The Air Chair
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One size does not fit all
Is it an unrealistic expectation to assume there is such a thing as a one-size-fits-all office chair? Standard office chairs seem to suit some more than others but are certainly not comfortable for everybody. That said, the ‘others’ category turns out to be the majority of us, unfortunately! People come in vastly different shapes and sizes and so for the designers of ergonomic seating, this can provide quite a challenge. Our job is all about turning that challenge into an opportunity and embracing the fact that everyone is built differently.
What is ergonomics and why is it important?
For example, when we study how to make items like chairs fit people better, it’s called ergonomics. Why does it matter? Well, if your chair fits you just right, you're going to work better, feel comfier, be safer and more productive. It's a win-win!
Technically speaking, ergonomics is the study of designing products, systems, and environments to fit the people who use them. It aims to improve efficiency, comfort, and safety by ensuring that tasks, equipment, and spaces are designed in a way that minimises discomfort, fatigue, and injury while maximising productivity and performance. Our own research uses this approach to develop patented air technology used in our ergonomic seating components.
AirCare™ technology
Long ago, we realised we could harness the power of air and use it as one of the key USPs for our products. We know how to use air to make a chair fit you like a glove. It's not just about supporting your lower back although it does that too. This chair moves and adjusts with you throughout the day helping to maintain an optimum sitting position. Today we produce an amazing range of seating components that allow for complete adjustability and movement.
Our seating technology moves and supports the body throughout the working day. This system is based on dynamic seating technology that adapts precisely to body shape and size and responds to every movement. This feels something like a tailor-made seat…and actually, in a way, it is.
But why is air the perfect vital component to our success?
Air is good at supporting our bodies mainly because it exerts pressure evenly in all directions. There are 5 important aspects as to why air is so effective at supporting our bodies:
Atmospheric pressure:
The air around us exerts pressure on all surfaces and kind of pushes on everything - that's atmospheric pressure at work.
Even distribution:
Air distributes its pressure uniformly in all directions, essential for providing support to our bodies without creating stress points.
Buoyancy:
We're less dense than air, so it helps hold us up. It's like having a built-in floaty in the Earth's atmosphere.
Compression and elasticity:
When you sit on air, it squishes just enough to fit your shape. So air can act like a cushion, reducing the impact and distributing the pressure evenly thus providing comfort.
Adaptability:
Air moulds to whatever space it's in, including the nooks and crannies of your body.
As one of the 4 basic elements originating from ancient Greek philosophy, air represents intellect, communication, and freedom. Air is also extremely comfortable and pretty awesome when it comes to supporting the body.
Want to find out more about Aircell seating?
Are you a furniture designer or chair manufacturer? We would be delighted to share our expertise in technology and design. Send us a simple design and we will develop it, with your help, to get the best out of your office chair project.
