this team project was a challenge in Designing for people in the public space during the COVID-19 pandemic. keeping focus on safety, user satisfaction, and most importantly how it lives beyond the pandemic world.
InstaPods
For this project my group focused on the need for social interactions in safe spaces and in a safe manner. The InstaPods provide an enclosed but well ventilated space for people to sit and hangout, drink coffee, eat, work, and more. With easy to open doors, the InstaPod is great for many occasions from a more enclosed space to a much more open and unrestricted environment.
"The top public space destination was people's neighborhood street sidewalk, cited by 87% of respondents."
- A Gehl global survey on public space usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Draper Street, Downtown Blacksburg
We decided to take our focus on step further and into the downtown Blacksburg area, one that had already made an effort to be accommodating to social interaction during the pandemic. The street is blocked off for the local restaurants and public work space. However, the current setup feels temporary, unsafe, and underutilized.
Draper Street Public Spaces during COVID-19
USER PERSONAS
Amy Wilson
Age: 24
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Profession: Middle School Teacher
Status: Single, Dating
Amy graduated from Virginia Tech in 2018 and is now teaching middle school in Blacksburg. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it made it really hard for Amy to keep up with her friends in the area, and to date. While working in the schools, Amy takes good measure to protect her health but she is frustrated with the lack of outdoor space to work and gather in downtown Blacksburg.
Josh Hamilton
Age: 28
Location: New York City, New York
Profession: Accountant
Status: In a Relationship
Josh has been living in New York City for 3 years now and loves his life between work, his girlfriend, and their friends that live nearby. When COVID-19 hit in March, Josh was stuck to his small studio apartment in New York. He is frustrated with the size of his living space, his girlfriend has limited space, and there isn’t very much outdoor space for him to hangout with his friends.
INITIAL SKETCHES
Looking into modular models to inhabit many different sized spaces, many different groups of people, and many activities. Keeping in mind the products movability, ease for cleaning, and ventilation while designing for safety.
THE MODULAR PRODUCT
The modular product takes into consideration all the previous noted concerns such as ventilation through the side walls, easy to open doors with piston pump arms, plenty of seating both inside and out, space for greenery to liven up the space, and more.
KEY FEATURES
Well Ventilated Space for Gathering
USB Ports Inside for Charging
Piston Pump Arms for Easy to Open Doors
Comfortable Seating and Table Space
IMPLEMENTATION
On Draper Street in Blacksburg, Virginia.
In an alternative public space.
