be acrylic plastic this could then
maybe be able to come off and slot back on this creates
a game for children to complete much like a rubix cube.
Also by incorporating the removable plastic into the
design if the adult user didn’t not want a brightly
coloured rubix cube style unit in the room they could
take off the plastic and have an ordinary wood or
whatever colour the box is painted storage unit in the
room this incorporates more with the aesthetics in the
room and was specified in the specification