How can coffee shop seating be designed to promote individual study?
When your home is a dorm room, space is especially limited. Coffee shops offer a third space to students outside of school and home. Students want a balance of privacy and social ambience.
RESEARCH
1. Bags add clutter and waste seats
Coffee shop seating often lacks designated bag storage, resulting in inefficient space usage as customers place their bags on tables or chairs to keep them off the ground.
2. Students want privacy
In less crowded coffee shops, customers often maintain a 1-2 seat distance from others to increase their personal space.
Starbucks, Tech Square
Dancing Goats, Midtown
ERGONOMIC STUDIES
SHORTLISTED CONCEPTS
INSPIRATION BOARD | Natural wood finishes, Soft curves, Kerfing, Warmth, Practical
FULL SCALE CARDBOARD MODEL
1. Size Limitations
The chair was too small for standard desk height.
2. Discomfort
It was narrow and short, making it uncomfortable for diverse body types.
3. Design Inconsistencies
Form inconsistencies included angular seat supports and an abrupt seat curve.
FINAL CONCEPT SKETCH
