Week 1
Tuesday 8/22
Assign Side Table
Assign Accent Chair
Shop Tour
Furniture Tour
Inspiration and Ideation
Homework
Inspiration and Product Analysis Presentations
Thursday 8/24
Inspiration and Product Analysis Presentations
Rhino Review
Keyshot Preview
Ideation Sketches
Homework
Inspiration and Product Analysis Presentations
Ideation sketches
Week 2
Tuesday 8/29
Inspiration and Product Analysis Presentations
Ideation Feedback
Fabrication Exploration
Homework
Fabrication Experiments
Table Design (Rhino?)
Thursday 8/31
Fabrication Exploration
Table Design Individual Feedback
Proof of Concept
Homework
Table Design (Rhino model)
Table Fabrication
Week 3
Tuesday 9/5
Share artifact(s) from Fabrication Experiments
Share Table Design Progress (full class)
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Final Design (Rhino Model!!)
Table Fabrication
Thursday 9/7
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Review of Side Table Rubric
Homework
Table Fabrication
Presentation Prep
Week 4
Tuesday 9/12
Field Trip to Philadelphia
Thursday 9/14
Field Trip to Philadelphia
Week 5
Tuesday 9/19
Review of Side Table Rubric
Work on Proof of Concept
Individual Feedback
Homework
Table Fabrication
Thursday 9/21
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Review of Side Table Rubric
Homework
Table Fabrication
Week 6
Tuesday 9/26
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Table fabrication or Chair Design
Thursday 9/28
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Table Fabrication or Chair Design
Connection & Geometry Experiments
Fabrication Exploration
Week 7
Tuesday 10/3
Chair Design Feedback (small group)
Process and Fabrication Strategy Discussion
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Table fabrication or Chair Design
Thursday 10/5
Chair Design Feedback (small group)
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Table Fabrication or Chair Design
Week 8
Tuesday 10/10
Chair Design Feedback (small group)
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Table Fabrication or Chair Design
Thursday 10/12
Gallery Review of Table and Chair Design
SAM AT CONFERENCE
Homework
Apply Feedback
Simplify/Beautify
Week 9
Tuesday 10/17
Schedule Reconciliation
Simplify/Beautify Chair Design
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Discuss Fabrication Proof of Concept
Homework
Design Refinement
Fabrication Strategy Development
Thursday 10/19
Design Refinement
Fabrication Strategy Development
Homework
“Final” Design Rhino Model
Week 10
Tuesday 10/24
Design Refinement
Fabrication Strategy Development
Homework
Apply Feedback
Proof of Concept
Order Final Materials?
Thursday 10/26
Proof of Concept Due
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Order Final Materials?
Construction Quality 3D Model
Fabrication Strategy
Week 11
Tuesday 10/31
Fabrication Strategy Due
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Thursday 11/2
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Week 12
Tuesday 11/7
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Thursday 11/9
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Week 13
Tuesday 11/14
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Thursday 11/16
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Week 14
Thanksgiving Break 11/20-24
Week 15
Tuesday 11/28
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Homework
Fabrication
Thursday 11/30
Chair Fabrication Due
Homework
Finishes and Assembly
Process Documentation
Week 16
Tuesday 12/5
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Process Book and Competition Entry Prep
Homework
Photos
Process Documentation
Thursday 12/7
Work in Class with Individual Feedback
Process Book and Competition Entry Prep
Homework
Photos
Process Documentation
Finals Week
Gallery Critique Wednesday 12/13

IAID 814 Section C (11125)
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1:30-5:20PM
Seaton Hall, CDE
Instructor: Sam Ladwig
Office: Seaton Hall 2001B
Office Hours: Monday and Thursday Morning by appointment
Course Description
Advanced exploration of contemporary topics in furniture design. Students explore innovative design solutions through an iterative, inclusive, and human-centered design process. There is a special emphasis on the generation of multiple mock-ups and prototypes to explore and test their design solutions.
