Ergonomic Cardboard Rockingchair

For this project, I developed a cardboard rocking chair during a seven-week project at Windesheim University. The project focused on addressing the issue of prolonged sitting, which often leads to back pain. The goal was to create a sustainable, ergonomic chair that would promote active sitting and be entirely constructed from corrugated cardboard.

In the research phase, I explored various cardboard types and construction methods, settling on B-type corrugated cardboard due to its strength and durability. I brainstormed multiple concepts, eventually narrowing them down to three primary designs: the “Steltloper,” the “Vouwstoel,” and the “Easy-Sit.” After evaluating each concept based on comfort, strength, aesthetics, and ease of assembly, I selected the “Easy-Sit” as the most viable option.

The “Easy-Sit” was designed to be easy to assemble and transport, with no additional tools required. It featured an ergonomic design with a slight tilt to encourage an active sitting posture, and the structure was durable enough to withstand multiple assemblies. However, during testing, I encountered issues with the chair’s lateral stability and made several adjustments to improve its performance, including altering the support plates and reinforcing key areas.

The final prototype functioned well, but there were still areas for improvement, particularly with the lateral stability and the fit of the backrest. Despite these challenges, I was pleased with the chair’s aesthetic appeal, functionality, and the fact that it encouraged an active sitting position. This project taught me valuable lessons in design iteration, material constraints, and the importance of structured project management.