From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Humanscale is best known for its Freedom chair, which was designed by Niels Diffrient and introduced in 1999.[1][2][3] The chair was considered revolutionary for its internal counterbalance mechanism that supports the user’s body at all points during recline, a first for task chairs. The Freedom chair's other unique feature is its patented synchronous arms, which adjust simultaneously.[4][5]

Humanscale’s other notable task chair is its Liberty chair, also designed by Niels Diffrient, which was introduced in 2004. The Liberty chair features a tri-panel mesh back designed to provide lumbar support.[6] Like the Freedom chair, Liberty is also outfitted with a balanced recline mechanism that is designed to support all sitters throughout recline.

Humanscale also manufactures keyboard support systems, monitor arms, task lighting, and various other ergonomic work tools.[7]


Humanscale’s founder and CEO, Robert King, serves on the National Council of the World Wide Fund for Nature, formerly known as World Wildlife Fund.[8] The company manufactures products that are recyclable and constructed from recycled materials, and its seating and ergonomic tools are designed to require the fewest parts and materials possible. Its material of choice is aluminum, which has a high scrap value and is more likely to be recycled than many other materials.[9] Humanscale seating ships blanket-wrapped whenever possible, but if boxes are required the company uses those constructed of at least 40 percent recycled materials.[10]


  1. ^ Humanscale History
  2. ^ Edge Foundation
  3. ^ "Niels Diffrient". Industrial Designers Society of America. 9 February 2010. Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012. 
  4. ^ Viladas, Pilar (30 November 2003). "QUESTIONS FOR NIELS DIFFRIENT; A Machine for Sitting". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 September 2012. 
  5. ^, The Hot Seat
  6. ^ Metropolis Magazine, Machines for Sitting: The complex job of making your office chair simple [1]
  7. ^ Humanscale History
  8. ^ Humanscale Sustainability
  9. ^ Treehugger, Enough, Already. ‘Recyclable’ is Not Recycling
  10. ^ Humanscale Sustainability