dyson - modular furniture
brief
To design a project for 2035 with a focus on Generation Z needs and impacts as the target market. This was given to us through the university’s partnership with Dyson. Dyson provided this brief to expand across all areas of design, rather than their known range of products.
Second to this brief was to design the product for end-of-life, focusing on the “Go Green” initiative.
Our project began with a deep understanding of users and the projected challenges of 2035. Research revealed that rising living costs and environmental concerns are key factors shaping Gen Z lifestyles, marked by smaller living spaces and more intentional purchasing decisions, driven by high rent, product prices, and employment uncertainty.
This has led to the final concept to land within housing goods, found in any living space. To create a product that grows with you through your many changes of living space and styles.
research
Our project began with a deep understanding of users and the projected challenges of 2035. Research revealed that rising living costs and environmental concerns are key factors shaping Gen Z lifestyles, marked by smaller living spaces and more intentional purchasing decisions, driven by high rent, product prices, and employment uncertainty.
gen z - through statistics
65% of those interviewed are currently living in shared accommodations due to the high cost of living in shared spaces within the city. With 78% of those expecting to continue living in shared accommodation for longer than 10 years, this factor is a significant consideration.
Interviews revealed three key sources of discomfort in small living spaces.
First, space constraints—many products are not designed for compact environments, and those that are often lack character and functional variety.
Second, the cost of goods—items such as tables, chairs, sofas, and beds are significant investments that don’t easily transfer between different living situations, often leading to resale or waste.
Finally, a lack of versatility—small spaces demand products that can perform multiple functions within the same footprint.
“Gen Zers are “overeducated and underemployed,” and amid a tough white-collar labor market, unemployment for new entrants was up over 9% year over year in February.”
“If average house prices continue to rise as they have been doing, the average property will tip over the £300,000 mark in 2035, far exceeding the average wage of UK workers.”
Material impacts on the environment
To build on the impacts of Gen Z, climate change and how materials are treated and dealt with through their cycle, has become a growing concern, which has become a concern for the future ahead.
These waste problems and climate change concerns are linked due to a lack of initiative within manufacturing companies to create environmentally friendly products, as plastic and recycling are not cost-effective. causing a growth of waste of products and household goods that have not been designed for the end of life.
““The 2020 Preferred Fiber and Materials Market Report reveals that the global fiber production has doubled in the last 20 years, reaching an all-time high of 111 million metric tons in 2019, and pre-COVID-19 results indicated potential growth to 146 million metric tons by 2030.””
“From the 450 million tonnes of plastic produced each year, only 9% of annual plastic waste was recycled in 2019. ”
“Across the world over 16 million tonnes of waste wood is created each year, and only 15% is recycled.”
“40 percent of all steel produced is created through recycling. Steel is
the most recycled material in the world and can be recycled forever. ”
gen z - through interviews
To further back up our research, we conducted a broad set of interviews focusing on their concerns and living situation now and their future goals and expectations. The context of our research on the potential issues that might occur impacting Gen Z was provided to them, to allow their answers to be clearer, as to allow the interviewees to understand our questioning better.
My team and I understood that the majority of factors impacting Gen Z now and in the future are linked with global climate change. With the biggest factor being housing being a major problem within the UK, with a rise of parents and their children living together for longer, from the rising cost of living and lack of jobs.
prototyping - ideation
This then led to a focus on smaller living accommodations, either shared or apartment situations. This causes our main focus to be on housing goods.
piet hein eek
Uses found and reclaimed materials to create furniture and household objects that embrace imperfection and reduce waste. Collaborates with manufacturers (including IKEA) to bring eco-conscious design to broader markets
kusheda mensah
Emerging designer working with recycled materials and modular systems that promote flexibility (great for small living). Highlighted for sustainable and socially conscious design practices.
peter danko
American designer centring his work on sustainability, material reuse, and harmony with nature. His designs often emphasise recycling/repurposing and natural materials for everyday use.
Eric Klarenbeek
Bio-based materials like mycelium and algae for 3D-printed furniture and objects. Innovative environmental material systems that could lead to low-impact household goods.
My team and I, explored modern designers that are tackling issues of small accommodations and the environment crisis, as we have found these are the issues that will be a major concern our product should focus on when designing for the future.
devlopmennt of concepts
Our concept development focused on the three key issues identified through research: space, cost, and versatility. Inspired by designers who prioritise these challenges, my team and I explored opportunities to improve the small-space living environment.
Guided by these constraints, we developed concepts around furniture, shelving, and table systems, as our research showed these to be the most significant pain points for Gen Z living in compact spaces.
