At the Studies in Seating exhibition during 3daysofdesign, we explored the key factors shaping the future of office chairs. Over two insightful days, we gathered and analyzed feedback to gain a deeper understanding of what the next generation of seating solutions will look like.
Held at the Odd Fellow Palace in Copenhagen, visitors were invited to participate in a collaborative creative workshop where they were encouraged to imagine the future of seating. We have now processed and analyzed the responses, which revealed several central themes.
Our visitors’ feedback not only reaffirms our commitment to innovation but also inspires us to push the boundaries of what office chairs can be.
Craig Howarth, CEO of Savo
Some visitors focused on practical suggestions and specific design ideas, while others shared emotional visions of how future seating should feel and function. These insights have led to several key takeaways and ambitions for the future of office seating.
In today’s evolving hybrid work environments, office spaces need to balance functionality with comfort. Insights from Savo’s interactive Studies in Seating exhibition highlighted that seating solutions should create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. As workspaces evolve, seating must seamlessly combine functionality with comfort to ensure employees feel at ease—especially during long workdays.
For design-conscious and eco-aware consumers, sustainability is no longer just a preference—it’s a necessity. Visitors emphasized the importance of investing in well-designed, durable products that stand the test of time. Longevity, sustainability, and modularity were highlighted as the key pillars for future chair design. Modular systems, in particular, play a crucial role by allowing components to be easily replaced or upgraded, extending the product’s lifespan while minimizing waste.
Ergonomics and comfort are essential in office chairs. Visitors stressed the importance of designs that promote healthy posture, with seating that can be adjusted to individual needs throughout the workday. This focus on ergonomic design reflects a desire for seating that unites functionality and comfort, enabling users to work comfortably without sacrificing their well-being.
The feedback indicated that good design and innovative seating solutions go far beyond basic functionality. Visitors expressed a desire for features like footrests, soft seat cushions, and adaptable modular components. The preference for seating that looks cozy and inviting underscores that aesthetics should not be an afterthought. This highlights that innovative seating solutions should not only serve a functional purpose but also create an emotional connection and enhance the overall workplace experience.
Respondents called for seating solutions that cater to a wide range of users, including those with specific needs. Chairs should be intuitively easy to use and require minimal adjustments, while naturally adapting to the body’s movements. Inclusive and intuitive design ensures that office seating is not only accessible but also user-friendly for everyone.
As we reflect on these insights, it is clear that the future of office seating is not just about meeting today’s needs but also about anticipating the evolving expectations of tomorrow’s work environments. At Savo, we are committed to continually learning from our users and placing their needs at the heart of our product development. We look forward to integrating these findings into our ongoing innovation efforts, ensuring that our chairs remain progressive, intuitive, and focused on people’s well-being.