Herman Miller Active Line
Using fuseproject's client list we were given the opportunity to design a new project to eventually pitch to the client of our choosing. Wanting to focus on the lack of activity in the modern work place we decided to work with Herman Miller and create an active line of furniture to increase the workplace environment and health of employees.
Seeing a lot of designs in the marketplace that focused on redesigning office furniture we wanted to focus on creating active rituals in the workplace.
“designers are still trying to reinvent the chair. but why this fixation on chairs? what if, rather than thinking through design archetypes, we focus on activity?”
Erik Rietveld, RAAAF
These workplace environments are sedentary but there are no products that are currently successful in addressing these points of inactivity
focusing on singular activities
redesigning the entire workplace
individual mechanisms
the sweet spot
design a smaller environment that simplifies activity
large environments
Opportunity: Making physical activity in the workplace
more acceptable and accessible
guiding principles to inform product experience
so who are we designing for? who is our target audience?
Business Owners
executives concerned with the well being and productivity of workers and company
Why this audience:
-
they set up the conditions of work environment
-
moral and productivity drives the success of their company
Potential Use Cases
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boosting morale among workers
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creating a break space for stress relief and recharging
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allowing for a separate productive space
-
creates inspiration
-
allows for better community
Sedentary Workers
people who work 8-10 hours a day, which are mostly spent sitting while working
Why this audience:
-
they set up the conditions of work environment
-
moral and productivity drives the success of their company
Potential Use Cases
-
boosting morale among workers
-
creating a break space for stress relief and recharging
-
allowing for a separate productive space
-
creates inspiration
-
allows for better community
based on our audience and focus on subtle movements, we began to pinpoint muscles that are effected while being sedentary
The Erector Spinae Muscles
these muscles run along the spine and can atrophy during long periods of inactivity which can lead to back pain.
Biceps, Triceps, and Forearm Muscles
these muscles are common area for fat deposits, meaning you're most likely to notice excess, flabby skin in this area on your arms with inactivity.
The Rectus Abdominis Muscles
Fat accumulation and muscle deterioration is typically most affected by lack of inactivity
The Gluteal Muscles
being sedentary and not working out these muscles, they become soft and undefined, leaving your butt looking flat and misshapen.
Quadriceps, Hamstrings, and Calves
This area has some of the most muscles in the body and inactivity can cause less toned and perky as your muscles get smaller and less defined
Using these targeted muscles, we began to develop concepts that simplified activity and aligned with Herman Miller's public furniture line designed by fuseproject
Introducing Active
Herman Miller Active Line
Five pieces of furniture were designed to create multiple configurations depending on the space and needs of the company, Active can be placed in any area of the work place.
Resist
Designed to create motion while sitting. When using resist, one places there feet on the leg rest and pushes against surface to subtle workout their quad muscles. This concept can be placed in any free areas of the office to promote communication and productivity during work or breaks.
Push
This concepts simplicity allows for simple activity during tasks. Push can be used during business calls and to promote productivity during smaller company meetings or brainstorms.
Bounce
With spherical bottom this concept allows for the 360 degree rotation that targets your abdominal muscles while sitting. Bounce also has elastic fabric to mold to anyone who uses it.
Targeting all of your leg and back muscles seesaw is made for playful collaborative activity with other employees, seesaw can be used for breaks as well as meetings.
SeeSaw
Stand
Concept designed to inspire employees to lean and stand to allow for better blood flow while working. Inspired from the standing desk, stand allows for a collaborative surface for multiple employees to convene.
