Development of prototype furniture for preschool children: articulation between sustainable design and inclusive design

Abstract

This research project considers that one of the main demands of contemporary society is the production and responsible consumption of products that incorporate concepts of sustainability and that have a social concern with its impact. The overall objective of the research is to develop the design and production of furniture prototypes that have sensory qualities articulating concepts of Sustainable Design and Inclusive Design, with emphasis on two main aspects: a) product development as an inclusive pedagogical tool aimed at children of preschool age with visual impairments and; b) analysis of sustainability indicators in the production process in the laboratory. The methodology to be adopted in the research is organized in three main stages: a) Research and bibliographical survey to consolidate the theoretical foundation on the subject, synchronic analysis of similar products; characterization of target public and renewable materials to be used in the product; b) Development of the projective activities, with the establishment of guidelines, generation and selection of alternatives, modeling and formal validation of the prototype and; c) Realization of the production process, with the execution of the physical prototype and data collection of sustainability indicators during production. The expected results of this study are: definition and application of guidelines for sustainable and inclusive design, employment of low environmental impact materials and renewable source, development of graphic parts and elaboration of physical prototype and analysis of the data collected in the production stages.