Diffrient World Chair by Humanscale designed by Niels Diffrient
The world of furniture designers always faces a trade-off between simplicity and versatility when creating a new product. An ergonomic chair that is simple and intuitive usually sacrifices versatility and adjustability, while a highly versatile chair is rarely simple to use. In the Diffrient World Chair, ergonomics pioneer and renowned industrial designer Niels Diffrient has achieved an unprecedented combination of simplicity and versatility.
The World Chair has two manual adjustments- one for seat depth and one for seat height, but these aren't the only elements of the chair that adjust. All the other adjustments react automatically to your movements. Its patented form-sensing 3-panel mesh back conforms to your back, eliminating the need for the often intrusive external lumbar support. It also features a weight-sensitive recline mechanism that delivers support at every point of recline.
1. Self-Adjusting Recline
Eliminates the need for recline locks and resistance knobs, creating a clean aesthetic
Regardless of the user's weight, the World Chair's recline mechanism delivers an appropriate amount of support and resistance during recline
User maintains a near-constant eye level while reclining
2. Pivoting Backrest
Extra backrest motion automatically adjusts to the movements of the spine
Adapts automatically to provide additional lumbar support as needed
3. Form-Sensing Mesh Technology
No external lumbar devices to adjust depending on your sitting position
Trip-panel, non-stretch mesh construction creates body fitting contours and self-adjusting lumbar support for automatic, customized fit
Low-abrasion mesh protects clothing
Can be replaced as needed if another user should the World Chair changes users
4. Form-Fitting Seat
Frameless front edge eliminates contact stress behind the knees
Adjustable seat depth in the World Chair accommodates a wide range of users
Low-abrasion mesh protects clothing
5. Armrests
Adjustable or fixed armrests connect to the backrest instead of the seat to stay with the body during recline
Optional height-adjustable armrests for custom arm support
Armless model also available
6. Body Fit
The Diffrient World Chair automatically customizes recline resistance and lumbar support for every user
Size-to-fit settings for seat height and seat depth
Niels Diffrient Designer of the Freedom Chair, the Liberty Chair, and the Diffrient Light, Niels Diffrient is internationally recognized as a premier designer in the field of ergonomics. With a resume that includes collaboration with icons Eero Saarinen and Marco Zanuso, a background in aeronautical engineering, and numerous design awards, Niels Diffrient is undoubtedly one of the most influential designers of the past 50 years.
Born in 1928 in Star, Mississippi, Diffrient attended Wayne State University and eventually enrolled in the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he won the First Medal of Design three times during his tenure there. After traveling and working in Europe thanks to a Fulbright Scholarship, Diffrient began work at the design firm Henry Dreyfuss Associates, where he would stay for 25 years. While there, he co-authored the three-volume publication Humanscale. This work summarized his design principles which were rooted in the belief that the human body should drive design for products that humans will interact with. In his own words: "A design should look good and be appealing, but without compromising human factors. Aesthetics should enhance the technical side, not deter from it."
Awards and Honors:
2002 Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum Product Design Award
1996 Chrysler Award for Innovation
2005 Legend Award from Contract Magazine
Named the "Granddaddy of the ergonomic revolution by Forbes Magazine in 2007
Honorary Royal Designer for Industry Member- awarded by the Royal Society of Arts and Industry
Humanscale's focus since its inception in 1982 has been providing outstanding ergonomic seating and accessories for the home and the office. Their products, which range from task chairs to keyboard trays to CPU holders, are all geared towards making life simpler, easier, and healthier for anyone who works at a desk. Widely recognized for their line of office seating, Humanscale has done much to advance design in some newer product areas- namely in computer and office accessories such as monitor arms, foot machines, and the ergonomic computer mouse. Winner of numerous design awards, Humanscale continues to deliver groundbreaking office tools that combine simplicity, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
Q: How much weight can it support? A: The Diffrient World Chair is designed to support users up to 300 pounds
Q: Are there more colors available? A: Yes, more colors, meshes, and upholsteries are available. Please call our sales team at 888-467-6278 for more information.
Niels Diffrient
