Iranian Street Furniture
Challenge: Developing a concept solution tailored to Valiasr's landscape, prioritizing citizen comfort and peace while also serving as a structural element defining Valiasr's identity and enhancing its social fabric. Cultural alignment with Iranian identity fosters a deeper connection between design and its environment, benefitting citizens.
Solution: CHENAR, a sculptural seat, inspired by the Persian alphabet, embodies the essence of the word “چنار” (Plane
tree), reflecting the street’s identity in a minimalist form while providing pedestrians with comfort and ease through public furniture.
Research and Ideation
I initiated the process with a context analysis, delving into the history and identity of the study site.
This exploration allowed me to grasp the contemporary public space furniture landscape and its constraints in Valiasr Street.
Proceeded with a user analysis phase. This involved identifying various user personas, mapping out their journeys, and creating mind maps to delve deeper into their needs, behaviors, and preferences. By utilizing techniques such as persona journey mapping and mind mapping, I gained valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and experiences of the target users, informing the design process.
Sayena: citizen hanging out with friends
Mehran: citizen family time/picnic
Bahar: citizen shopping
Peter: tourist cultural site seeing
Ali: citizen photography
As a UX designer, I defined the core functions, established the experience journey, and wireframed the information architecture between different users and Chenar through different modes of storytelling
Sayena
Bahar
Ali
Mehran
Peter
Following an analysis of competitors' offerings and current aesthetic trends, I initiated the ideation process. To immerse myself in the appropriate visual atmosphere, I chose to craft a visual representation of the desired context. This allowed me to effectively convey my design vision to the company.
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As a UX designer, I defined the core functions, established the experience journey, and wireframed the information architecture between the user and Co through different modes of storytelling
Diverging and converging techniques
Generated various concepts and employed the Harris Profile assessment and Weighted Objectives in the design thinking process to determine which concepts best meet the requirements.
Concept development
final concept visualization
3D print
Ergonomics and technical drawings
During the storyboarding process, I imagined the daily journey of Chenar and anticipated the various users and scenarios it might encounter over time.
5:30
expecting early birds and public cleaners
08:30
starts to get busier.
yet no user involvement happening
11:00
user involvement starting, getting closer to lunch time
13:30
for short stays, fixing bike, tying shoes
15:30
longer stays for seniors hanging out
17:00
providing comfort after a long shopping day
18:30
The sculpture-inspired public furniture serves as a popular photo spot.
19:30
teenagers and children playing
20:30
serves comfort after a romantic night out
23:00
for users expecting a bus or pickup
00:30
at risk of being damaged by altercations.
02:30
serves homeless individuals and cats.
Have a seat!
After selecting materials, manufacturing, and estimating costs, presented the client with the final product: an outdoor sculptural seat. Blending the functions of a seat and the aesthetics of a sculpture, it reflects the identity of Valiasr street through design elements reminiscent of its plane trees.
