As ergonomic chair experts, we totally geek out when it comes to innovations in ergonomic chair design. And thanks to these innovations, sitting at a computer all day has never been more comfortable.
But while looking ahead is exciting, looking back is too, which is what we’re doing in this article.
The history of the ergonomic chair.
If we looked at the history of the chair, we’d no doubt have to stretch back to early man.
Thankfully, the history of the Ergonomic chair is much easier to chart:
1. The early 1840s
The classic office chair originates way back to the early 1840s. This started out as a wooden armchair on wheels, created by none other than Charles Darwin. He attached legs and wheels to his armchair so he could move around his workspace easily.
2. 1849
In 1849, Thomas E. Warren designed the Centripetal Spring Armchair. The chair had a swivel mechanism and castors so office workers could reach things without having to stand up.
It was upholstered in velvet, had cast iron legs and included a material skirt that concealed the springs.
3. 1904
In 1904, Frank Lloyd Wright invented the Larkin Building chair to help typists with their posture and improve their comfort. However, his good intentions turned sour as it tended to tip over, resulting in it becoming known as the suicide chair.
Sure, it had a design flaw, but it was a flaw that was key to the evolution of the office chair.
4. The early 1970s
While office chair designs changed through the decades, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the modern ergonomic office chair started. The first was the Vertebra Chair, designed by Emilio Ambasz and Giancarlo Piretti. As the name suggests, it was inspired by the human spine and was one of the first adjustable seats.
5. 1976
In 1976, Bill Stumpf invented the Ergon Chair, the first office chair dedicated to improving comfort and physical health. It had a foam-filled back and seat, sturdy spine support and easy-glide wheels.
And by studying new ergonomic science, he included gas-lift, height and tilt levers.
6. 1994
In 1994, the pioneering Aeron Chair designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick was launched. Notable features included a reactive tilt and a ‘pellicle’ mesh back, which supported the spine and helped regulate body temperature.
7. 2013
While chair design evolved in the intervening years, it wasn’t until 2013, with the release of the Guardian Chair, that ergonomic chairs got a major upgrade in the new millennium.
But better than that was the Gesture Chair by Steelcase.
Following the Global Posture Study by Steelcase, they found that nine new postures had manifested in how workers sit due to technological advances.
The Gesture Chair included:
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Synchronised seat and back movement system
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Seat depth adjustment
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Weight activated mechanisms
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360-degree arm movement
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Mesh-back
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Mesh lumbar support
8. 2018
Finally, in 2018, Steelcase launched the SILQ Chair, which adapted to the human body without having to fiddle with knobs and levers. Instead, the chair adapted to the body’s natural movement, personalising it for each user and giving everyone personalised support.
Are you sitting comfortably?
If your workers struggle with pain caused by sitting at a computer all day, you need to do something about it.
That’s where Techsit can help.
By supporting your workers with ergonomic seating, not only will you see an improvement in mood and concentration, but you’ll also see an increase in productivity too.
Are you sitting comfortably? No?
Then call us now on 0845 051 3812 or email info@techsit.co.uk