Usability Evaluation of Adaptable Urban Park Furniture Product with Cellular Light-weight Concrete as Material

Abstract

In this research, cellular light-weight concrete has been developed as a material for a modular design of a multifunction and adaptable park furniture, as it is durable and has excellent resistance to extreme weather. Inspired by Froebel play blocks, the design attempts to accommodate variable activities, increase the value of limited urban parks and to change their settings from time to time in order to enhance their recreational values. This paper aims to evaluate the usability of the furniture product based on human-centred design during the design process and post-production. Formative usability test was conducted through conceptual exploration of multiple activities that could be accommodated through the product design by a range of users and different availability of park spaces. Summative usability test was then conducted post-production through lead users in order to expand the findings from the explorative usability tests. Findings reveal that multiple activities could be generated through the adaptable compositions and material durability of furniture design, even in the smallest areas of parks. It also grants opportunities for users of different age groups to perform multiple activities together, hence supporting urban parks to achieve their essential purpose of accommodating social interaction and healthy motoric activities.