At this stage, inspired by designers working within these constraints, we identified furniture as the strongest area for exploration. Compared to tables and shelving, furniture offered far greater potential for redesign—allowing for modularity, adaptability, and reconfigurable forms that could evolve with changing spaces and user needs.
As the project developed, we focused on flat-pack furniture design, drawing inspiration from IKEA’s space-efficient approach to shipping and storage. Alongside this, we addressed the second part of the brief by designing with end-of-life considerations in mind.
This led to a core concept built around a no-screws, no-glue system using a single material, enabling seamless assembly, customisation, and recycling. To support circular design principles, we proposed a take-back service that allows damaged products to be returned, keeping materials in-house and ensuring they are recycled responsibly; lastly, making the process easier through our no screw, no-glue system, finding methods like slots and basic joinery practices being the best forms to use within our product.
During ideation, we identified an opportunity to create a system that evolves with the user over time. Inspired by LEGO, the concept allows customers to build and reconfigure multiple furniture types from the same modular components.
This approach works seamlessly with the no-screws, no-glue system, reducing waste while extending product lifespan. Combined with the take-back scheme, it supports a circular, adaptable furniture ecosystem.
development of concept
My team and I then split into different areas of ideation using the constraints we have developed. From our development, we have concluded that the final concept needed to be centred around a wooden structural frame acting as the anchor for modular components. Initial ideas were explored through sketching before being developed into a refined 3D concept.
The proposal was presented to the client, supported by research and concept development to clearly communicate its value and market relevance. Client feedback was positive, validating both the design direction and its potential appeal to Gen Z homeowners.
The next stage of the project focused on design for manufacture, including material sourcing and identifying viable manufacturing processes.
designing for manfacture
Following research into component joining methods, the team focused on a slot-based system that relies on gravity for assembly.
The joint was developed as a universal metal clamp, manufactured through sheet metal bending, allowing it to interface consistently across all components. Acting as the male joint, the clamp slots into corresponding female components, enabling secure, tool-free assembly driven purely by gravity.
As the concept moved toward finalisation, dimensions were refined using anthropometric data, and the assembly method was fully resolved.
The final design centres around a wooden frame that acts as the structural anchor. Components such as the backrest and armrests are also constructed from wood, allowing customers to optionally add cushioning for comfort and customisation.
Multiple armrest variations were developed to explore different aesthetic directions and user preferences.
Cushions are integrated through simple, tool-free solutions: the backrest uses a sewn-in strap, while seat cushions feature a discreet slit that allows the frame to pass through securely.
final prototype
feasability - materials
The brief did not specify a budget, so cost was not a primary constraint. However, the project was developed with manufacturing feasibility and realistic production costs in mind.
Key manufacturing methods include sheet metal bending for connector components, CNC machining for the wooden frame, and cut-and-sew with moulding processes for the cushions.
Manufacturing companies were contacted to provide cost estimates and design-for-manufacture feedback. Their input led to minor redesigns that maintained the original concept while reducing manufacturing costs.
Additionally, UK-based manufacturers specialising in recycled materials were consulted. Cost analysis showed that using recycled wood and textiles could reduce manufacturing costs by approximately 15%, while also supporting the project’s sustainability goals.
conclusion
Our modular furniture is designed to respond to future cost-of-living challenges by adapting and growing with its users. Inspired by LEGO, the system allows customers to customise, reconfigure, and expand their furniture to suit changing spaces, lifestyles, and personal tastes.
The product is built from five interlocking components, connected through a universal aluminium slot system that works across the entire range. This ensures long-term flexibility—allowing furniture to evolve rather than be replaced.
Sustainability is central to the design. Inspired by IKEA’s approach to affordable, reliable design, the product uses chipboard, recycled textiles, and aluminium—materials selected for their recyclability and reduced environmental impact, particularly in addressing textile waste.
Supporting a circular economy, damaged or returned products are managed in-house by the company and manufacturers, not the customer. Users can return or resell items, keeping materials in circulation and reducing landfill waste.
Throughout this project, I’ve learned how to take an idea from sketch to rendered concept, culminating in a pitch presented to Dyson. I developed storytelling skills to communicate our vision clearly, helping others see the potential we envisioned.
In Product Design, I gained experience in extracting insights from a brief, identifying future market needs, and spotting potential gaps. I also explored the feasibility of our concept—contacting manufacturers, obtaining quotes, and refining the design for manufacturability. This included using Adobe software like Dimension to create realistic visuals without material waste.
Leading the team pushed me to grow as a collaborator and decision-maker. I learned how to listen, delegate, and leverage each member’s strengths to drive the project forward effectively.