Prerequisite: IAID 602 and no grade lower than a C in any IARC or INDD studio course.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course students should be able to create works of furniture that resonate with an audience by being visually pleasing and functional. Successful students will be able to:
- Apply a human-centered approach to the design and fabrication of furniture (including posture, form, materials, and finishes) that considers the impact of the built environment on human experience.
- Integrate human factors: ergonomics, anthropometrics, and universal design principles, into a comprehensive design solution.
- Synthesize relevant conceptual, theoretical, user, and/or evidence-based sources to inform the development of a thoughtful and meaningful design concept.
- Identify and incorporate sustainable design strategies that consider materials, fabrication, life expectancy, repairability, and end of life options of the product alongside cultural and emotional durability.
- Develop an iterative methodology of tangible experimentation and exploration of the ways in which fabrication strategies support decision-making.
- Validate design assumptions through iterative sketches, 3D digital models, scaled physical models, mock-ups, and full-scale prototypes.
- Engage in critical discourse and express reasoned support for decisions utilizing oral, written, and visual communication methods.
Course Learning Outcomes
The students who succeed in this course will be able to design and fabricate furniture that:
- Demonstrates the application of the design process to develop design solutions including documenting and presenting research and results
- Demonstrates the ability to identify existing forms and processes that are relevant to the design problem;
- Demonstrates the ability to identify user needs for a specific context and environment
- Demonstrates the ability to identify appropriate functionality in the context of furniture design
- Demonstrates the ability to document and apply sustainable strategies to furniture design
- Demonstrates the ability to refine forms to be visually and tactilely pleasing
- Demonstrates the ability to fabricate furniture with a high degree of craft
Learning Methods
This course will employ active learning and practice-based learning methods. An important component of this course is in students taking an active role in the learning process and self-guided learning will be imperative to their success. Students will explore 2D sketching, diagramming, and rendering as part of the ideation and presentation process. Students will also explore 3D sketching, prototyping, and testing culminating in high-quality final pieces. Active participation in class discussions and feedback on one’s own and peers’ work is expected to gauge students’ learning progression.
Assignment Overview
Side Table Design and Fabrication
Accent Chair Design and Fabrication
Textbooks and Online Resources
All textbooks are on one-day open reserve at Weigel Library for your reference.
Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking (multiple volumes)
Tage Frid, 1985 Newton Connecticut: Taunton Press
Collins Complete Woodworker Manual
Jackson and Day, 2005 London: Harper Collins Publishers
Sketching: The Basics
Eissen, Koos & Steur, Roselin, 2007 Amsterdam: BIS Publishers
Course Website
https://fd3.myportfolio.com/

Note: Please bear in mind that due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Weigel Library’s policies and protocol on lending and returning of books, as well as working hours, may have changed. Please go to https://www.lib.k-state.edu/architecture for more information.
AI Permitted
You may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist your learning in this course, including idea generation and grammar assessments for written assignments. However, you are prohibited from using generative AI tools to completely produce, reproduce, and/or manufacture paper and/or other assignments without using any personal effort devoted to the learning process. If you choose to use AI appropriately, you are expected to provide a citation for it using the following format: “Title of AI Tool. Prompt or brief description of topic of search depending on tool. Date of creation.” Using an AI tool to generate assignment content without proper attribution would be a violation of the K-State Honor Pledge.
Evaluation
This is a graduate level furniture workshop and design studio. Engaging in a consistent and iterative design process that visibly communicates progress is essential to receive meaningful feedback and to provide an opportunity for learning. Students are expected to attend class with tangible materials, sketches, models, mock-ups, and prototypes ready at the start of class that demonstrate substantive (important, meaningful, and/or considerable) progress each class session.
Additionally, while there are circumstances in which outsourcing a process or component is necessary, such as drawer glides, it is expected that students will fabricate their projects themselves using the resources available in the Fabrication Lab whenever possible & feasible. The inclusion of premade components such as tabletops, table/ chair legs, wood slabs, cushions, etc. are not permitted.
