Rest
16 Weeks | Fall 2024
accessible + adaptable furniture
““Evidently, the needs of disabled consumers remain largely unaddressed by furniture and product designers.” ”
Context & Opportunity
Furniture is a universal necessity, yet much of it fails to serve the full range of people who rely on it every day. Everyone, regardless of age, size, wealth, or ability, should have access to furniture that is safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Beyond function, furniture has the potential to act as an assistive tool — supporting people with disabilities in navigating daily life more independently. The opportunity lies in designing disability-friendly furniture that is usable by all, and truly customer-centric. By addressing these needs, furniture can move beyond aesthetics and function to become an empowering tool that enhances independence, comfort, and quality of life for everyone.
Considerations
Key considerations include designing furniture that supports mobility, integrates built-in features for stability and comfort, and offers ease of assembly to make setup accessible for all customers. Designs should adapt to diverse home styles — from apartments to townhouses to single-family homes — while considering the full customer journey, from packaging and assembly to customization and long-term use.
We conducted several interviews to understand the just how much accessibility impacts people’s lives.
Here’s what some shared →
“I was fighting desperately and violently to maintain any sense of independence.”
“Jesus I’m SO SICK of doing this repetitive pushing away and setting myself up.”
“I definitely didn’t enjoy seeing the accessibility items…It’s so sad when your house is just like, medical stuff”
what i learned to address
User experience
One fluid action and simplified function. Support mobility and recovery, enables safe bed-to-wheelchair transfers, and optimizes space use.
Aesthetic standpoint
Soft edges and fluid lines. Design using light wood and visually prioritizing natural material. Metal rests on surfaces.
Once I knew the function and general form, it was time to dig into our brand and aesthetic.
Collaborative aesthetic exploration →
It all begins with an idea. An adaptable bedroom furniture piece designed as an adjustable, slideable side table. It supports mobility and space efficiency, allowing users to set the height to fit the bed or push it against a wall. Ideal for creating a personal, secure, and accessible bedroom solution for anyone.
Created 3/4 scale looks like models.
Dialing in the Details
