The idea sketches were clustered according to the core functions they addressed. Different concepts evolved as they addressed different attributes of the product brief to varying degrees of importance. Following three clusters were made out of the numerous ideas generated:
• Head/Neck Support - Cluster One
• Footrest Arrangement - Cluster Two
• Seat Reclination System - Cluster Three
Concepts:
After the clustering of ideas, the main representative ideas were selected and worked on further with addition of other ideas from the same or other clusters. Below are the concepts developed.
Concept 1:
This concept addresses to the problem of head support during sleeping with the two slide head supports provided. The footrest is just under the seat which addresses the folded/ raised leg seating postures of the user. The side head support has user controlled task lighting. A wider arm rest has provision for storage of small personnel items.
Concept 2:
This concept has a main feature of bench type sleeping. The seat would be flat so that if the other seats are unoccupied a user can sleep lying flat. Also, when the adjacent users are family members they can sit close to each other without the arm rest obstructing them.
Concept 3:
This concept has completely different system of reclination. The back rest would recline along with the seat about the main hinge.
Final Concept:
After the evaluation of all the three concepts, concept one was selected for further refinements and development.
The final product had following features:
• Side Support with Integrated Task Lighting.
• Footrest below the Seat.
• Foldaway foot rest at height.
• Extended Leg Footrest.
• Extendable Arm Rest.
• Bottle Holder and Used Cups Bin.
• Cantilevered Seat.