Dango

Multifunctional Folding Chair for Noda Designs

An indoor, outdoor multifunctional folding chair that can also turn into a lounge chair. It folds into a a flat pack and can be shipped easily. Inspired by the Japanese dessert called dango, the chair takes the form/shape of this inspired snack, especially when it is closed in the collapse form. Challenging technical aspect of this design is making sure that the angle on both lounge and chair version is comfortable and functional with a single ratchet. Taking into consideration that the chair should be lightweight for shipping purposes made of eco friendly foam and powder coated aluminum.

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Dango by Nora Voon

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Multifunctional Folding Chair by Nora Voon

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Nora Voon Dango

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Nora Voon Multifunctional Folding Chair

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Unique Properties

Multifunctional folding chair that is also a lounge chair. Inspired by the Japanese dessert dango, the chair takes the shape of the snack when it is closed. Most challenging technical aspect is making sure that the angle on both lounge and chair version is comfortable and also functional with a single ratchet. Lightweight, it is made of eco-friendly urecel quick dry foam, good for outdoors, sustainable fabrics, vegan leather and powder coated aluminum. Additional detail is the handle at the top so it is easily movable from one place to another. Stackable for storage and shipping purposes.

Tags

folding chair, chair, outdoor chair, outdoor furniture, outdoor, lounge chair, outdoor lounge chair, dango

Production Technology

This multifunctional folding chair was designed out of necessity. There seems to be a gap with multifunctional designs for smaller homes or apartments that can be used for indoors and outdoors. The frame is made of lightweight aluminum powder coated with non toxic paint and sustainable fabrics or vegan leather for the upholstery. The foam used is Urecel QuickDry which is antibacterial, has no VOC, ecofriendly and high durability with a unique open cell structure that can dry very quickly. There is also a weaved version that use off cuts wastes collected from local factories.

Design Challenge

Biggest challenge is ensuring that the angles for both dining and lounge version is comfortable for the user on a single ratchet. Tested several reclining angles by making small models and playing with the angles at different heights before finalizing on the prototype and ensuring it is ergonomically within the boundary. As this product is an in-house design for manufacturing, making sure the foam sourced is eco-friendly and local to reduce cost of production and carbon footprint. Using eco-friendly fabrics with limited MOQs is a challenge because ensuring these variables do not delay the production timeline and costs.

Project Duration

The project started in September 2023 in Toronto and the prototype is made in Jakarta, Indonesia with our manufacturing company.

Operation Flow

The chair is a simple folding chair, however, the ratchet that holds the two frames together has a latch internally that could help lower the seating and recline the back into lounge position. To store it away simply fold the chair and its form takes the shape of the dessert dango and is flat.

Research

The objective of this product is fun and multifunctional for indoors and outdoors. Inspired by the simplicity of the shapes of Japanese snack dango. Started experimenting with packing foams and sticks to make the shapes and testing different angles to ensure the chair is supporting the recline position. Using aluminum frames and lightweight foam and eco-friendly materials an ideal aesthetic that serves both indoors and outdoors is crucial so a survey was conducted asking clients and subscribers and the results were unanimous love the multi-functionality, choice of colours and design of the chair.

Inspiration

The inspiration came from a Japanese dessert snack called dango. It is made up of a mix of rice flour and it's usually in 3-4 round shaped mochi served on a skewer. When folded the chair (profile view) takes the shape of the snack. Noda designs wanted to design a multifunctional folding chair that can convert to a lounge chair and can be used indoors or outdoors with eco friendly materials.

Image Credits

Image #1- image #5 renders are done by Sean Paolo Rillorta

Project Overview

Dango Multifunctional Folding Chair has been a Bronze winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Bronze Recognition

Nora Voon was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Dango Multifunctional Folding Chair .

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