The Koala Stool
This stool was designed to make dental clinics feel more welcoming for children. Many kids feel nervous or scared when visiting the dentist, especially while sitting in the waiting area. The goal is to create a space that feels fun, safe, and comfortable, so children feel happy to be there instead of frightened.
I drew a few concept sketches to see how the stool might look and to explore different shape possibilities.
Koala Prototype
Before making the final cola stool in wood, I first created a full-scale cardboard mock-up. This allowed me to test the size, shape, and overall form to see how it would look in real life.
Concept Sketching
I made prototype models of the two sketches that I thought were most suitable for the children’s dentist waiting area. The prototypes were made out of cardboard so I could test the size, shape, and overall form before moving to the final material.
Prototype Making
The Final Outcome Finish
For the final finish of the Koala stool, all wooden pieces were carefully sanded to remove rough edges and splinters. The parts were then assembled and secured using PVA wood glue. Once the structure was stable and dry, a protective coating was applied to seal the surface, enhance durability, and provide a smooth finish.
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This stool design was inspired by 3D puzzles, where individual pieces interlock to form a stable and functional structure.
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I chose a koala shape because we’re in Australia !