Office chair for the ladies
February 24, 2009 Design, Ergonomics, Innovation
An office chair that has been designed specifically to fit a woman’s pear sized shape? Interesting…
Based on a year long research study it was found that women sit with their elbows more towards their backs and less at their sides and that women sit more upright at the front of their seat and do not sprawl backwards like men often do (as I’m writing this post, I am guilty of doing exactly what is described here with the arms and the seat position…and yes, I’m a woman).
To address this common seated position the office chair for the ladies, Lei, has a more pronounced lumbar support along with a more forward-leaning seat pan and the armrests sprout from the backrest rather than rising from the sides.
Although I agree that people sit differently, I’m still skeptical. Wouldn’t you rather have an adjustable chair to accomodate the varying seating preferences and a variety of people? This is the approach that Steelcase has taken so far although there is room for debate. What do you think? Is male vs. female seating something that Steelcase should consider?
Comments
rosalindr - March 5, 2009
Yes. I am female and the seating descrption you describe fits me. I am also obese, and I’d like to see options for heavy people, like wider/deeper/thicker seats, or even gel or memory foam seats.
I’m testing an Amia chair I just bought. I like the design, but the seat is too hard on my tailbone so I may return it.
Content Editor - March 6, 2009
Great feedback! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear that the Amia may not be a good fit for you, but we do have a 30 day return policy just for these types of situations. Just contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you need a return label.
Roz - March 6, 2009
I’m trying it out now. I might need the Criterion Plus, which is the extra wide, extra heavy chair, but I’d like to try it before I order one. I’m looking for a Steelcase retail store near me.
Content Editor - March 8, 2009
Hi Roz,
You can seach by city/state for local Steelcase Dealers or retailers using the link below.
http://www.steelcase.com/na/HowToBuy2.aspx?f=25156
Thanks!
The Steelcase Store Team
Ann Killby - March 9, 2009
I do not think that seating should be heavily marketed (or designed) for men versus women. There should be enough adjustment in a great chair to allow for many seating styles.
Steelcase Store Team - March 9, 2009
Agreed. Thanks for your feedback Ann. We try to account for the various seating styles with Steelcase products. Some have more adjustabilty than others (Leap) whereas others are more intuitive and auto adjust to you (Think).
Your choice should depend on how many people will be sitting in the chair and the need for manual adjustments.