Designing for Sedentary Behavior
This collaborative transdisciplinary research across Arizona State University was initiated with a seed grant to solve one of the major public health problems, specifically focusing on humans' sedentary behavior at the workplace.
In collaboration with:
Type
Freelance
Role
Redesign, Softgoods Design, Material Sourcing, Human Factors, Basic App Testing
Team
Dosun Shin, Michael Peine
Duration
6 Months
2021
Define
Redesign a prototype for tracking Sedentary Behavior
Sedentary behavior has emerged as a potential risk factor for numerous chronic diseases and all-cause mortality during the last decade. This study aimed to develop a new product and system to reduce the time spent sitting at the workplace.
Some of the previous prototypes developed by other designers were not sized appropriately and were bulky, too thick, and not aesthetically pleasing.
Design Constraints
Can be retrofited with existing prototype
Can go on top of any office chair
Must have easy access to force sensors
Investigate
What is Out there
We built a needs hierarchy based on reviews on Amazon and found what people valued... Appearance, comfort, convenience, size, and technology.
Office Chair Seat Sizing
Learning the average size of the most popular office chairs gave insight to the approximate size of our prototype.
Round 1
With the dimensions, we cut to size EVA foam to get a sense of fit to different office chairs.
Early rapid prototyping was crucial to learning about the appropriate size, possible interior architecture, and the most efficient ways to package the foam and electronics for comfort.
Round 1 Insights
We reduced the thickness of the foam to improve comfort.
The strap had to be tighter and be lower because it was sliding up and over some chairs.
Reduce the amount of material in the overall product - give it a more beautiful shape.
Make the back of the product more grippy so it didn't slide around.
Materials & Color
Colors & Materials
Round 2
Working Prototype 1
Highlights
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Thinner with no compromises on comfort
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One adjustable elastic strap
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Non-slip material served a dual purpose
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Sensors and controller have easy access
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The cushion doesn't affect a chair's seating position
Needs Improvement
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Production time
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Try different fabrics
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Stitch quality
Final Direction
Revised Working Prototype
