RATTAPTIQUE
Jan. 2021 — May. 2021
School Project — Theme : Home Decor
A rattan piece offering flexible display—standing, flat, or wall-mounted—with sustainable simplicity.
Under the condition set, this project features a versatile home décor piece made entirely from single sustainable material.
The product can stand or lie flat and be mounted or hung on the wall, both vertically and horizontally, combining functionality with a natural, elegant aesthetic.
PROBLEM DEFINITION | NEEDS RESEARCH
during covid quarantine …
Persona
Jane, 34
UX Designer
Remote worker
"Sometimes I forget how to relax, even when I’m done with work. It’s like I never left the office."
Background
Lives alone in a small apartment in New York. Since the pandemic, she’s been working remotely full-time. Her home has become her office, gym, café, and relaxation space—all in one.
Goals
Separate work and relaxation within the same space
Stay mentally refreshed and focused
Maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle while working from home
Pain Points
Feeling stuck in a repetitive and visually unchanging environment
Difficulty shifting from "work mode" to "rest mode"
Lack of physical and emotional boundaries in her living space
Needs
A flexible, visually refreshing space layout
Design elements that help define work and rest zones
Subtle changes in environment to reset her mood
Marvin, 36
Marketing Manager
Remote 4 days/week
“I just want a simple way to feel like I’ve stepped into a new space—without actually leaving.”
Background
Since the shift to hybrid work, He spends most weekdays in her room attending Zoom calls, preparing reports, and managing campaigns. She values productivity, but his room is starting to feel stale and uninspiring.
Goals
Add variation to her static environment without clutter
Improve her focus and mood throughout the day
Refresh the atmosphere easily after long work sessions
Pain Points
Room feels too “work-oriented” even after hours
Air gets stuffy from staying in one space too long
Rearranging the space feels like a chore
Needs
A compact design element that shifts the space’s mood or airflow
A functional yet stylish piece that blends into her work-life setting
A subtle transformation tool that helps separate work and rest mentally
Kenji, 29
Motion Graphic Designer
3 Days remote, 2 days on site
“Even a small change can make the whole room—and my mood—feel different.”
Background
Lives alone in a compact urban apartment in Tokyo. Works remotely most of the week from a small desk in his bedroom. Enjoys minimalism but craves a refreshing shift in his routine and mood throughout the day.
Goals
Create subtle shifts in environment without major furniture changes
Feel mental refresh while staying in the same physical space
Maintain an aesthetic, functional living space despite limited room
Pain Points
Space feels stagnant after long hours indoors
No space to "change the scene" or atmosphere
Air feels heavy or stale, especially during work marathons
Needs
A compact, versatile furniture piece that can subtly shift light, scent, or airflow
Something visually calming, but also functional and easy to move
A product that creates the sense of a ‘new space’ without moving to a new place
MOODBOARD
SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL OPTION
CORK
Naturally insulating, moisture-resistant, and temperature-stable — ideal for clean, minimal designs that require durability.
RATTAN
Lightweight, flexible, and organic in texture — perfect for intricate furniture and craftwork, though requires treatment for outdoor or long-term use.
Rattan has the strength to weave connections,
thriving in lush forests and binding nature's elements into timeless forms of beauty.
Fast Growth [5-7 yrs]
Low Impact Harvesting
Biodegradability
Carbon Sequestration
Lightweight yet strong and durable.
Flexible and can be bent into various shapes.
Natural, warm, and earthy appearance.
Thermal Properties: Insulating properties, making it suitable for furniture and décor.
