COMFY LIFT

The project focuses on designing furniture and lifestyle accessories that seamlessly blend functionality, comfort, and aesthetics to meet the needs of the elderly while maintaining Orange Tree’s design ethos. These designs should prioritise inclusivity, addressing challenges such as mobility, agility and dexterity, without compromising on elegance or versatility. The goal is to create solutions that enhance the day-to-day living experience of the elderly, offering ergonomic comfort, intuitive mechanisms, and adaptable features suited for multi-generational households. The outcome should reflect a thoughtful integration of user centric design with Orange Tree’s contemporary, luxurious appeal, ensuring that the products serve both practical and aspirational purposes.

In a systematic review conducted from research in seven different countries, Harvey et al. (2013) found the majority of older adults are sedentary. Almost 60% of older adults reported sitting for more than 4 h per day, 65% sit in front of a screen for more than 3 h daily and over 55% report watching more than 2 h of TV. However, when measured objectively in a small survey, it was found that 67% of the older population were sedentary for more than 8.5 h daily. A Brazilian study by Meneguci et al. (2015) found the median value for sitting time to be 240 min a day. Participants were predominantly between 60 and 69 years old, educated, and physically active. Another study by Harvey et al. (2015) suggests much longer sitting times. According to the study, older adults are one of the most sedentary age groups, spending more than 60% (8.5 to 9.6 h) of their waking day sitting (Harvey et al. 2015). Study by Leask et al. (2015) suggested that older adults often sit most in the afternoon and evening (compared with the morning), and when they are alone at home.

POSTURE STUDY

Good posture means that the key parts of a person’s body are correctly aligned, with the right amount of support from muscle tension.

This diagram compares poor and optimal seated posture. Proper lumbar support and an upright backrest reduce spinal strain, ensuring balanced weight distribution and comfort essential for older adults, especially when standing up.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Standing from a seated position, known as sit-to-stand (STS) transfer, is vital for mobility and independence in older adults. Momentum transfer (MT) is the most common strategy, offering ease and efficiency for this biomechanically challenging task.

MOTION STUDY

https://www.behance.net/gallery/15715489/Ergonomic-Chair-Design-for-Elderly

CONSIDERATIONS

When designing products for the elderly, furniture must be based on ergonomics and the changes in old people physiology and psychology to make them safe, comfortable and practical.

NARRATIVE

Much like a slip-on shoe that offers ease and comfort, this chair is crafted to make life simpler for older adults. Its angled backrest and adjustable seat ensure smooth, strain-free transitions between reclining and standing, promoting independence. The curved, ergonomic design provides exceptional support and comfort. With mechanisms that effortlessly adjust for various activities, whether relaxing or eating, it combines practical functionality with a sleek, modern look that fits perfectly into any living space.

 ––WE DECIDED TO CREATE A LOUNGE CHAIR TO SOLVE THE STANDING AND POSTURE PROBLEM.

Lounge chairs are specifically designed for comfort, with a focus on supporting the body's natural posture.

• Posture Support
• Stress Relief
• Circulation Improvement

Elderly individuals: Features like adjustable height, footrests, and armrests make it easier for them to sit and get up.

ORANGE TREE LOUNGE CHAIRS

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE DESIGNING FOR ELDERLY 



CASE STUDY

These are the case studies that have be viewed for further findings of the problems that occur to the elderly while standing up from the chair. It shows the pressure distribution and how people have tried to help them reduce pressure due to agility, dexterity and mobility.

My role in this project was to carry out research and make connections and identifying the core problem. Also, did renders of the chair using shapr 3D software.