Design Overview

Creating a child's rocking chair posed several design challenges, primarily balancing strength, comfort, and longevity. I focused on making the chair not only functional but also delightful to see, touch, and use.

Structural Integrity and Material Choice

To achieve a robust structure, I employed a single-piece design for the rear legs, integrating a slot to accept the seat. This approach ensures a strong joint capable of supporting significant weight. The entire chair is crafted solely from wood, avoiding metal to prevent joint loosening due to differential expansion. This decision aligns with my goal of creating a durable product with a timeless quality.

Joinery Techniques

I utilized lap joints, glue, and dowels for assembling the chair components, ensuring a solid and stable construction. These traditional woodworking techniques were chosen for their reliability and long-term performance, echoing the craftsmanship values that are crucial in product design.

Manufacturing Process

To tackle the complex curves of the rear leg and rockers, I used a 1:1 printout from CAD to create an MDF template, which guided the routing of these pieces from maple stock. This method, while manually intensive, allowed for precise control and a high-quality finish. Alternatively, these parts could be produced using a CNC. The simpler geometric shapes of the other parts were efficiently cut using a table saw and band saw.

Safety and Finishing

Given the intended use by children, safety was paramount. The chair is designed to avoid tipping over in all but the most extreme use cases. I also ensured all edges were smooth, applying a 1/2” round-over for the seat and a 1/8” round-over for other parts to eliminate sharp corners. The chair was finished with a clear lacquer for durability, except the back slats, which were spray-painted pink to add a playful element. This attention to detail reflects a user-centered approach, prioritizing both aesthetics and user safety.