top of page
Assignment
Design and build a pod using only cardboard and hot glue.
Requirements: create the smallest, lightest, and most comfortable pod that would allow a person to live inside for 5+ hours while being able use a laptop.
Team: Gün B., Kush Z., and Yechen Z. The first letter of our names separated by the letter A create the name, DAGAYAKA.
Inspiration
Fighter jet cockpit and canopy
Ejection seat from B-58 Hustler bomber
Baby carrier and shade
Sports car interior and seat
Finnair's new non-reclining
business class seat
Mercury Capsule interior
Seat Position Experimentation
It arose as a silly idea, but using gym equipment helped us try out different positions and assess their comfortability.
We referred to Henry Dreyfuss' Human Factors in Design book for measurements while referencing our own bodies.
Building Process
1/ Seat
2/ Exterior Structure
The geometric shape alludes to sci-fi spacecraft, but also makes the pod appear smaller and sleeker. All support structures and reinforcements are fixed on the inside to keep the exterior clean.
3/ Canopy
The canopy was our "wow" factor and was the most challenging part to build. It seamlessly houses the desk and optional headrest with velcro attachment points.
The ventilation fan was mounted to the outside the canopy to cycle in fresh air from the roof porthole. The stowable "T" handle made it easy to open and close.
4/ Desk & Stowage
To maximize space, when not in use, it attaches to the canopy.(highlighted in blue).
When deployed, it rests on two shoulders on each wall. The height clearance allows for up to 17 inch laptops to be used.
Completed!
Endurance Test
The space was surprisingly roomy and the seat was comfortable. There was space to stretch out and change sitting positions. I completed the powerpoint for the project while inside. I was so tired, I fell asleep until crit that afternoon. The only problem was insufficient lumbar support after the 3rd hour.
Our professor Michael trying out the pod during crit.
Results
Our pod successfully met all requirements and was the lightest, smallest, and most material efficient pod in the class. It received praise for its complex geometric design and demonstrating a high standard of craftsmanship.
This was a project assigned in my Junior year spring semester Industrial Design Design for Extreme Environments Special Topics class funded by NASA through the Rhode Island Space Grant and taught by Prof. Michael Lye.
bottom of page