CH:AIR. Client HAYS Tilburg
Composites, Health, Vitality, Product Design
2022
Design Brief
Prolonged sitting is a major issue in modern office environments, often leading to reduced physical vitality, fatigue, and long-term health risks for employees. Companies are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to support workplace well-being and encourage healthier daily habits among their staff.
The objective of this project was to design a product that not only addresses the negative effects of extended sitting but also helps office workers gradually adopt healthier routines. The product should seamlessly integrate into the workplace, provide clear feedback to users, and encourage voluntary rather than forced behavior change.
Design Solution & Manufacturing Method
The project resulted in the development of a smart office chair system supported by a stand-up reminder light. The system is designed to promote healthier work habits through subtle cues and automated interventions:
Smart Chair Functionality: The chair detects when a user has been sitting for too long. After a prolonged sitting period, it gently begins to tilt or elevate, signaling the user to stand up and take a break.
Reminder Light: To avoid disrupting important tasks or meetings, a connected desk lamp gradually changes color. It shifts towards red as sitting time increases, giving the user a visual warning before the chair activates. This allows them to choose a convenient moment to stand, preventing interruptions.
Behavioral Impact: Through repeated use, the reminder light and chair system train users to recognize sitting limits and form new healthy habits. Over time, the chair and light combination evolves into a behavior change technology, nudging employees toward improved vitality without forcing compliance.
The prototype was developed using a combination of digital simulation and hands-on fabrication. A 3D CAD model was created and tested with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure the chair could support a user’s weight. Since this was a one-off prototype, approximations were necessary, particularly when modeling composite materials, but the analysis provided a basis for selecting material thickness and reinforcement.
The chair frame was manufactured from carbon fiber reinforced with EL2 Laminating Epoxy mixed with AT30 Fast Hardener. This resin was chosen for its fast-reacting properties, ideal for prototyping under time constraints. Three carbon layers were applied as predicted by the FEA, then cured overnight in an oven at 230ºC before stabilizing at room temperature for a week.