9 replies to this topic

[Zach P-D]

This week I am starting Y13 and the last year of 6th form. In this year of Product Design I have free range as to what I could make. An idea popped into my head about making a custom drivers seat for the mini. 

Obviously I am going to do a bit more research into dimensions etc and if it is even possible with the tools that I have at school, but has anyone ever done something like this? I would like to hear your guys' input on this and whether or not it would be a good idea. But bear in mind that my A2 grade depends a lot on this project working out. 

 

Anyway, I was thinking of something along the lines of this (in a perfect display car might I add) 

 

I was thinking of a more upright seat  and maybe a bit taller (as i'm 6ft).

 

What do yall' think about the concept and do you think it will be worth it?

Also, it will probably be cheaper than buying one so that could play a part it the whole thing....

[Domneon]

I've just finished year 13, and I did RM (product design).

 

One thing I will warn you is, can you make a full project folder from it? 

Your designs have to be completely different from one another and the final design different again. And not just in looks alone. You have to jump over and through soo many hoops with the A2 folder work. Also, make sure you don't concentrate too much on the building of it, you still have the rest of it to do as well as the final exam to think about. 

[Zach P-D]

Yeah, I know about that. I do the project at home and the practical at school. 

As for the exam, AS was a breeze. the exam was relatively easy and had all the common questions in it.

 

But I managed to make a project folder out of free handouts for a company last year, mainly about a paperweight for Grainger and Worrall. 

[Domneon]

A2 is a lot different to AS, more into the business side of technology really.

 

Doing a chair may work as a project, but the kind of things that I had in my group ranged from a complete CNC built from scratch, to a normal cardboard chair. CNC being 2 marks off of 100%

[Zach P-D]

wow.

 

Our project last year was pathetic, the school chose to work with Grainger and Worrall instead of doing a mirror project, in which I would have made a steampunk mirror.

I do however have a fortnight or two to think about thinking about doing something haha.

[Domneon]

Go for it for now, have a look at past and example folders, it always helps 

[Zach P-D]

Thanks dude, Our teacher lets us look at past projects etc. I am doing this for two reasons, A) the standard seats are a bit poop and B) EVERYONE does a desk at our school. last year's Y13's, 12 in the group and 8 of them made desks. Variation is key and if I benefit out of it, it is a win win situation. 

[Zach P-D]

I have thought about this in a bit more detail and have come up with a few features which I think would be very good, they are as follows:

-Comfort. After a long drive the last thing you want is cramp. I was thinking of a mildly firm memory foam so that it contours to your rear end.

-Safety. The seat must be safe when driving or when it goes pear shaped, a crash. Therefore the seat will have a metal frame for rigidity.

-Staying put. With a bucket design, the seat will keep you in place so you can focus on driving instead of not sliding around on tight corners.

-Storage. Having a nice little storage compartment within the seat will allow the user to store tools and other bits and bobs in a place which is easily accessible. Will also make a great place to store valuables within the car.

-Cooling. having a hot back isn't nice. So a slightly porous cover on your back will allow the seat and your back to breathe, removing any potential sweat.

-Adjust-ability. Having it mounted directly to rails with about 30cm of movement for taller and smaller drivers.

 

What do you all think of the criteria? If there is anything that you would like to see just let me know.

Cheers

[Domneon]

All looks good but don't forget the one the exam boards love, sustainability. Put it into every single aspect you can

[Zach P-D]

fair enough

Also just popped into my head, waterproof. That would be great for stubborn dirt etc.