KLAPP THE FLEXIBLE COMPANION
switch between work and homespace
Context
Working from home is no longer an exception since the corona pandemic. As a result of the shift, companies have started to downsize their office space. – But one of the downsides is that we notice how difficult it is to separate work and private life at home.
The bachelor thesis conceptualizes a product to create a more flexible and individual workspace in the flat and to enable a clear separation between work or privacy in all conditions.
How might we
separate work and private life at home more clearly?
Challenge
Many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with the work situation at their homes and feel stressed by the term "home office." This is because it is only possible for some people to make a clear separation from the private home. The pandemic has caught people unprepared, as seen in the temporary home offices. Solutions for the office have emerged in recent years thanks to new work. But what happens at home?
*A quantitative survey was conducted with 70 stakeholders in May 2020
Diverse chaos in the home office at the start of the pandemic.
How might we
shape an easy switching back and forth between living and working situations?
Analyzed living spaces from the survey to explore different realities and possible spaces.
Approach
In order to gain a better understanding of the distribution of space, in addition to interviews and observations, a room was divided into zones to observe the use of the living space. Inspired by the trend and field research, areas of tension were established and solutions for opportunity areas were developed. The emerging ideas were tested with functional prototypes and resulted in a wide range of possibilities. Through an iterative approach, three concepts were manifested. The concept of the flexible companion was created as a final design through renderings and 1:1: prototypes.
Result
The Klapp emerged from the concept of flexible companions.
Klapp makes it possible to switch a working environment on and off quickly. Klapp stows and safely stores work materials. Klapp enables a quick change of location within the home. Klapp structures unite workspaces in one. Klapp requires only one horizontal surface. Klapp integrates itself into the existing living environment.
Material
The recycled PET, polyester fiber fleece and low-carbon aluminum materials protect the contents inside from external influences, the farbric feels pleasant and is durable in use.
Flat Pack
The folded and screwed flat pack construction appears visually light and offers resource-saving logistics.
Wood Handle
It is a sustainable analogy to the traditional handyman toolbox.
Cover
Enables the storage of larger products with quick access, for instance, on-ear headphones or chargers.
Shelves
The core is the compartments, and two aluminum elements are manteled with fleece.
Fleece Sheet
The volume size offers variable width. The folded structure snaps into the body in lateral rails.
Folded Feets
Klapp stands on fabric feet that are pulled through slots in the bottom aluminum gaps.
Lock
The magnetic fleece lock is suggested by the recessed grip.
Hinge
The integrated fleece hinge does not disturb the outer appearance, and the fleece closure recessed handle indicates the opening.
Content Example Set
Learnings
