Open-Source T-Slot Aluminum Furniture: AR-Assisted Design for Circular Economy and User-Centered Solutions

This research investigates the potential of aluminium T-slot extrusions for creating open-source and circular furniture, aiming to address the environmental concerns of fast, disposable furniture. Leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) technology, we simulated various furniture designs before physical testing and production, allowing for rapid iteration and optimisation. We explore the advantages of aluminium extrusions, including their strength, modularity, reusability, and compatibility with various materials. However, we uncover limitations, such as assembly complexity, component and fastener costs and a limited aesthetic that might only suit some design styles. Despite these challenges, open-source aluminium extrusion furniture, combined with AR simulation, may help design students and professionals challenge traditional notions of furniture production by focusing on systems thinking instead of fixed products. While aesthetics and form may be restricted, this approach opens doors for customisation, sustainability, and user-driven design. Designers may need to develop new skillsets like systems thinking, parametric design, and AR implementation, requiring closer collaboration with engineers and materials scientists to fully utilise aluminium extrusions' potential and guarantee products that perform safely and efficiently. Furthermore, this approach fosters a more participatory design process, empowering users to influence their furniture's final form and function through AR visualisation. Overall, open-source aluminium extrusion furniture, enhanced by AR simulation, has the potential to catalyse a shift within the design industry and beyond, promoting adaptable, sustainable, and user-centric design practices. As this field progresses, industrial designers must adapt their skills and approaches to harness this potential while creatively addressing its limitations, with AR serving as a powerful tool for prototyping and user engagement.