THE CHALLENGE
Also called a “donkey,” the Cornwall Art Bench is designed to improve artists’ comfort by providing an optimal work angle without the need to stand.
Newfoundland based artist Nicole Sleeth built a version of her drawing bench by hand, but it was expensive to ship. Our task was to enhance her version by improving shipping costs and ease of assembly. The original hand-built bench was used in her studio classes and tested by hundreds of students, and this version provided a valuable starting point to iterate from.
THE SOLUTION
Replik8 Studiuos worked with Nicole to determine the required characteristics and use case of the new bench:
Using 3D CAD modelling and CNC milling, we built several prototypes which each underwent user testing. Ultimately, we decided that a collapsible, press-fit bench was the best solution. The new flat-pack bench fits easily-shipped custom box, and boast the following specifications:
Our redesign eased the workload of hand-building these art benches – and are manufactured in Canada. For more information or to buy a donkey, contact Nicole Sleeth.
- Comfortable
- Easy to assemble
- Compact for shipping
- Accommodating of taller artists
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean
Using 3D CAD modelling and CNC milling, we built several prototypes which each underwent user testing. Ultimately, we decided that a collapsible, press-fit bench was the best solution. The new flat-pack bench fits easily-shipped custom box, and boast the following specifications:
- Rounded edges help improve comfort
- 5 minute assembly – no tools required
- Compact enough to affordably ship worldwide
- Accommodates artists of all sizes by being longer than many alternatives
- Collapsible yet sturdy design
- Made of laminated birch for easy cleaning
Our redesign eased the workload of hand-building these art benches – and are manufactured in Canada. For more information or to buy a donkey, contact Nicole Sleeth.
