Ergonomic Study of Task Chairs Knoll RPM + Generation. Chelsea Fulkerson + Olivia Sexson

Transcription

1 Ergonomic Study of Task Chairs Knoll RPM + Generation Chelsea Fulkerson + Olivia Sexson

2 Contents Introduction Background Design Thinking Case Study General Discussion References Appendix

3 The Project Overall This project is about the study of ergonomics in task chairs for the company Knoll. Specifically We researched the background of ergonomics and the importance of it. We also researched the role of ergonomics in the company Knoll and their design thinking behind their chairs. Specifically we did an ergonomic study of their chairs the RPM and the Generation using a rating scale from one to five. To get these ratings we spent an efficient amount of time in each chair to get the correct rating for each in a wide array of situations.

4 Ergonomics Definition + Importance Definition Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely (Merriam-Webster s online dictionary, n.d.). Importance Many people don t realize how directly their furniture relates and affects them, that is why ergonomics is so important. By focusing on the relationship between worker and furniture it can improve the health and productivity of their work, and by improving these it can improve the overall productivity in companies. Contents Introduction Background Design Thinking Case Study Executive General Discussion Summary References Appendix

5 Ergonomics Workstations Elements of an Ergonomically Well Designed Workstation Five elements that should be in ergonomically designed in workstations are: Monitor arm and/or laptop holder Articulating keyboard support Air purifier Task light An ergonomic task chair (Humanscale, n.d.) Contents Introduction Background Design Thinking Case Study Executive General Discussion Summary References Appendix

6 Ergonomics Task Chairs Task Chair Features Specifically the task chair should have: Wheels or castors that are suitable for the floor surface backrest that is adjustable in both height and angle and supports curve of the lower back Swivels Adjustable from sitting position Breathable fabric Height of chair should be appropriate for the individual and the work surface height No pressure on the back of the legs, and feet are flat on the floor or on a foot rest (Environmental Health & Safety) Contents Introduction Background Design Thinking Case Study Executive General Discussion Summary References Appendix

7 Design Thinking Knoll Design Heritage + History Knoll Knoll Studio was founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll. Knoll has remained true to the Bauhaus design philosophy that modern furniture should complement architectural space, not compete with it (Our Story). Committed to modern design, Knoll creates furniture with the combination of technology and craftsmanship. Through commitment to customers, a focus on the environment, and a global perspective, Knoll sets standards in solving practical workplace needs (Our Story).

8 Design Thinking Knoll Design Heritage + History Iconic Designs 1925: Marcel Breuer s Wassily chair 1928 Marcel Breuer s Cesca chair 1929: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe s Barcelona chair 1946: Eero Saarinen s Grasshopper chair 1947: Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy s Hardoy chair 1948: Eero Saarinen s Womb Chair 1948: Pierre Jeanneret s Scissors chair 1956: Eero Saarinen s Tulip chair 1960: Richard Schultz s Petal table collection (Timeline) The Hardoy Chair (Timeline)

9 Design Thinking Behind the RPM The RPM chair was designed by Carl Magnusson and introduced in Inspired by a Vespa, Knoll s RPM chair takes on an older style of ergonomic philosophy. This traditional-style task chair includes adjustable arms, pneumatic seat adjustment, a tension knob, a free flow lock, back adjustment, adjustable seat pan, and a waterfall edge. Designers assumed the use of this chair would be at his or her desk all day, so they wanted to achieve a firmer feel to dissipate the user s weight.

10 Design Thinking Behind the Generation The Generation chair was designed by Formway Design in This chair portrays a shift in philosophy that reflects a change in technology. This task chair allows freedom of movement and the user can sit in any direction. Because of its flexibility and breathability, it is healthier. The back is made of polymer which retains memory, provides extra lumbar support, and does not break. This chair fits 95% of all people, and it is LEED Platinum certified.

11 Case Study Method + Process Method We conducted an ergonomic comparison of three task chairs using the Bellingar-Haworth scale. Process After sitting in the chairs for a significant amount of time, we rated each chair on a scale of one to five, one meaning no, five meaning yes. Data The following slides provide the data that we recorded while conducting our study.

