Designing from Scratch

When I set out to design something, I sometimes find it helpful to make a list of requirements.

If designing a chair, my list might look like this:

1. the seat must be at an appropriate height and shaped or upholstered for comfort;
2. the chair must bear the weight of the user;
3. it should have a back rest;
4. it should be stable in use;
5. wood is the primary material used; and
6. I want to use traditional joinery; etc.

For Insanity 2, I made a different-looking list of requirements to help me think outside of the box:

1. the design should be adventurous enough to make me question my sanity for attempting to build it at every step along the way;
2. the design should be easily distinguishable from other designs;
3. wood does not have to be the primary material;
4. the figured ash does not need to be the focal point, nor does it need to be used in the final product;
5. the framed ash panels do not have to be doors;
6. if making a cabinet, the apparent doors do not have to be working;
7. I don’t have to use a clear finish;
8. a cabinet does not need to have completely enclosed space;
9. it doesn’t need to have curves;
10. I don’t need to finish it this month, or this year;
11. it doesn’t need to be functional;
12. it can be wall-mounted or free-standing;
13. I want to be able to make the entire piece myself (no outsourcing); and
14. the overall construction should be sound.

Links:

• Insanity 2
• Insanity 2:  Doors