Timeline of How Ergonomic Chairs Began

Ergonomic is the study of workers and their work environment. Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide comfort and support in the work environment. When we think about ergonomic chairs we think modern but in reality ergonomic chairs have their roots in World War II. Here is the time line of how ergonomic chairs began.

1943 - World War IIDuring WWII the Germans were out- dueling the United States in air combat. The problem with the US planes was the once they spotted the enemy they had a long reach to the trigger. The design was changed placing the trigger next to the pilots' seat within easy reach, making US pilots much more of efficient. This change is the first recognized ergonomic development.

1968 - Wilfred DauphinIn 1968 Wilfred Dauphin founded the first ergonomic research center. Originally Dauphin was hired by a British company to find out what impact computers would have on office furniture. For unknown reasons the British company could not implement Dauphins business plan, so Dauphin took his plan and started his own company.

1969 - First Ergonomic ChairWorking out of his garage in Germany Dauphin developed the first ergonomic chair in 1969. Because of Germany's socialized medicine the ergonomic chair evolved very early.

1979 - Dauphin Opens Operations in the USIn 1978 Dauphin began operating in the US, making his ergonomic chair with separate adjustments for the seat and back, the first ergonomic chair available in the US.

1980s-1990sThroughout the 10 year period between 1980 and 1990 many more chain manufacturers began designing and supplying ergonomic chairs. It was becoming big business.

Mid 1990s Herman Miller designs a totally new kind of chairHerman Miller teamed up with designers Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf to design a totally new kind of ergonomic chair. It was to become the most effective ergonomic chair to ever hit the market. This chair was to become known as the Aaron Pellicle .

1995 Field StudiesIn 1995 field studies were conducted that measured the relationship between the size of people and their preference for a specific chair size. The study included 224 individuals divided equally between men and women drawn from throughout the US.

Today's Ergonomic Chairs

Office chair manufacturers continue to compete to produce the best and most effective ergonomic office chair. Herman Miller really did set the standard with the Aeron back in 1994. No other chair revolutionized the workplace like the Aeron. In fact it was so revolutionary it earned him a place in the New York Museum of Modern Art.

It was innovative with the kinemat tilt features that allowed for easy adjustment, but the pellicle mesh material was revolutionary allowing air to flow freely through the chair. Despite the fact that this chair has now been on the market for 11 years, it still rates highest in review.

The history of how ergonomic chairs began shows us that the importance of man in relationship to his work environment has been of interest and concern for many years. With the foresight of more people like Wilfred Dauphin and Herman Miller we are certain to see huge changes in the next 20 years.

About The Author:
Jonah Shin has been working in the furniture industry for more than 15 years and has experience in office furtniture. Visit Jonah's office chair website, http://www.office-chair-now.com , to learn more about office chairs.

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Title:	Timeline of How Ergonomic Chairs Began
Author:	Jonah Shin
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Timeline of How Ergonomic Chairs Began