Furniture design and sustainability – Project and production of MDF prototype stool

Abstract

In contemporary times, it is a priority for designers to base themselves on sustainable actions and design strategies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the product production chain. Therefore, the objective of this study was to present the design and production process of experimental stool using MDF, assembled and stabilized using fittings. From a literature review, the design guidelines were delimited. Subsequently, a mood board was incorporated into the design process, followed by a stage of generating virtual alternatives with the aid of mockups on paper and the planning of furniture planning on the MDF. Prototype production was essential to analyze the formal and aesthetic design of the product, as well as to adjust and validate the fitting-based assembly system. From the results obtained, it was observed that the prototype met the sustainable guidelines defined in the project and has the potential for production in 4.0 manufacturing platforms.