AN ERGONOMIC STUDY

HERMAN MILLER AERON, EMBODY + STAPLES LANE TASK CHAIRS

MICHELLE HAY + MAGGIE CASSADY AMID D263 DESIGN PRINCIPLES SPRING 2014
 INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 STAPLES
Lane
Throughout the workday, the average
employee can often be found working
from a desk while seated. Herman Miller HERMAN MILLER
Aeron
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. 1 HERMAN MILLER
Embody

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 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
FITTING
of creating workplaces, machines and THE MAN TO THE
tasks to match the capabilities and
limitations of the human body.
MACHINE
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. 1

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 IMPORTANCE
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. 1

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 IMPORTANCE
Ergonomics helps to reduce
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
improved productivity, decreased
absenteeism and turnover, and lower
insurance and workers compensations.1

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 ELEMENTS
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:

AWKWARD POSTURES
EXCESSIVE FORCE ON JOINTS
REPETITION OF MOVMENTS

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 1

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 FEATURES
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
working employees deserve an
ergonomically designed chair, as a
good chair is crucial to on-the-job
comfort and productivity.2
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

 INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 HERMAN MILLER THROUGH THE YEARS

1930
Herman Miller shifts
focus from traditional
1905 furniture to products 1946 1994
Founded in Zeeland, designed for the Charles and Ray Aeron is the first task
Michigan as the Star changing needs.   Eames become chair to use non-foam
Furniture Co.   designers starting fabric.  
with the molded
plywood chair.  

2008
1976
Designer Bill Stumpf Embody becomes
1923 introduces ergonomics the first work chair
1945
to the contract designed to create
Dirk Jan DePree and his George Nelson becomes
director of design and furniture industry.   harmony between
father-in-law, Herman Miller,
recruits Ray and Charles the human body and
purchase half of the stock.  
Eames, Isamu Noguchi, the computer.  
and Robert Propst over
four decades.  

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 HERMAN MILLER DESIGN THINKING
Herman Miller solves problems with
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. 1

“ Every real design solution begins with

research. The exploration and insights
of the best research lead to problem

”
solving and human centered design.3

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 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 it’s
material does not allow for heat and moisture
buildup from extended periods of sitting.2

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 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 avoids  
sweat  and  heat  build-­‐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. 2

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 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
user’s movements with “h-flexors” in the
backrest that contours to the person’s
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

 INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 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.

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 AERON CHAIR TEST

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 EMBODY CHAIR TEST

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 B.#Chair#Comfort
seat6has6a6waterfall/declining6front6edge6
to6reduce6pressure6on6the6back6of6knees 4 3 3.5 5 5 5 5 5 5
chair's6seat6pan6has6soft6edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3
chair's6seat6pan6is6comfortable 3 3 3 4 5 4.5 3 5 4
chair's6back6rest6has6soft6edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3.5
ERGONOMIC6SEATING6EVALUATION
chair's6backrest6is6comfortable 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5
Manufacturer: Staples6Generic
chair's6lumbar6suppor6is6comfortable 3 2 2.5 Herman6Miller
5 5 5 Herman6Miller
5 5 5
armrests6are6padded Model: 3 LANE 3 3 3EMBODY
3 3 4AERON 5 4.5
chair's6fabric6feels6soft Evaluator: M13 M22 AVG 2.5 M14 M24 AVG4 M13 M24 AVG 3.5
Evaluatation6Criteria
Overall#Average No6(1)6or6Yes6(5)
3.2 No6(1)6or6Yes6(5)
4.3 No6(1)6or6Yes6(5)
4.2

