i.M.A.D.E and A2SX have formed a furniture design collaborative centered around producing new, innovative seating prototypes with minimal material waste. Using digital design and fabrication technologies, the prototypes are designed, optimized structurally and ergonomically, and fabricated using digital information. Further optimization for this work-in-progress is underway including the efficient nesting of components to avoid waste material. The remaining material off-cuts from the CNC fabrication are being used to create other accessories, such as occasional tables. In addition, a parametric model is being created to allow for the customization of the seat prototype for each unique customer/user.
The intent of this collaborative (between design firm and university) project is to create unique pieces of furniture with minimal waste as a means to create an ergonomically, economically, and ecologically friendly furniture design and to spin the collaborative as a speculative commercial venture for a demanding market.
The seating design process which started as sketches by designer Wil Marquez (A2SX) and i.M.A.D.E student intern, Jamie Owens, is being iteratively developed as a 3d digital model with a series of physical, digitally-fabricated prototypes. Structural simulations (using finite element analysis software) and fabrication (using a computer-numerically controlled router) are performed at i.M.A.D.E’s dFAB facility which is on Ball State’s Muncie campus. In addition, one previous prototype was fabricated with a local industry partner, ACS Sign Systems of Indianapolis.
Ultimately, the use of digital information is providing a seamless way for A2SO4, A2SX, i.M.A.D.E, and other collaborators to work together, much of the time remotely, around a complex design project.

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