orange tree
ergonomics . inclusivity . accessibility . universal design
Orange Tree is a contemporary Indian furniture brand known for blending modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Focusing on sustainability, the brand responsibly sources materials and crafts unique, high-quality pieces. Its range includes furniture for living, dining, and bedrooms, along with accessories like lighting and decor . Each piece is designed to add warmth and functionality to any space, appealing to those who value aesthetics, quality, and conscious consumption. Orange Tree has become a favorite among urban homeowners and design enthusiasts for its sophisticated yet earthy designs.
project brief
To design furniture and lifestyle accessories or mechanisms that enhance inclusivity and cater to the specific needs of elderly individuals, with considering the lens of cultural norms, so as to promote independence, comfort, and safety in their daily activities
cultural norms
what is
Cultural norms are the shared expectations, rules, and behavioral standards that guide the actions and interactions of individuals within a particular society or group. These norms are deeply embedded in a culture’s belief systems and values .
act of sitting
our cultural norm
In our culture, the concept of sitting, or asana, carries significant spiritual, cultural, and practical meaning. It reflects both reverence and mindfulness, shaping how one connects with the self, others, and the divine. Traditional seating postures are designed to ground the individual and support a stable mind and body, fostering a state of balance and concentration.
The most achievale posture for elderly out of those is cross leg sitting posturte
considering there physical challenges
Sitting cross-legged on the floor can offer benefits for the elderly by enhancing flexibility and joint mobility, particularly in the hips, knees, and ankles. This posture encourages core engagement, which helps in maintaining balance and posture, reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, it promotes improved circulation and a sense of grounding, which can support mental focus and calmness. Regular practice may aid in reducing stiffness and maintaining agility, provided it’s done comfortably and safely.
difficulty
with cross leg sitting
Reduced muscle strength, joint stiffness, and decreased flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles. Balance issues can also add difficulty, making it harder to shift weight effectively. These factors can make rising from the floor or chair more strenuous and may increase the risk of falls without assistance or supportive surfaces.
case studies
The ‘Soul Seat’ Is An Office Chair That Lets You Sit In Many Different Positions Like Cross-Legged For Example
Meditation Seat Ware
This is a seat with a curved surface shape, people can easily achieve cross legged sitting by it. This seat ware can effectively distribute the force of the buttocks of the human body evenly to the outside of the knee and the thigh. Even if keeping long time this posture, we will not feel tired. The back can feel the support of the caudal vertebrae, increasing the support of the waist. This design is not only a reflection of culture, but also a study of ergonomics.
Major drawbacks in previous case studies and existing furniture for cross leg sitting is that it does not solve the problem of getting up independently for the elderly, also it does not prepare them to sit in that posture
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.
final ideation
A multiway sitting chair that prepares elderly to sit in cross leg position and helps them rise up from the chair by themselves making elderly self sufficient and independent.
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
The bottom part can be moved outwards, where the person can ret their feet , that would help them in opening up their joints and improve flexibility.
mechanism
The seat can be inclined at an angle of 110 for easy descent from the chair making them independent and self sufficient.
This project was a collaborative effort undertaken with my peers — Kartik Rawat (UG5), Nakul, Manan, and Rakshita (UG3). It was driven by a shared intent to understand the everyday challenges faced by the elderly and to design inclusive solutions that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and dignity in their daily lives.