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Baillie Davis is an industrial designer in the Coalesse Design Group. She was part of the team that designed Potrero415 Tables, which will soon be available to order. In this question and answer post, she shares a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of this exciting addition to the workplace.
What was the inspiration behind the Potrero415 Table line?
In designing this line, we asked ourselves several probing questions: What has changed about meetings? How might we make them better? Where are meetings happening, and what tools are being used? How can a new design solve for these needs in new and valued ways?
Through our research, we quickly found that meetings were happening everywhere, that the formal settings traditionally considered for meetings were less desirable and the technology tools used in meetings ranged greatly. We also discovered that people wanted settings that felt like a Carl Hansen & Son dining table but with the capabilities of the Host Table.
This led us to the question: How do we create a beautiful, go-anywhere table that incorporates power and data?
How would you describe the design process? What were some of the challenges that you faced?
Our design process is always very iterative. We start with research insights and a marketing brief to define the boundaries of our explorations. We brainstorm ideas and then group and rank them for their innovation, viability, feasibility and desirability.
From the narrowed list of concepts, we refine the direction with prototypes, additional sketches, validation models, engineering samples and CAD renderings. We continue iterating until what we are building “looks like” models of the final concept, and we get alignment from all team members that the final direction is still meeting the original design vision.
We were fortunate on this project as we didn’t have a great deal of new challenges or challenges that we felt we couldn’t solve even though we were introducing several new options to the market. The Potrero415 line offers new material options that required additional testing and manufacturing strategies, and we are offering different sizes that requirde new guidelines. We built a system that needs to anticipates the future and allows for future evolution.
What makes the Potrero415 Table line a unique addition to the workplace?
Two things really set this table apart in my mind.
First, the table structure paired with the unique leg design delivers on our goal of marrying craft and functionality. They make it possible to discreetly manage the extensive range of power needs for all types of meetings while looking beautiful.
The understructure is a trough that manages cords from technology units, while the leg helps those cords exit the table in a subtle and elegant way. In addition to the power capabilities, this same structure provides support for the table, allowing it to span long distances and support a range of materials, while maintaining a light-scale aesthetic.
Secondly, a technical part of furniture is dealing with an array of unknowns in the field, one of them being uneven floors as seen in restored buildings converted into office spaces. The leg adjustment detail of this table handles both this technical need and allows the designer to add a touch of luxury. The material customization possibilities of the ring detail are like a piece of jewelry for the table – a special detail that can be highlighted or kept discreet depending on the space and the client.
What are some of your suggested applications for Potrero415 Tables?
Anywhere meetings take place!
Potrero415 Tables are a great option for a long collaborative table at seated height paired with side chairs and Exponents Whiteboard and Mobile Display. It can be a round or square table, great for meeting areas both inside and outside of a room. Standing-height meetings will be supported with a future release. And of course, it would be a beautiful centerpiece to any conference room or board room.
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