AN ERGONOMIC STUDY

HERMAN MILLER AERON, EMBODY + STAPLES LANE TASK CHAIRS

MICHELLE HAY + MAGGIE CASSADY AMID D263 DESIGN PRINCIPLES SPRING 2014
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
Throughout the workday, the average
employee can often be found working
from a desk while seated. Herman Miller
studies have shown that people now sit
more than they sleep. With so much
sitting going on, how can one ensure that
they are receiving the proper and needed
support? A task chair with an improper
support system can lead to injuries that
force employees to take attention away
from their work. Through the use of the
the Bellingar-Haworth Ergonomic Seating
Evaluation Form, a comparative evaluation
of the ergonomic properties of three task
chairs was conducted.
STAPLES
Lane
HERMAN MILLER
Embody
HERMAN MILLER
Aeron
1
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the
man to the machine, or the adaptation
of tasks and tools to fit the user.
Ergonomics covers all aspects of a job
from physical stress to environmental
factors. Ergonomic design is the practice
of creating workplaces, machines and
tasks to match the capabilities and
l i mi tati ons of the human body.
Ergonomic principles say that the chair
should first fit the user, then fit the task
and then allow for posture to change
with varieties of activity.
FITTING
THE MAN TO THE
MACHINE
1
Implementing ergonomics into the
workplace helps to decrease daily
discomfort and the risk of on the job
injury, while simultaneously increasing
productivity. Musculoskeletal Disorders
(MSDs) are the injuries most commonly
seen in the workplace. MSDs are caused
by repetitive motion and stress, wearing
and tearing on tendons and joints. In
fact, these types of injuries account for
33% of all injuries and illnesses that
make people miss work.
IMPORTANCE
1
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
E r g o n o mi c s h e l p s t o r e d u c e
presenteeism, which is when employers
show up for work but perform at less
than full capacity because of illness or
medical condition. Ergonomics in the
workplace should be seen as an
investment, as it eventually will lead to
i mproved producti vi ty, decreased
absenteeism and turnover, and lower
insurance and workers compensations.
IMPORTANCE
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
1
In the office environment, MSDs occur
commonly in the hands, wrists, arms,
shoulders, neck and lower back. Major
risk factors that lead to MSDs include:
Ergonomically designed furniture is
important to maintain good body
positions that keep the worker in the
most natural and neutral positions. In
order to accomplish this, joints must be
kept in their strongest, most stable, and
least stressful positions
ELEMENTS
AWKWARD POSTURES
EXCESSIVE FORCE ON JOINTS
REPETITION OF MOVMENTS
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
1
Herman Miller has adopted the idea
that there should only be effective
works chairs, not chairs specifically
designed for the executive of the
office or a lesser chair for the
secretary. All well practiced and hard
worki ng empl oyees deserve an
ergonomically designed chair, as a
good chair is crucial to on-the-job
comfort and productivity.
FEATURES
DURABLE + BREATHABLE UPHOLSTERY
ADJUSTABLE SEAT HEIGHT OPTION
BACKREST WITH LUMBAR SUPPORT
STABILITY + MOBILITY SUPPORT
WATERFALLY EDGE SEAT FRONT
ROUNDED + PADDED ARMRESTS
SUPPORTS 3 WORKING POSTURES
EASE OF USE + UNDERSTANDING
ACCOMODATES VARIOUS ALL WORK
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
2
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
1905
Founded in Zeeland,
Michigan as the Star
Furniture Co.
1923
Dirk Jan DePree and his
father-in-law, Herman Miller,
purchase half of the stock.
1945
George Nelson becomes
director of design and
recruits Ray and Charles
Eames, Isamu Noguchi,
and Robert Propst over
four decades.
1930
Herman Miller shifts
focus from traditional
furniture to products
designed for the
changing needs.
1994
Aeron is the first task
chair to use non-foam
fabric.
2008
Embody becomes
the first work chair
designed to create
harmony between
the human body and
the computer.
1946
Charles and Ray
Eames become
designers starting
with the molded
plywood chair.
1976
Designer Bill Stumpf
introduces ergonomics
to the contract
furniture industry.
HERMAN MILLER THROUGH THE YEARS
HERMAN MILLER DESIGN THINKING
Herman Mi l l er sol ves probl ems wi th
innovative, inventive, unique and fresh ideas.
Exponential amounts of time are spent on
research and testing. Through the years,
Herman Miller has taken risks, learned from
mistakes, and succeed in creating designs
that have changed the world.
Every real design solution begins with
research. The exploration and insights
of the best research lead to problem
solving and human centered design.


INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
1
3
AERON CHAIR DESIGN THINKING
The Herman Miller Aeron task chair was
designed by Bill Stumpf in 1994. Herman Miller
wanted to design a chair that could be used
in every type of work environment. The Aeron
chair was successfully designed to support
the body, it fits 90% of the population and its
material does not allow for heat and moisture
buildup from extended periods of sitting.
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
2
AERON CHAIR KEY FEATURES
- Ergonomically good for the body
- Mindful of the environment
- Beautifully and simply designed, fitting in
with various work environments
- Curvilinear and nonintrusive
- Posture fit supports the pelvic tilt, which
then aligns the spinal area
- Wide and contoured back keeps pressure
off from the lower spinal area
- Slope of the armrest achieves comfort
- Waterfall seat edge keeps pressure off
the thighs and achieves better circulation
- Woven seat and back suspension material
- Conforms to the body and cradles it
- Even pressure keeps user cool and avolds
sweaL and heaL bulld-up
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
EMBODY CHAIR DESIGN THINKING
The Herman Miller Embody task chair was
designed by Bill Stumpf in 2008. It is the first
agile, health-positive chair that benefits both
the mind and the body. The Embody chair is
made of 42% recycled material and 95% of the
chair can be recycled. The Embody chair
provides a physical harmony between the
human the the technology.
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
2
EMBODY CHAIR KEY FEATURES
- Ergonomically good for the body
- Lowers heart rate and creates better
blood circulation and oxygen flow
- Pixelated support system conforms to the
users movements with h-flexors in the
backrest that contours to the persons
shape, creating stability
- Narrow backrest that naturally adapts to
the shape and movements of the spine
- Tilt device under the seat supports
thoracic, pelvic, sacral and distal zones
- Beautifully and simply designed, fitting in
with various work environments
- Slope of the armrest achieves comfort
- Waterfall seat edge keeps pressure off
the thighs and achieves better circulation
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
Through the use of the the Bellingar-
Haworth Ergonomic Seating Evaluation
Form, a comparative evaluation of the
ergonomic properties of three task chairs
was conducted. Students in groups of 2
tested out the Lane, Embody and Aeron
task chairs, evaluating the individual
features, comfort, ease of use, body
support and experience.
AERON CHAIR TEST
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
EMBODY CHAIR TEST
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
ManufacLurer:
Model:
LvaluaLor: M1 M2 AvC M1 M2 AvC M1 M2 AvC
LvaluaLaLlon CrlLerla
!" $%&'( )*&+,(*-
SeaL helghL ad[usLs so user can slL wlLh
hls/her feeL comforLably on Lhe floor
or fooLresL. 4 3 4.3 3 3 3 4 3 4.3
SeaL pan depLh ad[usLs so Lhlghs and
back are supporLed buL no pressure 3 1 2 4 3 4.3 3 1 2
SeaL pan angle allows Lhe user Lo keep
hls/her Lorso-Lo-Lhlgh angle aL 90 or
greaLer 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
seaL angle: user can vary fosLure
forward/backward 3 2 2.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
user can move arms and shoulds wlLhouL
lnLerference from backresL 4 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
backresL provlde adequaLe buLLocks
clearance 4 4 4 4 3 4.3 4 3 3.3
lumbar supporL ls ad[usLable 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 4 4.3
armresL helghL ls ad[usLable 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 4
lnslde dlsLance beLween Lhe armresLs