BELLINGAR-HAWORTH SCALE DATA A.#Chair#Features

C.#Ease#of#Use
Seat6height6adjusts6so6user6can6sit6with6
chair6height6adjust6easily 2 3 2.5 4 5 4.5 4 5 4.5
his/her6feet6comfortably6on6the6floor
armrest6heigh6adjusts6easily 2 1 1.5 4 5 4.5 3 4 3.5
ERGONOMIC6SEATING6EVALUATION or6footrest.
lumbar6support6can6be6adjusted6from6a6 4 5 4.5 5 5 5 4 5 4.5
Manufacturer: Staples6Generic Herman6Miller Herman6Miller Seat6pan6depth6adjusts6so6thighs6and6
seated6position 2 1 1.5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Model: LANE EMBODY AERON back6are6supported6but6no6pressure
user6can6easily6adjust6the6angle6of6the6 3 1 2 4 5 4.5 3 1 2
Evaluator: M1 M2 AVG M1 M2 AVG M1 M2 AVG Seat6pan6angle6allows6the6user6to6keep6
backrest6relative6to6the6seat6surface 2 1 1.5 4 5 4.5 4 5 4.5
Evaluatation6Criteria No6(1)6or6Yes6(5) No6(1)6or6Yes6(5) No6(1)6or6Yes6(5) his/her6torsoHtoHthigh6angle6at690°6or6
user6can6recline6easily 3 1 2 5 5 5 4 4 4
A.#Chair#Features greater
controls6can6be6easily6reached6from6a6 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 4 4
Seat6height6adjusts6so6user6can6sit6with6 seat6angle:6user6can6vary6fosture6
sitting6position 3 3 3 4 5 4.5 4 4 4
his/her6feet6comfortably6on6the6floor forward/backward
controls6are6clear6in6their6function 3 2 2.5 4 45 4.5 4 34 45 4.5
3.5
or6footrest. 4 5 4.5 5 5 5 4 5 4.5 user6can6move6arms6and6shoulds6without6
controls6can6be6operated6easily6by6the6
Seat6pan6depth6adjusts6so6thighs6and6 user
interference6from6backrest 24 2 23 45 45 45 4 44 44
back6are6supported6but6no6pressure 3 1 2 4 5 4.5 3 1 2 controls6have6smooth6edges
backrest6provide6adequate6buttocks6 3 2 2.5 4 4 4 4 3 3.5
Seat6pan6angle6allows6the6user6to6keep6 controls6have6enough6clearance6room6
clearance 4 4 4 4 5 4.5 4 3 3.5
his/her6torsoHtoHthigh6angle6at690°6or6 around6them6for6the6user's6hands
lumbar6support6is6adjustable 42 31 3.5
1.5 45 45 45 45 44 4
4.5
greater 3 3 3 5 5 5 4 4 4 Overall#Average
armrest6height6is6adjustable 2 1 2.3
1.5 5 5 4.45 3 5 4.14
seat6angle:6user6can6vary6fosture6 D.#Body#Support
inside6distance6between6the6armrests6
forward/backward 3 2 2.5 4 5 4.5 4 5 4.5 allows6user6to6eaily6enter/exit6chair 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5
user6can6move6arms6and6shoulds6without6 while6working,6a6user6can6sit6with6his/her6
Overall#Average 2.9 4.8 4
interference6from6backrest 4 2 3 5 5 5 4 4 4 back6firmly6pressed6against6the6backrest
B.#Chair#Comfort 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5
backrest6provide6adequate6buttocks6 chair6has6stable6back6support6at6various6
seat6has6a6waterfall/declining6front6edge6
clearance 4 4 4 4 5 4.5 4 3 3.5 recline6positions
to6reduce6pressure6on6the6back6of6knees 24 13 1.5
3.5 5 5 5 5 55 55
lumbar6support6is6adjustable 2 1 1.5 5 5 5 5 4 4.5 chair6has6consistent6lumbar6support6at6
chair's6seat6pan6has6soft6edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3
armrest6height6is6adjustable 2 1 1.5 5 5 5 3 5 4 various6recline6positions
chair's6seat6pan6is6comfortable 23 23 23 54 5 4.5 5 53 55 54
inside6distance6between6the6armrests6 the6armrests6can6support6the6forearms6in6
chair's6back6rest6has6soft6edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3.5
allows6user6to6eaily6enter/exit6chair 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 a6variety6of6postures/angles
chair's6backrest6is6comfortable 13 13 13 45 5 4.55 45 55 4.55
Overall#Average 2.9 4.8 4 armrest6length6allows6the6user6proximity6
chair's6lumbar6suppor6is6comfortable 3 2 2.5 5 5 5 5 5 5
B.#Chair#Comfort to6work6surface6while6maintaining6
armrests6are6padded 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 4.5
seat6has6a6waterfall/declining6front6edge6 contact6with6the6backrest
chair's6fabric6feels6soft 3 2 2.5 54 54 54 53 44 4.5
3.5
to6reduce6pressure6on6the6back6of6knees 4 3 3.5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Overall#Average 2
3.2 4.9
4.3 4.8
4.2
chair's6seat6pan6has6soft6edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3 E.#Overall#Chair#Experience
C.#Ease#of#Use
chair's6seat6pan6is6comfortable 3 3 3 4 5 4.5 3 5 4 chair6controls6integrate6well6into6the6
chair6height6adjust6easily 2 3 2.5 4 5 4.5 4 54.5
chair's6back6rest6has6soft6edges 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3.5 overall6design6of6the6chair
armrest6heigh6adjusts6easily 2 1 1.5 4 45 4.5 4 53 54 5
3.5
chair's6backrest6is6comfortable 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 5 Overall6appearance6of6the6chair
lumbar6support6can6be6adjusted6from6a6 3 1 2 4 4 4 5 5 5
chair's6lumbar6suppor6is6comfortable 3 2 2.5 5 5 5 5 5 5 overall6adjustability6of6the6chair
seated6position 2 1 1.5 5 5 5 45 45 45
armrests6are6padded 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 4.5 overall6ease6of6use6of6the6chair 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4
chair's6fabric6feels6soft 3 2 2.5 4 4 4 3 4 3.5 overall6comfort6of6the6chair 3 2 2.5 4 4 4 4 5 4.5
Overall#Average 3.2 4.3 4.2 Overall#Average 1.9 4.2 4.5
C.#Ease#of#Use Total#Score 2.84 2.22 2.53 4.41 4.65 4.53 4.16 4.30 4.23
chair6height6adjust6easily 2 3 2.5 4 5 4.5 4 5 4.5
armrest6heigh6adjusts6easily 2 1 1.5 4 5 4.5 3 4 3.5
lumbar6support6can6be6adjusted6from6a6
seated6position 2 1 1.5 5 5 5 5 5 5
INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION
 CHAIR FEATURES
5  
4.5  
4  
3.5  
3  
2.5   Lane  
2  
1.5   Embody  
1   Aeron  
0.5  
0  
Seat  height   Seat  pan  depth   Seat  pan  angle   Seat  angle   Able  to  move   Backrest   Lumbar  support   Armrest  height   User  can  enter/
adjusts   adjusts   allows  angle  at   varies   arms  without   provides   is  adjustable   is  adjustable   exit  chair  
90°  or  greater   interference   buEock  
clearance  

