Implications? Familiarity bias.

A chair that is ergonomically superior to any other is likely to have an effect on the market.

• The ergonomics are the most important attribute for any chair used for prolonged use.
  • Comfort depends on the ergonomics.
  • Backache is reduced or abolished.
• The 2T concept has an additional therapeutic advantage with the unstable intermediated (3M) mode.
• Allows a variety of models, from simple inexpensive to top end, expensive.
• If a commercial model is shown, by controlled double blind field trials, to be superior to any other chair in the market it is likely to dominate that market.
• It is easily translated into a workstation.
• Some chairs are already beginning to appear.   Not fully compliant to the 2T concept, they have failures.   See →WORK-CHAIRS, a new breed with a reclined mode.

Ten years ago, the advantage of the 2T concept was apparent to John Jukes, a pioneer in the optimisation of the office environment  and Prof. Derek Clements-Croom, Director of Research in the School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading.  Also the reaction of most who had experienced LBP was immediately positive – “Where can I buy this chair” (of course, they couldn’t).   The reaction of chair designers and manufacturers was different.        Blank incomprehension.  Mainly due to ‘Familiarity bias’.

Western people have been indoctrinated that adverse mid upright sitting (See ☛Mandal→) is ergonomically ‘correct’ and have sat in this sort of chair since childhood and so  ‘Familiarity bias’ results. This is a normal reaction of people who have only experienced one way of doing things and results in various levels of denial and incomprehension, when exposed to anything new.  This mind-set can prevent them from seeing the real benefits of a chair that is scientifically shown to be correct but looks different and is actually more comfortable.   It will take time to change this perception and will happen once chairs designed on bio-mechanically correct lines are manufactured and their advantages explained.  Those who are liable to backache will be the first to see the advantages and will create a demand.   The newer generation is more open to fresh ideas and takes quickly to a 2T design.   Insurance is already begining to take an interest (personal communication).

However, as mentioned, perceptions are changing.   At a major international design show in London on 19th Sept. 2013, I found several major Scandinavian and German manufacturers who accepted my views but hesitated to translated them into actual products.  I was even invited to Germany!    This year (2015) several designers said “I have read your views and agree, But…..” .   Which was usually ‘Familiarity Bias’.   Offices of companies like Google, Skype and Facebook, iare like a playground with innovative furniture which would have looked outrageous ten years ago.  The 2T concept that I introduced in 1998 also looked outrageous ten years ago.   It is now begining to look quite ordinary although designers have difficulty in recognising the underlying bio-mechanical essentials.

For example, recliner chairs are only suitable for home use.  A 2T (or 3M) chair is different only because it can be used as a work chair.   Will people buy recliners when a cheaper and better designed dual purpose chair comes on the market?  This may also be particularly relevant to the growing ‘gamer’ market.

To my question “what is the most important factor in chair design?”The answer,  wrongly’ was always :-Comfort. (See Comfort→)

 

This work is not protected and is pro bono publico.    I am available for advice or consultation.   But you will have to be quick!   CONTACT

You are advised to trawl through the whole work to get the full picture.   But for details, see  ← Design details   and check with the menu →

 

ImplicationsThe physical and emotional stressor effect due to discomfort and LBP is reduced and results in higher productivity.  This offsets the slightly higher cost of a slightly greater footprint which can anyway be completely abolished or reduced by the use of work-stations (See 4M→) or  better office design and layout (see office design).   Anyone who has suffered or is suffering from LBP immediately recognise the significance of a 2T chair and themselves create a demand.     HAS

Next ☛References→

• ☛Contact →