|
|
The Steelcase Think Chair
an independently commissioned review
 |
Independent Overall Rating: 7 of 10 [ how this works ]
Price Range: $619.00 to $1249.00
PROS:
The Think Chair is a modern/stylish chair with unique design features, even if they aren't quite as effective as advertised. Beyond that, it's very comfortable and is more than qualified to get you through your days at work. As an added bonus, this is a very good value (starting at $619) when compared with most top of the line office chairs.
CONS:
As explained earlier, the adaptive abilities of the chair were overstated in the advertising. However, they aren't non-existent. Additionally, it should be noted that the modern-ish look I enjoyed in the chair might not be everyone's cup of tea.
OVERALL RATING:
The Think Chair is well above average, and does many things very well. It's strengths are comfort and usability, and the only detracting features are the absence of overt stylization and performance design. |
PRODUCT REVIEW
| FIRST IMPRESSIONS |
| I was really excited to get a chance to sit in the Steelcase Think Chair. I'd done my research on the chair, and I knew all about the "groundbreaking" features, including a support structure that somehow "read" the user's body and responded with the appropriate comfort level. When I actually sat in the chair, It was certainly comfortable. However, the intuitive design features of Think didn't blow me away the way I thought they would. Additionally, when others sat in the chair for a few minutes, I a got a series of opinions, indicating the Think's adaptive abilities aren't quite as advertised. However, I never felt uncomfortable in the Think Chair and I enjoyed the look of the product, as well as the adjustments. I especially liked the "sliding" armrests, which could be adjusted up, down, sideways, diagonally, or, practically, any way you wanted them to be. The Think was advertised as a "transparent" chair, one in which all the disparate design elements were clearly displayed and open to the user. I found this to be accurate, and the exposed systems of the chair contributed to my enjoyment of it. The style of the chair was unique and attractive; somewhat modern, with sharp angles and a focus on plateaus in both the backing and the seat. The Steelcase Think Chair is well designed and comfortable, if not quite as precise and adaptive as promised. All in all, a quality chair. |
| THE 'X' FACTOR |
| The adaptive design feature of the chair is the x-factor here. I didn't find it to be impressive or as advertised, but as you can see in the "Second Opinion" section, there was dissent on that subject. |
| SECOND OPINION |
| I thought the Think Chair was awesome. Of all the chairs I've sat in in this office, this was my favorite. I loved the armrests, and the comfort of the chair. |
| THE BOTTOM LINE |
| Think is an above average chair that gets the job done. It's comfortable, it looks unique, and it's adaptable to a certain (again, above average) extent. Recommended. |
|
PRODUCT RATINGS
|
| COMFORT / ERGONOMICS: 7 of 10 |
|
| The Think Chair is above average when it comes to comfort. The "floating" armrests gave me a lot of movement freedom, and allowed me to adapt to the chair to peculiarities of my desk and work space (not too high to bump into desk, nor to low to support my elbows, etc.). The seat cushion (I used a Think Chair with cloth upholstery rather than leather, which is available) was ample and supportive, and I never felt the need to get up during the day because of discomfort or a lack of circulation. The seat back was not as responsive and comfy as I would have liked, nor as had been advertised. However, I don't want to take too much away from what is, in the end, a very solid chair when it comes to comfort and ergonomics. |
| DESIGN: 7 of 10 |
|
| The design of the Think Chair is definitely the most ballyhooed part of the package. The Steelcase Think Chair engineers claim it is able to intuitively respond to the weight, height, and center of gravity of each individual user. This should result in a chair that feels right (read: supportive and comfortable) for everyone who sits in it. In extremely informal testing (having a bunch of different folks sit in it and rate their comfort level, as well as monitoring my own) this claim is proved, if not false, then slightly misleading. The Think Chair is comfortable, but the range of opinions registered from a range of users breaks down the notion that it's the same level of comfort for every user. Other design features include "floating" armrests and a sliding adjustment that fixes your preferred lower back firmness. All in all, solidly designed, but not quite as advertised. |
| STYLE: 7 of 10 |
|
| Think definitely has a unique look. It's somewhat low to the ground (but adjustable when it comes to height of course), has an interestingly curved support structure that encompasses the seat and back, and features multiple plateau-like flourishes, including the very top of the backing and edge of the seat, both of which level off at practically 90 degree angles. It's an attractive, modern-ish chair. |
| QUALITY / CRAFTSMANSHIP / PEDIGREE: 8 of 10 |
 |
| Steelcase is a furniture giant, operating across the globe with an excellent reputation. They are responsible for Leap Chair, the award winning office chair, as well as the Think. Steelcase has plants across the globe, including in America, and they maintain high environmental standards and practices. Their furniture, storage solutions and design have won countless awards and fans. |
| ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: 9 of 10 |
 |
| Environmentally, the Think Chair is a very strong product. It has received multiple commendations and certifications, including Cradle to Cradle and SCS Indoor Advantage certifications for chemical safety and air quality standards, respectively. Think can contribute to LEED credits for your business, was built with many recycled parts and is itself mostly recyclable. |
| PERFORMANCE: 6 of 10 |
 |
| Think is comfortable and has those floating armrests we love so much, but other than that, productivity features aren't really extant. That isn't to say this chair will lead to a lack of performance; indeed, it is above average in this category. |
|
|
back to product reviews >>
|
|
|
|
 |
|
