The design of Atlas is based on extensive, original research.
This paper is a summary of research related to the Atlas Headrest Anthropometric Range and Comfort of users when using it with the Aeron chair. As part of the study, users were asked about comfort, favorite positions and their feedback on how well they liked Atlas.
Methodology
Users: Select male and female users with height ranging from 5’ 3” to 6’ 5” and working in a B size chair. Since B is approximately 80% of the Aeron chair volume, this was considered the most important size to start with. When A and C sizes are factored into the mix, the ranges of accommodation will increase beyond the outcome of this study.
Positions: Starting with an upright position the chair was reclined in 5 degree increments all the way back a fully reclined 30 degree angle. Users were asked to position the headrest in the most comfortable position for each angle position (5 degree increments). Measurements taken: height of cushion, front to back and angle of cushion.
In addition, each user was asked to adjust the chair into 3 comfortable working positions of their choice: slightly reclined for keyboard work, more reclined for keyboard work and reading, and deeper reclined for relaxing, talking on the phone, and contemplation or day dreaming.
Feedback: Users were asked to respond to the following questions: 1. How comfortable is the headrest? 2. Would you be more productive using the headrest? 3. If your company made this available to you, would you request it?
Measurements:
Typical research subjects in various recline positions. Test apparatus showing measurement scheme:
Summary of Horizontal and Vertical positions that accommodate the set of test subjects:
Summary of Test Results
Travel Range:
To achieve the most comfortable support for at least 95% of the population when seated in A, B or C size Aeron chairs, the Headrest requires a vertical travel of 6.5” and a Horizontal travel of 3”.
Comfort Study:
We acknowledge the following results are subjective and are opinions of individual users, however we find the body of data to be compelling for building a case for the headrest.
Comfort:
88% of users found the headrest to be comfortable or very comfortable. 12% found it to be somewhat comfortable
More Productive:
An astounding 94% of users felt they would be more productive in doing their job. How productive? Impossible to tell, it simply means they felt it would be helpful for them in doing their job. However, if productivity increased just 1%, the headrest would be paid for in less than two months.
Likely to Purchase:
How likely would the test subject request a headrest if offered by their company? 70% said they would be likely or extremely likely to request it if offered. 30% would not based on their work style or job type.
