The VW Chairs project focuses on enhancing ergonomics and efficiency in automotive assembly lines through the design of two specialized auxiliary chairs. Developed in collaboration with Volkswagen, these chairs aim to reduce worker fatigue and improve mobility during welding and general assembly tasks.
Ideation & Research
Our aesthetic analysis was guided by VW’s corporate design principles, ensuring that the chairs reflected values such as vanguard, practicability, and durability.
Design & Functionality
Both chairs enhance ergonomic benefits by encouraging natural posture adjustments, strengthening the abdomen, spine, and leg muscles.
We brainstormed and used different design methods to get our first ideas. Our research at the VW Factory allowed us to know that we needed 2 different sizes: one to weld the front part of the car (small) and another one to weld the doors (big).
Then we developed new simulators to proof and correct the use of our designs proposals.
We worked together with VW; therefore, the aesthetic analysis was based on the aesthetics of VW cars and corporate design. With the help of this analysis, we identified the main aesthetic values: vanguard, practicality, and durability. Based on these determined values, we conducted a second aesthetic analysis, this time focusing on furniture, with the purpose of supporting the further development of the seats
It is especially useful for mounting the front bumper.
ERGONOMICS
Features a 450 mm diameter base with an 18° tilt, allowing dynamic movement and natural posture adjustments.
FUNCTION
The chair’s function is centered on providing freedom of movement through the design of its base. The base is angled at 18º relative to the floor along its entire circumference.
This angle allows the user to tilt the chair in any direction as needed. By using their legs, the user can adjust their posture—either bending or stretching their legs depending on the required position or inclination. If the user stands up while the chair is tilted, the angle enables it to automatically return to its original position. Additionally, the chair is lightweight and can be easily transported within the factory.
MANUFACTURING
The industrial processes used to produce this chair are common and cost-effective, including CNC routing, industrial knitting, fiberglass molding, and welding. As a result, the chair can be manufactured efficiently and at a relatively low cost.
This chair assists workers with welding and general assembly tasks.
The seat tilts, and its height can be adjusted to enhance comfort throughout the workday.
ERGONOMICS
This chair is designed to allow the user to swing their legs freely. The seat promotes proper posture and helps strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, spine, and legs.
The base of the low chair has a diameter of 450 millimeters, providing stability and allowing the user to balance their legs while tilting up to 18 degrees.
FUNCTION
The height of the chair can be adjusted within a range of 55 cm to 75 cm, allowing it to accommodate operators of different body sizes on the production line.
The seat angle can be adjusted according to the operator’s weight using a button located at the bottom of the mechanism. Once set, it does not need to be changed again unless a different worker uses the chair.
During the creative process, we realized that our chairs could be used in many different contexts beyond the automotive industry, as their functionality is valuable in various environments. The high chair, in particular, is especially well-suited for activities that involve a desk or table.
Because of the positive reception of the project at the Volkswagen factory, we were asked to plan and build prototypes of both chairs.
The prototypes proved to be very useful in identifying additional benefits and correcting mistakes.
The manufacturing process was also fascinating; we gained valuable experience in controlling a CNC router and thermoforming.
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