Orthographic sketch of a Chair

1) Refinement of the gap.
Many times I find myself in the need of a stool or a two step ladder to change a light bulb or to shut the water off for outside taps, or cleaning the heater ducts and other jobs like those involving things that are a couple of feet above my head.
I am tented to use my toolbox, that is always around me, and step on it but I know it will not support me and it is going to break.

2) List of at least 30 different user needs description of a toolbox/stool  convertible device, in bold are        highlighted the primary needs, and the latent needs are marked with (!)

1) The device is safe to use
2) The device is easy to operate
3) The device is able to carry all my tools
4) The device is stable when used as stool
5) The device is waterproof
6) The device can be left outside
7) The device is attractive (!)
8) The device can be operated by any adult
9) The device must stand exposure to rain with no rusting
10) The device must stand exposure to snow
11) The device should not be damaged by exposure to sunlight
12) The device can be used for gardening (!)
13) The device can be used as a chair (!)
14) The device is finished in bright colors
15) The device has a smooth finish
16) The device has a lock to keep the lid closed
17) The device can be locked with a padlock
18) The device is light weight
19) The device is carried with just one hand
20) The device is a minimum of 30" wide by 12" tall by 12"deep
21) The device has legs with felt protectors to avoid damage to the floor
22) The device has an anti slippery surface to stand
23) The device can transport my gardening tools (!)
24) The device has a tray for small things
25) The device is transported by a handle in top of the lid
26) The device is designed to support my weight with no visible deformation
27) The device must feel safe to use
28) The device is designed to look safe a beautiful
29) The device has partitions for small things like measuring tape, drill bit box and so on
30) The device might be used to keep my wife's  sewing stuff, like needles, scissors and so on (!)
31) The device can be adapted to keep painting stuff like brushes, rolls, tapes and so on (!)
32) The device can be used for camping to transport things like tent pegs, flash light, utility knife and so on (!)
33) The device is easy to store (!)
34) The device is not expensive to buy
35) The device is well made
36) The device is long lasting

3) The latent needs are the ones on the above list marked with (!)

Design problem definition.

What way may I......?

1) Stand up on the thing and replace the burnt light bulb.
2) Have a stool at hand when I need it.
3) Create more space and order in my workroom.
4) Enjoy using  smartly designed devices.
5) Start and finish a job with less complications or interruptions because I need a ladder.