INCUBE
The Brief: University Collaborative Competition with Incube Ltd.
'The challenge for this brief is to design a reading pod for use in primary and secondary schools that caters for children with Special Education Needs (SEN). The pod must fit with Incube's current product line, and must be constructed using their current methods and using their current materials. The panels used for construction had to fit with Incube's pallet size specifications for transportation to clients. Consideration into colour theory for SEN as well as sensory elements.
My final solution to the brief was an enclosed sensory pod that accommodates sensory playtime with storage for toys and books, with a two-person seating area for one-to-one teaching time and disabled access.
Project Completed: Autumn 2019
RESEARCH
CURRENT MARKET
SOLIDWORKS AND MODEL PROTOTYPING
My initial concept, shown here, originally had the seating area on the curved wall of the pod rather the straight side. After receiving interim feedback, I swapped this around for the final concept. Having the sensory play area of the pod on the curved wall allows for more space to play as well as the added element of privacy for the user. Open walls either side of the pod allow for school staff to be able to maintain a direct line of sight on the child while having solo playtime, but with the curved exterior walls still creating a sense of privacy for the child. The width of the pod entrance is also in line with regulatory wheelchair accessibility guidelines.
The enclosed roof adds a sense of privacy, preventing too much light and external visual distraction from entering the space, creating a sense of calm and focus.The primary design feature of the reading pod is the integrated activity area. This tabletop surface allows the space for children to use external sensory toys and games to express their sensory stimulation in a safe way.
FINAL VISUALS
The reading pod is an adaptive environment presented in more muted, pastel shades of Incube’s current colour range, ensuring the product is in line with their availability without being too obtrusive for Hypersensitive children with Sensory Processing Disorders, who characteristically find it intolerable to be surrounded by bright colours or lights.
Integrating the use of Incube’s wall sticker features, the pod has the potential to reproduced be across various aesthetic themes based on the client. In terms of sensory interaction, the current sticker designs could potentially be reproduced in a more textured format, widening their usage and market
PHOTOSHOP VISUALS
INCUBE DECALS INCORPORATED INTO FINAL DESIGN
FINAL CONTEXTUALISED VISUALS
