IDEA: New Category: Outdoor

Have you ever noticed that Outdoor has its own subcategory in many Buy Mode categories?

• Comfort > Outdoor Furniture (Seating)
• Activity > Outdoor Activities
• Appliance > Outdoor Cooking
• Lighting > Outdoor Lights
• Surfaces > Nope! (Miscellaneous)

There are plenty of Outdoor objects to warrant its own focused category in Objects By Function, handled the same way as Kids, Pets, Off-the-Grid, and Water Features.

Buy Mode > Objects by Function > Outdoor

Suggested Outdoor subcategories:

• Appliance - BBQs, Trash Bins, Mailboxes, Generators, etc
• Activity - Gardening, Rocketship, Playground, etc
• Lighting - Porch Lights, Street Lights, Garden Lights, etc
• Plumbing - Public Toilet, Privy Bush, Hot Tub, etc
• Decoration - Business Signs, Garden Decor, Trellis, etc
• Comfort - Benches, Poolside Lounges, Tents, Cots, etc
• Surfaces - Picnic Tables, Patio Tables, etc

Function vs Focus

Function Subcategories contain objects that perform specific functions. The function of a dining chair is the slot to a table or desk. The function of a bed is sleep. The function of a countertop is food prep. The function of a bookshelf is reading. The function of a shower - you get the picture.

The function of Outdoor… is to be placed outside?

Perhaps a new way to look at Outdoor is not as a function but as a focus. Focus Categories contain a variety of functional objects, but all objects are focused on a common theme, such as:

• Kids is a focus category; subcategories focus on kids activities, kids furniture, kids toys, etc.
• Pets is a focus category; subcategories focus on pet care, pet furniture, pet training, etc.
• Off-the-Grid is a focus category; subcategories focus on utility-free objects.
• Water Features is a focus category; subcategories focus on fountains, pools, ponds, etc.

Make Outdoor a new focus category; focusing on outdoor decor, outdoor furniture, outdoor activities, etc.