Students will be assessed on:
1. Process
- Research: documented precedents used to guide your exploration including basic functionality
- User Analysis and Context: documented user needs in the specific context of the project
- Exploration: documented quantity, quality, variety, and testing of iterations
- Refinement: documented development of the formal design and concept including failed experiments
- Final: documented final work including high-quality renderings and/or photographs
- Learning: documented learning journey in essay form
2. Design
- Appropriateness: the design is appropriate to its context
- Functionality: the design functions effectively
- Feasibility: the design is feasible for its context
- Physicality: the design considers human factors and ergonomics
- Innovation: the design is innovative
- Visual Appeal: the design is visually interesting
- Completeness: the design is well-resolved including minute details
3. Execution
- Final: the final piece is well-crafted
- Final Rendering: scale is accurate and finishes look realistic
- Final Presentation: the final presentation is well crafted with a clear hierarchy. Type and images are scaled and aligned appropriately. Spelling and grammar are correct  
4. Professionalism
- Time Management: used time effectively
- Level of Effort: put the appropriate amount of time into the project
- Engaged: was attentive in class and asked for help or clarification when necessary
- Feedback (to others): provided constructive criticism to others regularly
- Feedback (from others): considered constructive criticism from others
Grading Scale:
Grades will be based on individual efforts and the work quality produced by the student for each assignment and on the improvement of the skills learned during the course. All projects and exercises are due on the assigned date and time – EXCEPTION WILL ONLY BE MADE DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES. A specific grading form (a rubric) will be used for each project or exercise with a numerical grading system used as follows:
A 100-90    
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59 and below

Attendance
The faculty of Interior Architecture and Product Design at Kansas State University makes attendance mandatory in all courses taught in the department and required for major in the program. Attendance is expected, and unexcused absences will have a significant effect on grades. It is important to be at every class and engage in discussions and class activities to maximize your learning experience.
- After the third unexcused absence, the final semester grade will be lowered by 5% for each additional absence.
- Every three tardiness (more than 15 minutes late or leaving at any time before the end of the class) will count as one absence.
Upon accumulating three absences (for any reason), the professor will schedule a meeting with the student and the academic advisor to discuss the student’s standing in the class. Excessive absences may result in dropping the student from the class. Active participation in classroom activities is mandatory; students must make every effort to provide the results of the classroom activities. If students anticipate being absent or late to class, please contact the instructor immediately, and well ahead of the class time. Final grades will be reduced to extent that, in the judgment of the instructor, absences have interfered with the learning of the student or the student’s effectiveness in the class.
University Excused Absences 
K-State has a University Excused Absence policy (Section F62) https://www.k-state.edu/provost/universityhb/fhsecf.html. Class absence(s) will be handled between the instructor and the student unless there are other university offices involved. For university excused absences, instructors shall provide the student the opportunity to make up missed assignments, activities, and/or attendance specific points that contribute to the course grade, unless they decide to excuse those missed assignments from the student’s course grade. Please see the policy for a complete list of university excused absences and how to obtain one. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor regarding their absences.
K-State’s Covid-19 Guidelines and on APDesign’s Absence Policy and Procedure
Information about K-State’s response to the global pandemic is available at https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19. If you become ill and you believe you have coronavirus symptoms, please do not come to campus.  Review the “COVID-19 exposure, isolation and quarantine protocols Policy” at https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/isolation-quarantine.html and take appropriate steps to guard your health and the health of others.
Please be aware of the K-State excused absence policy (F62 CLASS ATTENDANCE AND COURSEWORK). Refer to The APDesign Absence Procedures (available on the APDesign website) https://apdesign.k-state.edu/about/faculty-staff-resources/resources-pdfs/APDesign%20Procedure%20for%20Student%20Absence%20From%20Class_updated%20F2020.pdf
The APDesign Office of Student & Academic Services (capdss@ksu.edu) can help you document certain absences that are not covered under the University excused absence policy.
NOTE: Students should contact the University Offices of Student Life https://www.k-state.edu/studentlife/ if their absence will extend beyond five class days or if they have extenuating circumstances.
