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Description
Manolov X Ltd., a start-up founded in February 2018, operates in the South-West Planning Region of Sofia, Bulgaria. While initially engaged in marketing activities, the company''s primary assets lie in its talented human resources, including a chief designer, a business development manager, and a marketing expert.
The project''s core objective is to facilitate the design and development of an innovative seating solution known as the "Power Nap Chair." This chair is designed to offer individuals a dedicated space for napping, meditation, or relaxation within various settings, including workplaces, educational institutions, public spaces, and commercial environments. Notably, the Power Nap Chair stands out as an environmentally sustainable product, aligning with the broader goal of promoting green initiatives.
Current project will support the development of a well designed and well-made product (Power Nap Chair) through the following activities
Activity:1. Prototype creation, testing and improvements;
Activity:2. Participation in fairs;
Activity:3. Project management;
Activity:4. Publicity.
The project''s successful implementation will strengthen bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Norway. Manolov X Ltd. has partnered with Noveltex Oslo AS, experts in green production processes. This collaboration enhances both product development and sustainable consulting services. The Power Nap Chair, the project''s outcome, will benefit from this partnership. It opens the door to lasting cooperation and marketing opportunities between the two countries.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several interconnected challenges related to workplace wellness, sustainability, and the design of ergonomic furniture. Key issues targeted by the project include:
Sleep and Workplace Wellness: A significant portion (67%) of surveyed individuals reported sleep-related problems, affecting their productivity and overall well-being. 90% of respondents expressed interest in using a dedicated solution, such as the Power Nap Chair, to take short breaks or naps during their workday, provided their employer allowed it. The project aimed to meet this need by creating a functional, accessible chair that supports relaxation, meditation, and restorative breaks in various environments, including workplaces, academic settings, and public spaces.
Sustainable Product Design: The project sought to address the environmental impact of furniture production by prioritizing sustainable materials, such as recycled and renewable resources (e.g., FSC- or PEFC-certified wood). Efforts included ensuring that materials used in the chair’s construction are non-toxic, recyclable, and environmentally safe. Optimized material use and production techniques were targeted to minimize waste during manufacturing.
Durability and Longevity: To reduce the environmental footprint, the chair was designed with durability in mind, ensuring it remained functional for years. Components were made interchangeable and easy to repair or recycle, aligning with circular economy principles.
Efficient Design and Logistics: The project sought to optimize the chair’s design by reducing the number of components, allowing for compact packaging and minimal environmental impact during shipping and storage.
Prototyping and User Validation: To ensure the product meets user needs and expectations, the project involved extensive user feedback collection across three cities (Sofia, Barcelona, London) from over 600 participants. Multiple design iterations were tested, leading to the development of a prototype with sustainable materials, ergonomic features, and a folding hood for privacy.
By addressing these challenges, the project aimed to create a sustainable, high-quality product that promotes workplace wellness while minimizing environmental impact.
The project implemented a series of activities and outputs focused on the design, development, and production of the Power Nap Chair—a sustainable product aimed at promoting wellness through napping, meditation, and relaxation across diverse environments. Below is an elaboration of the activities and outputs:
Activity 1: Sustainable Material Selection and Development: Extensive research and sourcing were conducted to identify environmentally friendly materials. Recycled and renewable materials, such as FSC- and PEFC-certified wood from sustainably managed European forests, were prioritized. Toxicity and pollution-free material properties were ensured for safety and environmental compliance.
Activity 2: Optimization of Production Techniques: Production methods were developed to achieve optimal material usage, minimizing waste in the manufacturing process. “Waste by-products” from manufacturing were innovatively utilized to generate energy, such as steam or electricity, for factory operations, reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Activity 3: Design and Prototyping: A design philosophy focused on durability was adopted to ensure the chair’s longevity. Multiple prototypes were created and tested, incorporating a modular design with interchangeable components. The chair was designed for easy disassembly, enabling repairs or recycling of parts, aligning with circular economy principles. The number of components was reduced to optimize the chair’s assembly and shipping, supporting efficient storage and transportation with minimal packaging.
Activity 4: User-Centered Validation: Feedback was collected from over 600 individuals to validate user preferences and requirements. Prototypes were refined through iterative testing, incorporating ergonomic and functional feedback, such as a folding hood for privacy.
