Each product designed by Humanscale must adhere to rigorous environmental standards, which is no easy feat. Creating products that are as eco-friendly as these presents significant challenges, but commitment to this goal remains strong despite the added complexity it brings to the design process, says Mark Consolla, Vice President, Product Management, Humanscale, in an exclusive interview with Architecture Update.
The Journey
Humanscale’s journey into task seating began 25 years ago, a bold step for a company that originally focused on computer support products like keyboard trays. However, the launch of the Freedom Chair was a momentous event that brought the company into the limelight. There were three key innovations associated with the Freedom Chair, which to this day define our products. One of those innovations was the gravity mechanism, designed by Niels Diffrient. This mechanism revolutionized the user experience by eliminating the need for complex adjustments. Imagine sitting in a chair that supports you whether you’re sitting upright or reclining, without fiddling with knobs or levers. It uses your own body weight to provide the right amount of support. Another stand-out feature of the Freedom Chair is its synchronous arms, designed to keep users properly supported. This innovation ensures that no matter how you adjust your position, the chair adapts to you. Most impressive among the innovations is the self-adjusting headrest. While many chairs today come with headrests, the Freedom Chair was one of the first to introduce this feature, and it’s still unique in the way it adjusts as you recline. It’s the only chair in the industry that supports your head whether you’re sitting upright or leaning back.
Design Philosophy: Where Function Meets Aesthetics
It has always been a challenge to balance functionality with aesthetics in product design. One must remember that creating something highly ergonomic that also looks good is no small feat. You can develop the best ergonomic chair in the world, but if it’s unattractive, no one will buy it. What sets Humanscale apart is their collaboration with top designers who understand that the interaction between a person and an object should be both pleasant and visually appealing. In today’s world, where hybrid work is becoming the norm, creating a workspace that’s not only
functional but also beautiful is more important than ever.
Staying Ahead Through Customer Engagement
So, how does Humanscale stay ahead in such a fast-paced industry? We stay closely connected with our customers. We’re constantly in touch with our clients, visiting their offices, gathering feedback, and. understanding their needs. This ongoing dialogue is what keeps us ahead of trends and ensures we’re meeting evolving demands. Not every idea from customers can be implemented, but their feedback is invaluable in driving innovation. We are fortunate to have customers who are willing to share their thoughts and experiences with us. This helps us create products that truly make a difference.
The Challenge of Sustainable Design
For us, sustainability is fundamental. Every product we design must meet strict environmental standards, which is no easy task. It’s challenging to create products that are as environmentally friendly as ours, but we’re committed to it, even though it makes the design process more complex. It is equally difficult to make sustainable products affordable. We want our products to be accessible, whether you’re in India or anywhere else in the world. It would be easy to create something highly sustainable but prohibitively expensive. We work hard to strike the right balance.
A Personal Favourite: The M-Connect Docking System
Among our various products, the M-Connect docking system is my favourite. It’s a game-changer for me, especially when working from home. With just one cable, I can connect everything-video, sound, power, and data-making my workspace clean and efficient. Plus, it’s portable, which makes transitioning from home to office seamless. While the Freedom Chair remains a standout for us, the M-Connect system’s ability to simplify and enhance the work-from-home experience has made it a favourite in recent years.
The Role of Technology in Innovation
Technology has played a crucial role in speeding up Humanscale’s design process. 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) have allowed us to bring ideas to life faster than ever before. We can now create prototypes quickly, test them, and make necessary adjustments long before they go into production. This not only saves time but also ensures that our products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Technology is crucial in keeping up with the latest trends. As technology evolves, so do our products. We sell technology products like docking stations and charging units, so staying up-to-date is essential.
The Indian Market: A Surprising Maturity
India is a diverse market, with regions like Bangalore being very design-conscious, while other areas may focus more on cost. Weโve been working on assembling and manufacturing more products in India to reduce costs without compromising on quality. The market is both mature and sophisticated. It is encouraging to see Indian companies prioritize ergonomic setups, especially as more organizations bring employees back to the office. Itโs great to see our products being embraced here, and weโre excited about the future in India.
Local Partnerships key to success
It is imperative to have a local partner. Our partnership with S Cube has been instrumental. They understand the Indian market inside and out, and theyโve helped us navigate it successfully. Theyโre not just a partner; theyโre an integral part of Humanscale in India. This partnership has allowed Humanscale to stay true to its commitment to quality and sustainability while adapting to the unique needs of the Indian market.
The Perfect Workstation: A Holistic Approach
The perfect workstation setup is designed to create a seamless ergonomic experience, no matter where it is used. Our products are engineered to work best together, but they can also function effectively on their own. What sets our workstation apart is that every componentโfrom the chair to the monitor arm to the task lightingโis adjustable to the user. This means anyone can sit at one of our workstations and have it perfectly tailored to their needs. Whether in India, the U.S., or Europe, Humanscaleโs ideal workstation reflects its commitment to ergonomics, sustainability, and innovative design. Humanscaleโs dedication to innovation, design, and sustainability drives its success. By listening to customers and pushing the boundaries of ergonomic design, we continue to lead the industry and set new standards. As we expand into markets like India, our commitment to quality and local collaboration ensures we remain at the forefront of ergonomic solutions, making workspaces healthier and more productive worldwide.
