Category: Dutch Design Week

Designer Henri Canivez‘s Data Stool has a unique size and shape depending on the person. One can sit on the data logging stool and this stool will measure and weigh the user. Depending on your weight and measurements a unique data stool will be 3D printed in the corresponding size. The stool measures both the height and weight of your lower body. What’s more, a unique design will be created with each stool being just a little bit different depending on your measurements. If you’re heavier it will add in denser structures or even change the design to support you. Canivez’s intent was to make data visible. Data surrounds us and powers so much of our lives. By making the capturing of data visible via and creating a unique stool, based upon that data he hopes to have a completely unique way of seeing how data surrounds and influences us. Canivez showcased his design at the Design Academy Graduation during Dutch Design Week.

The final stool itself will be made in two versions. One is 3D printed on a Builder Extreme 3D printer in PLA. Another version of the Data Stool is made out of aluminum and glass filled nylon. To make the stool Henri worked together with Dutch 3D Printer company Builder and CNC Speedform.

The Data Logging Stool

Many designers have over the years have experimented with an algorithm based design. There are many ways through which we can capture data and then turn this into unique objects. In this case, a unique stool could better serve a person or perhaps use only what was needed in terms of material. A user could also feel much closer to such a stool and find it much more special than one that was not made specifically for them. Essentially the data logging step itself seems very quick. Instead of using scanning and measurements through a scale one simply sits down on the stool to get a reading. If algorithm driven furniture is to be a real thing in the future then a simple and fast way to capture a design will be essential. A quick sit down to get a custom stool will be a fast way to at a retail or other location capture data.

Innovation in data capture and storage will be a key way through which mass customization companies will compete with each other. Its all well and good having one 3D scan done but would you then want to do another? If one extensive measurement battery were done by a trusted company then most would leave it at that. For those perhaps less interested in customization a simple fun sit down while envisioning a new possession made just for you might just be the perfect method through which to capture new customers. In this sense, the data collection portion of the stool is a presales and marketing tool as well as something that is part of the path to making an individualized item.