For All Major Home Appliances
designing with empathy and intent.
Orange Tree
project duration : Oct- Dec 2024
ergonomics . inclusivity . accessibility . universal design
orange tree is a contemporary indian furniture brand blending modern design with traditional craftsmanship. focusing on sustainability, it responsibly sources materials and creates functional pieces that combine warmth with aesthetic clarity. each design caters to urban homeowners and conscious consumers seeking furniture that feels both sophisticated and earthy.
inclusive furniture design for elderly ·
design that adapts to culture and capability.
Project Brief
redefining comfort for the elderly.
to design furniture and lifestyle accessories that enhance inclusivity and address the unique needs of elderly individualsthrough the lens of cultural norms — promoting independence, comfort, and safety in everyday living.
reimagining everyday rituals through thoughtful design.
cultural insight
understanding norms through design.
cultural norms define how individuals interact, behave, and express comfort within a community. in india, these beliefs shape daily habits — including how we sit, move, and connect with our surroundings. recognizing these nuances allows design to become more human-centered and respectful of tradition.
our cultural norm: the act of sitting
where tradition meets posture.
in indian culture, the concept of sitting — or asana — carries spiritual, cultural, and practical meaning. traditional sitting postures ground the individual and nurture a state of balance and concentration, creating harmony between mind and body.
research insight
rethinking comfort for aging bodies
cross-legged sitting, though culturally rooted, becomes physically challenging with age. limited flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle strength can restrict movement, making independence harder to maintain. through ergonomic understanding, the goal was to reimagine this posture for modern needs.
ergonomics inspired by empathy.
Case Studies
learning from existing designs
studies of existing seating — from the soul seat to meditation chairs — revealed innovative form explorations but also key gaps. while they supported the posture, they did not address independence or ease of rising, essential for elderly users. these insights guided the refinement of functionality and support.
Final Ideation
A chair that does more than just give comfort
a chair that prepares, supports, and empowers
the outcome is a multiway sitting chair that assists elderly individuals in adopting a cross-legged posture while helping them rise independently — restoring confidence and self-sufficiency. its modular form allows adaptability, comfort, and respect for cultural sitting habits, merging ergonomic precision with emotional design.
For All Major Home Appliances
selected for next-stage prototyping and production.
Research Insight
The normal knee flexes to variable degrees in performing the basic activities of daily living, from around 70° in efficient walking to more than 90° in using stairs and sitting on chairs. For easy stair descent and rising from a chair, 105° to 110° flexion is needed.
from insight to execution
The arm rest can be adjusted at different angles where the person can rest their knees that would help them prepare them to sit in cross leg posture in future
designing independence
The bottom part can be moved outwards, where the person can ret their feet along with their knees on the sides , that would help them in opening up their joints and improve flexibility.
form follows care
comfort with purpose
The seat can be inclined at an angle of 110 for easy descent from the chair making them independent and self sufficient.