Activity 5: Environmental Impact Reduction: Energy-efficient production techniques were employed to save natural resources and reduce CO₂ emissions. Steps were taken to ensure that the final product adhered to green manufacturing principles, reinforcing its 100% environmentally sustainable claim.
Outputs
Sustainable Chair Design: A well-designed, ergonomically sound chair, integrating eco-friendly materials and features such as a folding hood for privacy. The Power Nap Chair stands out as a durable, repairable, and recyclable product.
Prototypes for Testing and Validation: One complete prototype of the Power Nap Chair was developed to serve as a baseline for further iterations. Five additional chairs were produced for user testing, enabling further refinement and validation of the design.
Optimized Production and Packaging: A modular design allowed for reduced components, ensuring compact packaging with a minimal environmental footprint during shipping and storage.
Innovative Manufacturing Process: Waste from the production process was converted into energy, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing cycle.
By focusing on sustainable design and innovative production processes, the project successfully delivered an environmentally conscious product that meets user needs while minimizing its ecological impact. The Power Nap Chair serves as a model for integrating wellness and sustainability into modern product development.
The project achieved significant milestones that impacted various stakeholders, including manufacturers, potential users, industry experts, and the general public interested in innovative and sustainable furniture design. The outcomes and impacts for key beneficiaries are as follows:
Outcomes and Impacts
For Manufacturers
Partnership Development: A preferred manufacturer and supplier for the chair’s metal base were identified, and collaboration with these manufacturers facilitated technical improvements in design and production.
Technical Solutions: Overcame initial manufacturing challenges, improving the production process and creating a modular metal frame for better usability and portability.
For Users and Furniture Industry Clients
Improved Design: The prototype design was refined to enhance stability and allow disassembly, addressing user needs for a more functional and adaptable product.
Targeted Testing: A list of potential companies was compiled to test and provide feedback on the prototype, ensuring the product meets market demands and client expectations.
For Intellectual Property and Innovation Stakeholders
Intellectual Property Protection: The chair’s design was successfully registered with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, securing its innovative features and protecting it from unauthorized replication.
Recognition: The design earned prestigious awards, such as the Bronze A'' Design Award and the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Sustainable Furniture Design, highlighting its innovation and sustainability.
For the Furniture and Design Community
Industry Visibility: The prototype was exhibited at renowned venues, including the Stockholm Furniture Fair and Instituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona, enhancing its visibility among design professionals and prospective clients.
Marketing and Publicity: A promotional video and article in Forbes Bulgaria boosted awareness of The Power Nap Chair, positioning it as a standout product in sustainable furniture design.
For the General Public and Environmentally Conscious Consumers
Sustainability Focus: The chair’s sustainable design garnered accolades and set a precedent for eco-conscious furniture innovations.
Accessibility of Design: The chair’s production is advancing, with 8 final units currently being produced, making the product more accessible to consumers.
Key Beneficiaries
Manufacturers: Strengthened their capabilities and business opportunities through partnership and technical collaboration.
Potential Clients and Companies: Benefited from access to a functional, tested, and sustainable product for workspaces or rest areas.
Design Community: Gained inspiration and a benchmark for excellence through public exhibits and competitions.
Consumers: Will enjoy a well-designed, award-winning sustainable chair that meets modern ergonomic and environmental standards.
This project achieved its goals by combining innovation, collaboration, and market engagement, resulting in impactful outcomes for diverse stakeholders.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral collaboration with Noveltex yielded a robust and mutually beneficial relationship, characterized by effective teamwork, strategic insights, and ongoing value. Key results include:- Strong Project Execution: Noveltex fulfilled all contractual obligations with precision while taking a proactive, hands-on approach. Their direct engagement with the project team fostered trust, strengthened collaboration, and enhanced the overall effectiveness of the partnership.- Sustainability Expertise: Noveltex provided two comprehensive sustainability reports, which have significantly influenced the approach of the Project Promoter to sustainable practices. These reports remain valuable for current operations and future strategic planning.- Evolving Partnership: Beyond the formal contract, the relationship with Noveltex has grown into an informal, collaborative partnership. Continued discussions on sustainable materials and processes highlight the ongoing exchange of knowledge and ideas.- Market Facilitation: Noveltex played a pivotal role in expanding the market reach, introducing the Promoter to potential clients and distributor, paving the way for further market expansion.In summary, the partnership with Noveltex has driven both immediate project success and long-term growth, underscoring the significant advantages of a well-executed bilateral collaboration.