FLUX 2.0: Sustainable Furniture Production with Modular 3D Printed Joinery System

Abstract

The Malaysian furniture industry confronts a complex landscape defined by conventional wood joinery practices, resulting in rising material wastage, labour-intensive procedures, and intricate logistical challenges. This research explores designers' perceptions regarding sustainable furniture production and the feasibility of integrating modular 3D-printed joinery within an ergo-aesthetic framework. Data was collected through a survey (n = 424) in Malaysia. The analysis revealed significant correlations for senses and external influence (r = 0.325, p < 0.05), strong external influence with design attributes (r = 0.549, p < 0.05), and substantive design attributes with external influence connection (r = 0.580, p < 0.05). Ergonomic components highlight the correlations between physical with cognitive (r = 0.525, p < 0.05), cognitive with organisational (r = 0.547, p < 0.05), and organisational with physical (r = 0.546, p < 0.05). Incorporating physical ergonomics, comfort, usability, and user interaction, alongside cultural considerations, provides opportunities to improve functionality and user satisfaction in prototypes. By understanding designers' perspectives on sustainable furniture production and assessing modular 3D printed joinery, the study explains the relationship between design elements, sensory factors, aesthetics, and sustainable practices.