Iron Furniture Design · 2024
Minus Stool
by Yifan Ding
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Yifan Ding
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 10,892
- Verification code 1ED8277445 · Verify this award
About Minus Stool
Minus is a backless chair created by subtracting material from a basic cubic shape. The result is a minimalist form with smooth, flowing surfaces. Each surface change serves an ergonomic purpose. A lower curve provides a resting place for the feet. An upper indentation improves seating comfort. A scooped back and the top curve act as handles, so Minus can be lifted from the floor with ease. The body is made of plastic, finished with a light blue metallic coating or with marble patterns applied by hydro dipping.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Minus stool embodies a distinctive design philosophy, crafted by selectively subtracting from a basic cubic shape. This approach yields a minimalist form that speaks a language of simplicity while boasting elegant and fluid surfaces. Beyond its visual appeal, every subtle surface change has its ergonomic intent: a lower curve offers a restful place for the feet; an upper indentation enhances the seating experience; and a scooped back allows for effortless handling.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 420mm, Depth 350mm, Height 450mm
- Tags
- Stool, Furniture, Product design, Minimal
- Production Technology
- The whole stool will be made with plastic, the first finishing is slightly blue metallic coating, and the two with marble patterns will made by hydro dipping.
- Design Challenge
- The challenge during the design process is to find the right surface flow and match the entire minimal feelings. The designer solved this problem by adopting AR tools to inspect the subtle surface change in the actual size and real environment virtually.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2023 in Pasadena and finished in December 2023 in Pasadena, and was exhibited in Gallery at ArtCenter College of Design until now.
- Operation Flow
- When a person sits on the stool, the top surface provides surprisingly comfortable support, and users could place their feet at the bottom curve. Furthermore, the curve at the back and top together act as handles that facilitate the user to grab it from the floor.
- Research
- The design journey of the minus stool was marked by an extensive exploration of sitting ergonomics. The designer meticulously crafted prototypes using CNC machining, and to ensure the design met a wide range of needs, a diverse group of individuals was invited to experience the stool firsthand. Their feedback was invaluable, informing iterative modifications that honed both comfort and functionality. This collaborative process was fundamental, embedding user-centric insights into the very heart of the stool's design.
- Inspiration
- Minus stool is inspired by sculpture, an art form steeped in antiquity, has birthed innumerable masterpieces through the ages. Our forebears crafted exquisite shapes and curves from massive stones, showcasing their artistic prowess. This ancient method of expression, with its tangible and direct approach to creating beauty, has deeply inspired me.