Elle’s Portfolio Site
Product Strategist and Immersive Experiencesacross Design, Technology, and Business
Elle’s Portfolio Site
Product Strategist and Immersive Experiencesacross Design, Technology, and Business
Polarity is a modular sculptural couch system that transforms seating into a flexible social landscape for comfort, elegance, and collective gathering.
Made by Elle Zhou, James Plank, Anika Nambisan, Jacqueline Zheng, Reed Garzon
Brief
Polarity is a modular conversation-first couch system designed for contemporary social spaces.
The project responds to a growing disconnect between entertainment spaces and the passive furniture systems that often support them. Instead of treating seating as a fixed object, Polarity reimagines the couch as an adaptable social tool that can shift between individual lounging, intimate conversation, and collective gathering.
The design is composed of independent sculptural seating modules that can be rearranged, added, removed, or flipped to support different spatial needs. Each unit uses a curved aluminum shell as its structural base, paired with soft upholstered foam and suede cushioning. The ribbed, organic cushion surface creates a strong visual identity while also emphasizing comfort, tactility, and long-duration lounging.
The project responds to a growing disconnect between entertainment spaces and the passive furniture systems that often support them. Instead of treating seating as a fixed object, Polarity reimagines the couch as an adaptable social tool that can shift between individual lounging, intimate conversation, and collective gathering.
The design is composed of independent sculptural seating modules that can be rearranged, added, removed, or flipped to support different spatial needs. Each unit uses a curved aluminum shell as its structural base, paired with soft upholstered foam and suede cushioning. The ribbed, organic cushion surface creates a strong visual identity while also emphasizing comfort, tactility, and long-duration lounging.
Problem & Opportunity Statement
Core Problem
There is a growing disconnect between the participatory nature of contemporary entertainment and the passive design of the spaces and systems that support it.
Opportunity Statement
We have the opportunity to design a modular, conversation-first seating system that blends sculptural mid-century inspiration with modern adaptability. Allowing users to build social settings or comfortable spaces that also grow with their lives.
Market Research
Design Criteria & Ideation
Sketches
Initial
Sketches
Final
Sketches
BOM & Techpack
Physical Prototype
Renderings