PERCH
TYPE
Public Seating Design
ROLE
Product Designer
DURATION
1 Semester
ORGANIZATION
USC
A modular bench designed for bus stops and public spaces that provides comfortable temporary seating for older adults while discouraging extended use through ergonomic design.
The Challenge
Public seating presents a unique design challenge: how do you create a bench that serves its primary purpose of providing rest for those who need it most (like older adults), while discouraging extended occupation that might prevent others from using it? Our team was tasked with designing a solution for bus stops and public spaces that balances comfort, accessibility, and practical usage time.
Project Objectives
- Create comfortable temporary seating for older adults
- Design a bench that discourages extended use
- Ensure the design is easy to clean and maintain
- Use sustainable and durable materials
- Develop a modular system that can adapt to different spaces
Key insights that informed our design approach
PERCH: Better Seating For A Better Life
We named our product "PERCH" to evoke the idea of temporary, comfortable resting—like a bird perching on a branch. The name reflects our core design philosophy: providing a comfortable place to rest briefly without encouraging extended sitting.
PERCH branding and team members: Emery, Jericho, and Seraph
Research & Key Insights
Our research phase involved observing public spaces, interviewing potential users (particularly older adults), and analyzing existing public seating solutions. We identified four key insights that guided our design process:
1. Elevation
Users wanted the ability to find their perfect ergonomic position. Seat height is crucial for comfort, especially for older adults who may have difficulty sitting down or standing up.
2. Material Selection
The materials used needed to balance durability, comfort, and sustainability. We explored alternative materials that would be weather-resistant and environmentally friendly.
3. Cleanliness
Public seating must be easy to clean and maintain. Users expressed concerns about hygiene in public spaces, especially at bus stops.
4. Homelessness Considerations
The bench needed to be inviting for its intended purpose but designed in a way that discourages sleeping or extended occupation, ensuring availability for those who need temporary rest.
User Research & Personas
To better understand the needs of our target users, we developed detailed personas based on interviews and observations. Our primary persona was Nat-buelita, a 51-year-old retiree who uses bus stops daily for errands and visiting grandchildren. Our secondary persona was Kenya, a 26-year-old student who relies on public transportation for commuting and groceries.
Detailed personas showing our primary and secondary target users
Concept Development
Based on our research insights, we developed a concept for a modular bench with adjustable height, grooved seating, and a tilt mechanism that provides initial comfort but gradually encourages users to move on after a reasonable rest period.
Initial concept sketches exploring form and function
Key features of our concept: adjustability, durability, and cleanliness
Key Concept Features
- Tilt Mechanism: Provides initial comfort but gradually encourages movement
- Adjustable Height: Accommodates users of different heights and abilities
- Grooved Seats: Ergonomic design for short-term comfort
- Modular Design: Adaptable to different spaces and configurations
- Durable Materials: Weather-resistant and easy to maintain
- Easy to Clean: Smooth surfaces and water-resistant finishes
Design & Prototyping
We moved from concept sketches to technical drawings and 3D models, refining our design based on ergonomic principles and material constraints. The prototyping phase allowed us to test our ideas and make necessary adjustments before finalizing the design.
Technical drawings showing different views of the PERCH bench
3D renderings highlighting comfortable seating, clean look, and internal mechanism
The prototyping process, including material testing and assembly
The Final Product: PERCH
Our final design is a modular bench with a wooden top and a green and white body. The bench features adjustable height settings, a subtle tilt mechanism, and is constructed from durable, easy-to-clean materials. The modular nature of PERCH allows it to be configured in various ways to suit different public spaces.
The final PERCH bench design with wooden top and green/white modular body
Multiple views of the final PERCH bench showing the wooden seat and green/white body
Design Features
- Modular construction for versatility
- Adjustable height settings
- Ergonomic wooden seat with subtle grooves
- Tilt mechanism for time-limited comfort
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Weather-resistant materials
User Benefits
- Comfortable temporary seating for older adults
- Accessible design for those with mobility challenges
- Clean and hygienic public seating option
- Encourages seat turnover for busy public spaces
- Visually appealing addition to urban environments
- Sustainable materials and construction
Reflections
The PERCH project taught us valuable lessons about designing for public spaces and balancing competing needs. We learned to consider not just the primary users (older adults needing rest) but also the broader context of public space management and accessibility.
Key Learnings
- The importance of ergonomics in designing for diverse user groups
- How subtle design features can influence behavior without being exclusionary
- The challenges of balancing comfort with practical considerations in public spaces
- Material selection as a critical factor in durability, maintenance, and user experience
- The value of modular design in creating adaptable solutions for varied environments