How the tables have turned.
How the tables have turned is a furniture concept that stemmed from observing people in pubs and bars and witnessing elderly people and people with disabilities struggle with the higher tables and chairs in the establishments.
To remedy this discomfort that discourages people from going out and has a negative impact on their mental health, I have created a motorised, height-adjustable hanging table. However, it is paired with a clamp and railing system so any staff member can move the table to different locations in the venues, bringing the tables closer together or further apart to make space for events held on the premises. The table hangs from the ceiling to avoid unnecessary obstructions to the users with cluttering table legs. Users can adjust the height of the table by pressing the simple “up” and “down” buttons that bring the table to any height between a standard dining table height(720mm) and a standard bar table height(1070mm). They no longer need to adapt to the products surrounding them; the product finally adapts to them.
Furthermore, this mechanism can translate to more personalised designs. In the future, adjustable height furniture may be sold to individual users, whether they have disabilities or not, as it is a very inclusive design that could transcend cultures and social status. They would have the option to personalise the product to fit the aesthetic of their living area and give them a sense of independence and individuality.
Future directions: the table could be sold as a dining table that adjusts to a lower coffee table height, traditionally used in non-western households. And then adapt to a standard dining table if there were guests over, or even adjust to ceiling high to make more room in the living space.
Detailed view of the table with the control panel. The buttons are 30ml iridescent blue plastic, injection moulded with debossed braille writing on them and embossed arrows indicating directions. The buttons are also on a high-contrast, black plastic, and injection moulded control panel. Those materials are chosen for their low cost and cheap manufacturability.
Clamp and railing system. The clamp is inspired by a windsurf boom clamp, known for its’ strength and durability. It is operated by simply switching the position of the handle; when lowered, the handle will tense the rope, which will close the clamp and keep the table in place on the rail. When lifted, the clamp will open, allowing the table to slide along the pole. The hard plastic clamp is layered with a silicone or rubber layer to grip the rail further.
Two users trying out the 1:2 appearance model, made to test the aesthetics, materials, and usability of the product.
