SSK STUDIO

2021, 3D Acrylic Model, 136cm x 71cm x 120cm

_{Central Saint Martins MA Industrial Design Class of 2022}

This project was an opportunity to work in an international team to identify opportunities in a market with which we were unfamiliar. I worked with students from Beijing Institute of Technology for a lifestyle brand that has its roots both in Japan and China. Dulton was founded in 1988 by Yasushi Sasamoto in Tokyo. Over the years it has become well known in Japan through its stores and retail catalogues. The strong aesthetic evident in the own-brand collection has evolved primarily through the design interests of the two partners as well as their expertise in metal forming and fabrication techniques. This aesthetic might be characterized as retro-future, streamline, and utilitarian. Some designs are re-animated and re-engineered heritage designs. Others are completely novel. We worked to expand the Dulton brand with new and original product designs.

My initial design for this crib was a wooden, convertible crib. The angled side pieces proposed a convenient transition from a crib to a full bed, as the headboard is left taller than the footboard. Convertible cribs are also a great selling point as their function is long-lasting from a child’s young to older years.

As I progressed through this project, I decided to take the design in another direction. Rather than strictly focusing on a convertible design, I took a closer look at material and manufacturing, all while trying to maintain the Dulton brand.

Acrylic is a strong and durable material that proposes an exciting opportunity in furniture design. There aren’t many acrylic cribs on the market today and it could set Dulton apart from other furniture companies. The material is non-toxic and very easy to wipe clean, which is a major selling point for new parents. Acrylic is easily fabricated and offers a wide range of colors and finishes.

The design of the The Acrylic Crib was inspired by Dulton’s simplicity and function. Although simple, the crib has a uniqueness. Its chunky base and sleek lines are a statement to the brand name. Acrylic allows the piece to take on a metallic look, without the weight. There are so many possible finishes for this product, from the industrial to the contemporary.

Product Proposal

The acrylic crib and its unique simplicity can open the doors for Dulton to an entirely new market. The baby and nursery market pose incredible opportunities for the company. People will continue to have babies, and therefore continue to buy cribs. Although baby cribs aren’t commonly used in Asia, they are very popular in the United Kingdom. As we are designing for Dulton and the U.K. market, I found nursery furniture to be very hopeful. There is also a great variety within nursery furniture aside from the crib. There are changing tables, dressers, bassinets, and more, all of which can be an expansion from The Acrylic Crib.

The design was inspired by Dulton’s sleek functionality. Many of Dulton’s furniture pieces are mad of metals, glass, and wood. I don’t believe they currently have any acrylic furniture to offer, so the crib can extend the range of manufactured material immediately. The crib’s design end intended to fit in with the funky, retro-industrial style, with an opportunity to exist as both quiet and loud. The clear acrylic finish is one of subtle beauty and is a very big trend right now in nursery design. While the solid, pastel finish gives a splash of color, the metallic finishes are the oldest of the three, but they all fit well within Dulton’s existing pieces. 

Acrylic as a material is incredibly durable. Not only is it easily fabricated, but this non-toxic material will last. It’s extremely safe for babies and this is a major selling point for new parents. Parents want to know that the place their baby will spend much of their time in isn’t created using harmful chemicals or finishes. With acrylic, there are a wide range of colors and finishes available. There is plenty of opportunity for Dulton to get involved in acrylic manufacturing. One of the lading manufacturers of polycarbonate in China is UVPLASTIC and its subsidiary, UVACRYLIC and OEM Factory of custom acrylic are also in touch. Since acrylic can be both dyed and painted to resemble other materials like metas, silicone, and glass, the possibilities are endless. The fabrication process using cast acrylic can be extremely profitable as well. 

Dulton needs to expand into the baby market and The Acrylic Crib can be the company’s debut product. Launching this simple, sleek, yet funky piece of furniture will allow Dulton’s consumer basis to greatly expand.