Academic Honesty
Kansas State University has an Honor and Integrity System based on personal integrity, which is presumed to be sufficient assurance that, in academic matters, one’s work is performed honestly and without unauthorized assistance. Undergraduate and graduate students, by registration, acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Honor and Integrity System. The policies and procedures of the Honor and Integrity System apply to all full and part-time students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses on-campus, off-campus, and via distance learning. A component vital to the Honor and Integrity System is the inclusion of the Honor Pledge which applies to all assignments, examinations, or other course work undertaken by students. The Honor Pledge is implied, whether or not it is stated: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.” A grade of XF can result from a breach of academic honesty. The F indicates failure in the course; the X indicates the reason is an Honor Pledge violation.
Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities
At K-State it is important that every student has access to course content and the means to demonstrate course mastery. Students with disabilities may benefit from services including accommodations provided by the Student Access Center. Disabilities can include physical, learning, executive functions, and mental health. You may register at the Student Access Center (k-state.edu/accesscenter), or to learn more, contact:
Manhattan/Olathe/Global Campus – Student Access Center
accesscenter@k-state.edu
785-532-6441    
K-State Salina Campus – Julie Rowe; Student Success Coordinator
jarowe@k-state.edu
785-820-7908    
Students already registered with the Student Access Center please request your Letters of Accommodation early in the semester to provide adequate time to arrange your approved academic accommodations. Once SAC approves your Letter of Accommodation it will be e-mailed to you,  and your instructor(s) for this course.  Please follow up with your instructor to discuss how best to implement the approved accommodations.
Statement Defining Expectations for Classroom Conduct
All student activities in the University, including this course, are governed by the Student Judicial Conduct Code as outlined in the Student Governing Association By Laws, Article V, Section 3, number 2. Students who engage in behavior that disrupts the learning environment may be asked to leave the class.
Statement on Mutual Respect and Inclusion in K-State Teaching and Learning Spaces
At K-State, faculty and staff are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. K-State courses, labs, and other virtual and physical learning spaces promote equitable opportunity to learn, participate, contribute, and succeed, regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, genetic information, ancestry, disability, socioeconomic status, military or veteran status, immigration status, Indigenous identity, gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, religion, culture, as well as other social identities.
Faculty and staff are committed to promoting equity and believe the success of an inclusive learning environment relies on the participation, support, and understanding of all students. Students are encouraged to share their views and lived experiences as they relate to the course or their course experience while recognizing they are doing so in a learning environment in which all are expected to engage with respect to honor the rights, safety, and dignity of others in keeping with the K-State Principles of Community https://www.k-state.edu/about/values/community/.
If you feel uncomfortable because of comments or behavior encountered in this class, you may bring it to the attention of your instructor, advisors, and/or mentors. If you have questions about how to proceed with a confidential process to resolve concerns, please contact the Student Ombudsperson Office. Violations of the student code of conduct can be reported here https://www.k-state.edu/sga/judicial/student-code-of-conduct.html. If you experience bias or discrimination, it can be reported here https://www.k-state.edu/report/discrimination/.
Statement Regarding Wearing of Face Coverings
Kansas State University strongly encourages, but does not require, that everyone wear masks while indoors on university property, including while attending in-person classes. For additional information and the latest on K-State’s face covering policy, see https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/face-covering.html.
Statement Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Harassment
Kansas State University is committed to maintaining academic, housing, and work environments that are free of discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment. Instructors support the University’s commitment by creating a safe learning environment during this course, free of conduct that would interfere with your academic opportunities. Instructors also have a duty to report any behavior they become aware of that potentially violates the University’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment (PPM 3010).
If a student is subjected to discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment, they are encouraged to make a non-confidential report to the University’s Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) using the online reporting form. Incident disclosure is not required to receive resources at K-State. Reports that include domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, should be considered for reporting by the complainant to the Kansas State University Police Department or the Riley County Police Department. Reports made to law enforcement are separate from reports made to OIE. A complainant can choose to report to one or both entities. Confidential support and advocacy can be found with the K-State Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE). Confidential mental health services can be found with Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Academic support can be found with the Office of Student Life (OSL). OSL is a non-confidential resource. A comprehensive list of resources is available here. If you have questions about non-confidential and confidential resources, please contact OIE at equity@ksu.edu or (785) 532–6220.