allows user Lo eally enLer/exlL chalr 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3
./*(&00 !/*(&1* 2.9 4.8 4
2" $%&'( $3453(+
seaL has a waLerfall/decllnlng fronL edge
Lo reduce pressure on Lhe back of knees 4 3 3.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr's seaL pan has sofL edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3
chalr's seaL pan ls comforLable 3 3 3 4 3 4.3 3 3 4
chalr's back resL has sofL edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3.3
chalr's backresL ls comforLable 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr's lumbar suppor ls comforLable 3 2 2.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
armresLs are padded 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4.3
chalr's fabrlc feels sofL 3 2 2.3 4 4 4 3 4 3.3
./*(&00 !/*(&1* 3.2 4.3 4.2
$" 6&-* 35 7-*
chalr helghL ad[usL easlly 2 3 2.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
armresL helgh ad[usLs easlly 2 1 1.3 4 3 4.3 3 4 3.3
lumbar supporL can be ad[usLed from a
seaLed poslLlon 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
L8CCnCMlC SLA1lnC LvALuA1lCn
no (1) or ?es (3) no (1) or ?es (3) no (1) or ?es (3)
SLaples Cenerlc Perman Mlller Perman Mlller
LAnL LM8Cu? AL8Cn
ManufacLurer:
Model:
LvaluaLor: M1 M2 AvC M1 M2 AvC M1 M2 AvC
LvaluaLaLlon CrlLerla
!" $%&'( )*&+,(*-
SeaL helghL ad[usLs so user can slL wlLh
hls/her feeL comforLably on Lhe floor
or fooLresL. 4 3 4.3 3 3 3 4 3 4.3
SeaL pan depLh ad[usLs so Lhlghs and
back are supporLed buL no pressure 3 1 2 4 3 4.3 3 1 2
SeaL pan angle allows Lhe user Lo keep
hls/her Lorso-Lo-Lhlgh angle aL 90 or
greaLer 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
seaL angle: user can vary fosLure
forward/backward 3 2 2.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
user can move arms and shoulds wlLhouL
lnLerference from backresL 4 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
backresL provlde adequaLe buLLocks
clearance 4 4 4 4 3 4.3 4 3 3.3
lumbar supporL ls ad[usLable 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 4 4.3
armresL helghL ls ad[usLable 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 4
lnslde dlsLance beLween Lhe armresLs
allows user Lo eally enLer/exlL chalr 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3
./*(&00 !/*(&1* 2.9 4.8 4
2" $%&'( $3453(+
seaL has a waLerfall/decllnlng fronL edge
Lo reduce pressure on Lhe back of knees 4 3 3.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr's seaL pan has sofL edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3
chalr's seaL pan ls comforLable 3 3 3 4 3 4.3 3 3 4
chalr's back resL has sofL edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3.3
chalr's backresL ls comforLable 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr's lumbar suppor ls comforLable 3 2 2.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
armresLs are padded 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4.3
chalr's fabrlc feels sofL 3 2 2.3 4 4 4 3 4 3.3
./*(&00 !/*(&1* 3.2 4.3 4.2
$" 6&-* 35 7-*
chalr helghL ad[usL easlly 2 3 2.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
armresL helgh ad[usLs easlly 2 1 1.3 4 3 4.3 3 4 3.3
lumbar supporL can be ad[usLed from a
seaLed poslLlon 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
L8CCnCMlC SLA1lnC LvALuA1lCn
no (1) or ?es (3) no (1) or ?es (3) no (1) or ?es (3)
SLaples Cenerlc Perman Mlller Perman Mlller
LAnL LM8Cu? AL8Cn
ManufacLurer:
Model:
LvaluaLor: M1 M2 AvC M1 M2 AvC M1 M2 AvC
LvaluaLaLlon CrlLerla
!" $%&'( )*&+,(*-
SeaL helghL ad[usLs so user can slL wlLh
hls/her feeL comforLably on Lhe floor
or fooLresL. 4 3 4.3 3 3 3 4 3 4.3
SeaL pan depLh ad[usLs so Lhlghs and
back are supporLed buL no pressure 3 1 2 4 3 4.3 3 1 2
SeaL pan angle allows Lhe user Lo keep
hls/her Lorso-Lo-Lhlgh angle aL 90 or
