5 Chairs Exercise

5 Chairs Exercise The 5 Chairs Exercise is a design-thinking challenge that teaches empathy and designing for human needs. P...


5 Chairs Exercise


The 5 Chairs Exercise is a design-thinking challenge that teaches empathy and designing for human needs.

  1. Pass out story cards, one per person. Story cards are based on 5 users:
    1. Grandpa: Grandpa is an old man who is achy and grouchy. He has trouble getting around, so he walks with a cane. He also has difficulty getting into and out of his chair. He sits in his chair most of the day.
    2. Jack: Jack is a high schooler who spends 8 hours a day in class. Most of the time, Ralph has to sit in uncomfortable chairs, sitting up and facing the front of the room. Ralph carries a large backpack. In class, he needs a place to put his stuff.
    3. Jill: Jill is a 1 year old who loves to play and crawl around everywhere. Maggie likes to explore on her own and be independent while she sucks on her pacifier. When it’s time for her to sit still she gets whiny and squirmy.
    4. Jacob: Jacob is an astronaut who travels to space. When he is in his space ship, he is in a weightless environment. This is a challenge when he needs to sit down for a drink. Neil also has a bulky space suit that often gets in the way.
    5. Julie: Julie is a marathon runner who runs every single day. She hates being stationary, and because she exercises so much she has really sore muscles. It's important that her chair is very comfortable to help her relax and recover for her run the next day.
  2. Each person should design a chair that:
    1. Addresses 2 user needs based on their story card
    2. Reflects their personal style as a designer
  3. Create 5 iterations of your design using different materials:
    1. Draw a chair
    2. Make a chair out of cardboard
    3. Make a chair out of pipe-cleaners
    4. Make a chair out of clay
    5. Make a chair out of tape and toothpicks
  4. Each person shares their design with the group and gathers feedback:
    1. Which chair do they like best?
    2. Which chair do they like least?
    3. What feature do they like best?
    4. What feature do they like least?
    5. What improvements can be made?
  5. Based on feedback, each person should modify and design one final prototype using any materials available.
  6. Each person shares their design with the group and gathers feedback again.

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