CHAIR COMFORT
5  
4  
Lane  
3  
2   Embody  
1   Aeron  
0  
Seat  has  a   Seat  pan  has  soL   Seat  pan  is   Backrest  has  soL   Backrest  is   Lumbar  support  is   Armrests  are   Fabric  feels  soL  
waterfall/declining   edges   comfortable   edges   comfortable   comfortable   padded  
front  edge    

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 EASE OF USE
5  
4  
3  
2   Lane  

1   Embody  

0   Aeron  
Chair  height   Armrest  height   Lumbar   User  can   User  can   Controls  can   Controls  are   Controls  can   Controls  have   Controls  have  
adjust  easily   adjusts  easily   support   adjust  the   recline  easily   be  easily   clear  in  their   be  operated   smooth  edges   enough  
adjusts  when   angle  of  the   reached  when   funcPon   easily  by  the   clearance  
siOng   backrest   siOng   user   room  

BODY SUPPORT
5  

4  

3   Lane  

Embody  
2  
Aeron  
1  

0  
User  can  sit  with  back   Back  is  supported   Lumbar  is  supported   Armrests  suport  the   Armrest  length  allows  
pressed  against   when  reclining   when  reclining   forearms   the  user  to  work  
backrest   comfortably    

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 OVERALL CHAIR EXPERIENCE
5  

4.5  

4  

3.5  

3  

Lane  
2.5  
Embody  

2   Aeron  

1.5  

1  

0.5  

0  
Controls  integrate  well   Overall  appearance   Overall  adjustability     Overall  ease  of  use   Overall  comfort    
into  the  overall  design    

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 ANALYSIS Both the Aeron and Embody chairs
Our personal opinions were that the w e r e v i s u a l l y p l e a s i n g a n d
Aeron and Embody chairs were adjustable to one’s support needs,
nearly equally comfortable and thus they would be suitable choices
desirable, while the Lane chair was for everyday office positions, big or
evaluated as the least desirable. small.

OVERALL
5  
4.5  
4  
3.5  
3  
Lane  
2.5  
Embody  
2  
Aeron  
1.5  
1  
0.5  
0  
Chair    Features   Chair  Comfort   Ease  of  Use   Body  Support   Overall  Chair  
Experience  

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 Overall, both Herman Miller task chairs are HERMAN MILLER
Embody
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 HERMAN MILLER
Aeron
resulting in lower insurance and workers
compensations. When choosing your next
task chair, make an investment in your
health and choose an ergonomic chair.

INTRODUCTION ERGONOMICS DESIGN CASE STUDY CONCLUSION

 INTRODUCTION
ERGONOMICS
DESIGN THINKING
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
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