GRID
NAKNAK internship • industrial design • form giving • public furniture
Project Background
& Scope
This is a design proposal done during my time at NAKNAK, designed for the Taipei Metro Company. The team was tasked to design a series of products that will be implemented in 130+ stations across the city. An umbrella stand for the Metro’s shared umbrella program was one of the commissioned items.
Observation Insight
A lot of Taipei Matro’s service furnitures were installed as if they were blocks pertruding out from the wall (umbrella stands, trashbins, pamphlet desks, charging stations, etc.). This breaks the flow of navigation for when your eyes wander as well as when you walk in the space.
A Narrow Grid
Compared to a boxy grid, a narrow grid creates less visual bulk. When placed in spaces, the shape interrupts the navigational flow less and fits into the surroundings better.
An inviting
Form Factor
The shape deviates from the commonly seen container-looking umbrella stands. Rather than having umbrellas kept captive, the GRID stand is more like a display for umbrellas. The rounded corners, large cutout, and grid indication of use all come together to create a sense of openness and friendliness in the form, adding on top of its ease of use.
Fits both long and short umbrellas
The frosted plastic insert is placed so the distance in between is narrow enough to hold foldable umbrellas but allows long umbrellas to pass through. Dimensions are informed by mockups and testing.
Silicone Layer
The grids on the silicone layer acts as a bound for umbrella placement, keeping the umbrellas in place. The silicone base is a fully detatchable part for ease of maintenance.
Colorways
Warm coffee and Tranquil blue. Colors inspired by rainy day sensations.
Exploring a Different Aesthetic
As the team develop products, concurrently, an architecture firm was redesigning the subway stations’ interior too. This second proposal is an attempt to explore a form that suits the new interior style better.
Style Reference
Second Design Proposal
Redesigned the form while keeping all features such as being able to accommodate long and collapsable umbrellas. it was good practice to step away from my personal preferences and design for a specific style.
The U-shaped insert allows long umbrellas to fit through, but holds short umbrellas.
Final Design Implemented at Major MRT Station
The final design was incorporated into Zhong-Shan station, one of the busiest stations in Taipei, witnessing 90K+ pedestrians and commuters each day. This is especially exciting for me because it is something that my friends and family can see and use!
Takeaways
In the process of the project, I had to experiment with different visual aesthetics while maintaining the same design intent. The thought process of keeping all functions but re-designing ‘how‘ to achieve those same functionalities under the constraints of a new shell (appearance) was a valuable learning process.