greaLer 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
seaL angle: user can vary fosLure
forward/backward 3 2 2.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
user can move arms and shoulds wlLhouL
lnLerference from backresL 4 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
backresL provlde adequaLe buLLocks
clearance 4 4 4 4 3 4.3 4 3 3.3
lumbar supporL ls ad[usLable 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 4 4.3
armresL helghL ls ad[usLable 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 4
lnslde dlsLance beLween Lhe armresLs
allows user Lo eally enLer/exlL chalr 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3
./*(&00 !/*(&1* 2.9 4.8 4
2" $%&'( $3453(+
seaL has a waLerfall/decllnlng fronL edge
Lo reduce pressure on Lhe back of knees 4 3 3.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr's seaL pan has sofL edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3
chalr's seaL pan ls comforLable 3 3 3 4 3 4.3 3 3 4
chalr's back resL has sofL edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3.3
chalr's backresL ls comforLable 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr's lumbar suppor ls comforLable 3 2 2.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
armresLs are padded 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4.3
chalr's fabrlc feels sofL 3 2 2.3 4 4 4 3 4 3.3
./*(&00 !/*(&1* 3.2 4.3 4.2
$" 6&-* 35 7-*
chalr helghL ad[usL easlly 2 3 2.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
armresL helgh ad[usLs easlly 2 1 1.3 4 3 4.3 3 4 3.3
lumbar supporL can be ad[usLed from a
seaLed poslLlon 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
L8CCnCMlC SLA1lnC LvALuA1lCn
no (1) or ?es (3) no (1) or ?es (3) no (1) or ?es (3)
SLaples Cenerlc Perman Mlller Perman Mlller
LAnL LM8Cu? AL8Cn
user can easlly ad[usL Lhe angle of Lhe
backresL relaLlve Lo Lhe seaL surface 2 1 1.3 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
user can recllne easlly 3 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4
conLrols can be easlly reached from a
slLLlng poslLlon 3 3 3 4 3 4.3 4 4 4
conLrols are clear ln Lhelr funcLlon 3 2 2.3 4 4 4 3 4 3.3
conLrols can be operaLed easlly by Lhe
user 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4
conLrols have smooLh edges 3 2 2.3 4 4 4 4 3 3.3
conLrols have enough clearance room
around Lhem for Lhe user's hands 4 3 3.3 4 4 4 4 4 4
!"#$%&& ("#$%)# 2.3 4.4 4.1
*+ ,-./ 0122-$3
whlle worklng, a user can slL wlLh hls/her
back flrmly pressed agalnsL Lhe backresL 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr has sLable back supporL aL varlous
recllne poslLlons 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 3 3 3
chalr has conslsLenL lumbar supporL aL
varlous recllne poslLlons 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3
Lhe armresLs can supporL Lhe forearms ln
a varleLy of posLures/angles 1 1 1 4 3 4.3 4 3 4.3
armresL lengLh allows Lhe user proxlmlLy
Lo work surface whlle malnLalnlng
conLacL wlLh Lhe backresL 3 2 2.3 3 3 3 3 4 4.3
!"#$%&& ("#$%)# 2 4.9 4.8
4+ !"#$%&& 56%7$ 482#$7#9:#
chalr conLrols lnLegraLe well lnLo Lhe
overall deslgn of Lhe chalr 2 1 1.3 4 4 4 3 3 3
Cverall appearance of Lhe chalr 3 1 2 4 4 4 3 3 3
overall ad[usLablllLy of Lhe chalr 2 1 1.3 3 3 3 4 4 4
overall ease of use of Lhe chalr 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4
overall comforL of Lhe chalr 3 2 2.3 4 4 4 4 3 4.3
!"#$%&& ("#$%)# 1.9 4.2 4.3
;-3%& 0:-$# 2.84 2.22 2.33 4.41 4.63 4.33 4.16 4.30 4.23
BELLINGAR-HAWORTH SCALE DATA
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
0
0.3
1
1.3
2
2.3
3
3.3
4
4.3
3
SeaL helghL
ad[usLs
SeaL pan depLh
ad[usLs
SeaL pan angle
allows angle aL
90 or greaLer
SeaL angle
varles
Able Lo move
arms wlLhouL