12 Case Study Data: Chair Features

13 Case Study Data: Chair Comfort

14 Case Study Data: Ease of Use

15 Case Study Data: Body Support

16 Case Study Data: Overall Chair Experience

17 Case Study Findings: Overall Averages Generic Lane Knoll RPM Knoll Generation Chair Features Chair Comfort Ease of Use Body Support Overall Chair Experience

18 Case Study Findings: Chair Features Seat height adjusts so user can sit with feet on the floor Lane Generic Knoll RPM 2. Seat pan adjusts so thighs and back are supported 3. Seat pan angle allows user to keep torso-to-thigh angle at 90 or greater 4. Seat angle 5. The user can allows the user to vary posture forward and backward move arms and shoulders without interference from the backrest 6. Backrest provides adequate buttocks clearence 7. Lumbar support is adjustable 8. Armrest height is adjustable 9. Inside distance between the armrests allows user to easily enter and exit chair Knoll Generation

19 Case Study Findings: Chair Comfort Generic Lane Knoll RPM Knoll Generation Seat pan 2. Chair's seat has a waterfall pan has soft edge edges 3. The chair's seat pan is comfortable 4. The chair's backrest has soft edges 5. The chair's backrest is comfortable 6. The chair's lumbar support is comfortable 7. Armrests are padded 8. The chair's fabric feels soft

20 Case Study Findings: Ease of Use Generic Lane Knoll RPM Knoll Generation Chair height adjusts easily 2. Armrest height adjusts easily 3. Lumbar support can be adjusted from a seated position 4. User can easily adjust the angle of the backrest 5. User can recline easily 6. Controls can be easily reached from a sitting position 7. Controls are clear in their function 8. Controls can be operated easily by the user 9. Controls have smooth edges 10. Controls have enough clearance room around them

21 Case Study Findings: Body Support Generic Lane Knoll RPM Knoll Generation While working, a user can sit with back firmly against backrest 2. Chair has stable back support at various recline positions 3. Chair has consistent lumbar support at various recline positions 4. Armrests can support forearms in a variety of postures 5. Armrest length allows user proximity to work surface while maintaining contact with backrest

22 Case Study Findings: Overall Chair Experience Generic Lane Knoll RPM Knoll Generation Chair controls intregrate well into the overall design 2. Overall appearance of the chair 3. Overall adjustability of the chair 4. Overall ease of use of the chair 5. Overall comfort of the chair

23 Case Study Analysis of Results Chair Features The generic Lane chair scored the lowest in the chair features category with an average of Knoll s RPM and Generation task chairs scored similarly, but the Generation had the highest average score of 4.78, while the RPM had an average of Chair Comfort The Lane chair only scored an average of 2.69 in the chair comfort category. The RPM chair scored just barely under the Generation with a 4.13, while the Generation chair maintained a Ease of Use The Lane chair only scored a 2.8 in the ease of use category. The RPM scored an average of 4.05, while the Generation led with a Body Support The Lane chair holds an average of 2.2 in the body support category, while the RPM and Generation chairs results were very similar. The RPM scored and average of 4.6, and the Generation chair had an average of 4.7. Overall Chair Experience The Lane chair scored very poorly in overall chair experience with an average score of 1.9. The RPM scored a 4.1, and the Generation received a score of 4.7.

24 General Introduction Discussion Executive Summary Summary This project was about ergonomic task chairs for the company Knoll. We researched the importance of ergonomics in the workplace and how ergonomics plays a role in the design of Knolls task chairs. We used the Bellingar-Haworth scale to conduct an ergonomic comparison between a control chair and two of Knolls task chairs, the RPM and the Generation. Conclusions Our results show that Knoll creates very ergonomically sound task chairs. Compared to the generic chair the Knoll RPM and Generation chairs are far more ergonomic. According to our results of the study the Generation task chair exceeds in every category over the RPM, although is close in the chair comfort. The test was one a 1-5 rating scale.

25 General Discussion Situational Recommendations Generic Lane Chair This chair should be placed in rooms that aren t visited often. This chair performs poorly when it comes to ergonomics, so it would not be good for a person to sit in for long periods of time. This chair would be in a guest bedroom.

26 General Discussion Situational Recommendations Knoll RPM This chair performs well when it comes to ergonomics. It could be used in an office with older workers who prefer a firmer chair with a traditional look.

27 General Discussion Situational Recommendations Knoll Generation This chair caters to a younger generation who could benefit from the flexibility and breathability. Ergonomically, it performs the best, so it could be used in a contemporary office space.

28 References Environmental Health & Safety. (n.d.). Ergonomic Workstation Guidelines. Retrieved February 16, 2014, from Heuristic. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster s online dictionary. Retrieved February 16, 2014, Humanscale. (n.d.). Compenets of a Healthy Workstation. Retrieved February 16, 2014, from Magnusson, C. (n.d.). RPM. Archi Expo. Retrieved February 23, 2014, from Modern Office Knoll Generation Chair. (n.d.). Vizimac. Retrieved February 23, 2014, from Our Story. (n.d.). Knoll. Retrieved February 23, 2014, from Spare Bedroom 5. (n.d.). Homes by BDI. Retrieved February 23, 2014, from catid=1&catname=bedrooms&c=body Timeline and History. (n.d.). Knoll. Retrieved February 24, 2014, from

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