Andrew Cole

I'm a dedicated industrial designer with a passion for creating products that enhance people's lives. My honours project centres on researching ways to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's Disease who aim to work from home.

I've found that individuals with Parkinson's Disease are advised to eliminate unstable objects in their surroundings, as they can lead to falls when used for balance. This often includes traditional office swivel and rolling task chairs. To provide users with a contemporary office chair option, I've designed one that only swivels and rolls when it's occupied but remains stationary when not in use.

Shift

Shift is a task chair designed to empower those with Parkinson’s Disease to work from home, with the same comfort and functionality as those without their disease.

Anti Swivel

The chair's central column incorporates a swivel mechanism that remains locked when the chair is not in use. This functionality is achieved through the utilization of spring-loaded pins, which secure into slots while the chair is idle and are released when the chair is sat upon.

Lock Wheels

Working in tandem with the central column, a set of wheels that rest on rubber brakes when the chair is idle completes the chair's stability. They operate by applying rotational torque through a cam mechanism, elevating the chair onto the brakes. However, when the chair is sat on, the downward force overcomes the spring, enabling the brake to lift off the ground, and the wheels to roll freely.

Ergonomics

The chair is designed for conform to your body, with the back rest, seat angel and arm rest position compliantly rigged to stay comfortable as you shift posture thought the day

Handrail

Shift’s arm rest continues around to the back of the chair. This is designed to subtly place a handrail into the scenter of your office space. Solid and stable, it provides a place to safely regain balance, or to hold onto as moving through the space.

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