lnLerference
8ackresL
provldes
buuock
clearance
Lumbar supporL
ls ad[usLable
ArmresL helghL
ls ad[usLable
user can enLer/
exlL chalr
CHAIR FEATURES
Lane
Lmbody
Aeron
0
1
2
3
4
3
SeaL has a
waLerfall/decllnlng
fronL edge
SeaL pan has so
edges
SeaL pan ls
comforLable
8ackresL has so
edges
8ackresL ls
comforLable
Lumbar supporL ls
comforLable
ArmresLs are
padded
labrlc feels so
CHAIR COMFORT
Lane
Lmbody
Aeron
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
0
1
2
3
4
3
Chalr helghL
ad[usL easlly
ArmresL helghL
ad[usLs easlly
Lumbar
supporL
ad[usLs when
slmng
user can
ad[usL Lhe
angle of Lhe
backresL
user can
recllne easlly
ConLrols can
be easlly
reached when
slmng
ConLrols are
clear ln Lhelr
funcuon
ConLrols can
be operaLed
easlly by Lhe
user
ConLrols have
smooLh edges
ConLrols have
enough
clearance
room
EASE OF USE
Lane
Lmbody
Aeron
0
1
2
3
4
3
user can slL wlLh back
pressed agalnsL
backresL
8ack ls supporLed
when recllnlng
Lumbar ls supporLed
when recllnlng
ArmresLs suporL Lhe
forearms
ArmresL lengLh allows
Lhe user Lo work
comforLably
BODY SUPPORT
Lane
Lmbody
Aeron
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
0
0.3
1
1.3
2
2.3
3
3.3
4
4.3
3
ConLrols lnLegraLe well
lnLo Lhe overall deslgn
Cverall appearance Cverall ad[usLablllLy Cverall ease of use Cverall comforL
OVERALL CHAIR EXPERIENCE
Lane
Lmbody
Aeron
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
Our personal opinions were that the
Aeron and Embody chairs were
nearly equally comfortable and
desirable, while the Lane chair was
evaluated as the least desirable.
ANALYSIS
0
0.3
1
1.3
2
2.3
3
3.3
4
4.3
3
Chalr leaLures Chalr ComforL Lase of use 8ody SupporL Cverall Chalr
Lxperlence
OVERALL
Lane
Lmbody
Aeron
Both the Aeron and Embody chairs
wer e vi sual l y pl easi ng and
adjustable to ones support needs,
thus they would be suitable choices
for everyday office positions, big or
small.
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
Overall, both Herman Miller task chairs are
a more suitable choice for everyday use.
Since the average office employee can be
found working while seated, it necessary
to invest in proper ergonomic seating, like
the Aeron and Embody chairs, in order to
prevent unnecessary injuries resulting
from an improper support system. Through
the use of ergonomic seating, businesses
will see an increase in overall productivity,
decreased absenteeism in employees, all
resulting in lower insurance and workers
compensations. When choosing your next
task chair, make an investment in your
health and choose an ergonomic chair.
HERMAN MILLER
Aeron
HERMAN MILLER
Embody
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
Herman miller : Thrive portfolio. (3)
(2012-2013 Catalog). Retrieved on 24 Feb. 2014 from
http://www.hermanmiller.com/content/dam/hermanmiller/documents/thrive_portfolio/
Herman_Miller_Thrive_Portfolio_2012-13_Catalog.pdf

Herman miller : Work chairs. (2)
(2012-2013 Catalog). Retrieved on 24 Feb. 2014 from
http://www.hermanmiller.com/content/dam/hermanmiller/documents/products_landing_pages/
Work_Seating_Interactive_PDF_8.22.12.pdf

Herman miller: Weaving community. (n.d.).
Retrieved on 24. Feb. 2014 from
http://www.hermanmiller.com/neocon-2012/weaving-community.html
* Graphic used on table of contents pages

Knoll. Office Ergonomics Handbook. (1)
Canada: Knoll, 2006. Print.
* Source of Aeron and Embody chair graphics

Our Story. Who is Herman Miller?
N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.
http://www.hermanmiller.com/

Ramsey, Nancy.
"Herman Miller Chairs." Design Methods. Indiana University. Smith Research Center, Bloomington, IN. 30 Jan. 2014.
Class lecture. (2)
* Special thanks and acknowledgement to Nancy Ramsey of Herman Miller for her dedicated time.

CONTENTS