Our project was to create a space at NuVu where people could have private conversations, or just hang out by themselves. We noticed that there is no privacy anywhere at Nuvu. Sometimes it can be very loud, which hampers productivity. A private work space for a small group could create a much more focused environment.

    In the first few days, we looked at different ideas for our privacy pod. Our goal was to create something that did not take up much space, and would also feel private.

    We initially made a box design for the corner of the room. It was a cube shape, with a removable, see­-through roof and a sliding door. Inside the box would be bean bags and a low floor table for working on projects or socializing. Unfortunately, this idea did not work because it took up too much room and was not very innovative/creative. We then discussed having something that felt more private than it actually was.

    Our next design was one that acted similarly to an accordion. It would fit on the wall, then be able to pull out, to create a dome with open sides. We tried making models of this, using a piece of wood to symbolize the wall, and a piece of folded cardboard as the dome. We made this iteration on a 10 percent scale model of what we worked on Rhino and cut all this out on the laser cutter. This design was ideal because it would not take up much space. Unfortunately, this idea wasn't very interesting, or good looking, and we weren't really excited about it, so we began to think about new ideas.

    Our next iteration was an elevated octagon that had tall walls but not so tall as to cause total isolation. This would fit with another octagon, creating something similar to two rooms. Each would have a pull down desk to use either for a computer or writing; it would also be elevated a couple of feet above the ground. It was a good design, but, unfortunately, it took up too much space at NuVu.

    In our final iteration, we took the idea of creating an area that was elevated off the ground to separate it from the normal area. From that, we decided to design a piece of furniture that you have to step up to, where sitting inside creates a feeling of privacy. We designed a chair that has a high platform, then was surrounded by high walls (above your head) to enclose you.

    The beauty of this design is that one person could work separately, or you could put many of these facing each other in a circle/star shape that would be enclosed for many people to work together without distraction. The chair would have magnetic flaps on the side to connect it with however many chairs are needed.