Academic Freedom Statement
Kansas State University is a community of students, faculty, and staff who work together to discover new knowledge, create new ideas, and share the results of their scholarly inquiry with the wider public. Although new ideas or research results may be controversial or challenge established views, the health and growth of any society requires frank intellectual exchange. Academic freedom protects this type of free exchange and is thus essential to any university’s mission.
Moreover, academic freedom supports collaborative work in the pursuit of truth and the dissemination of knowledge in an environment of inquiry, respectful debate, and professionalism. Academic freedom is not limited to the classroom or to scientific and scholarly research, but extends to the life of the university as well as to larger social and political questions. It is the right and responsibility of the university community to engage with such issues.
Campus Safety Statement
Kansas State University is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for students and faculty members. In order to enhance your safety in the unlikely case of a campus emergency make sure that you know where and how to quickly exit your classroom and how to follow any emergency directives. To view additional campus emergency information go to the University’s main page, www.k-state.edu, and click on the Emergency Information button, located at the bottom of the page.
Weapons Policy Statement
Kansas State University prohibits the possession of firearms, explosives, and other weapons on any University campus, with certain limited exceptions, including the lawful concealed carrying of handguns, as provided in the University Weapons Policy, found at
http://www.k-state.edu/police/weapons/index.html.
You are encouraged to take the online weapons policy education module
http://www.k-state.edu/police/weapons/index.html
to ensure you understand the requirements of the policy, including the requirements related to concealed carrying of handguns on campus.  Students possessing a concealed handgun on campus must be lawfully eligible to carry and either at least 21 years of age or a licensed individual who is 18-21 years of age.  All carrying requirements of the policy must be observed in this class, including but not limited to the requirement that a concealed handgun be completely hidden from view, securely held in a holster that meets the specifications of the policy, carried without a chambered round of ammunition, and that any external safety be in the “on” position.
If an individual carries a concealed handgun in a personal carrier such as a backpack, purse, or handbag, the carrier must remain within the individual’s exclusive and uninterrupted control. This includes wearing the carrier with a strap, carrying or holding the carrier, or setting the carrier next to or within the immediate reach of the individual.
Each individual who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing and using that handgun in a safe manner and in accordance with the law, Board policy and University policy. All reports of suspected violation of the weapons policy are made to the University Police Department by picking up any Emergency Campus Phone or by calling 785-532-6412.
Student Academic Creations
Student academic creations are subject to Kansas State University and Kansas Board of Regents Intellectual Property Policies. For courses in which students will be creating intellectual property, the K-State policy can be found at University Handbook, Appendix R: Intellectual Property Policy and Institutional Procedures (part I.E.). These policies address ownership and use of student academic creations.
Student Resources Statement
K-State has many resources to help contribute to student success. These resources include accommodations for academics, paying for college, student life, health and safety, and others found at www.k-state.edu/onestop
Statement on Mental Health
Your mental health and good relationships are vital to your overall well-being. Symptoms of mental health issues may include excessive sadness or worry, thoughts of death or self-harm, inability to concentrate, lack of motivation, or substance abuse. Although problems can occur anytime for anyone, you should pay extra attention to your mental health if you are feeling academic or financial stress, discrimination, or have experienced a traumatic event, such as the loss of a friend or family member, sexual assault, or other physical or emotional abuse. If you are struggling with these issues, do not wait to seek assistance.
Kansas State University Counseling Services (k-state.edu/counseling/) offers free and confidential services to assist you to meet these challenges.
Lafene Health Center (https://www.k-state.edu/lafene) has specialized nurse practitioners to assist with mental health.
The Office of Student Life (k-state.edu/studentlife) can direct you to additional resources.
K-State Family Center offers individual, couple, and family counseling services on a sliding fee scale (https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/familycenter/).Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE) provides free and confidential assistance for those in our K-State community who have been victimized by violence (https://www.k-state.edu/care/).