Base, cylinder, seat frame, arms(2), recline, back rest, and seat pan. These are the 8 core components of the world's most environmentally responsible chair. The thoughtful yet minimal design of the Diffrient World chair uses less materials - which translates to lower manufacturing costs. The result is a high quality chair available at mid-range pricing, with fewer parts to wear out over time.
ReclineUsually one of the most complex and costly parts of a task chair, Neils Diffrient replaced the standard recline mechanism with a simple ramp on the seat frame. As the user leans back the seat slides up the ramp, using the body's weight as recline resistance. The result is a smooth recline with customized resistance for every user. And, the best part, fewer parts and no parts that can fail.
Seat panA u-shaped frame eliminates the pressure points created by the front edge of traditional structural frames. The only thing behind the knee is a soft waterfall of mesh, promoting improved circulation and increased energy. The u-shape also reduces materials.
BackrestThe Diffrient World chair utilizes the same revolutionary Form-Sensing Mesh technology as the Liberty chair. This provides a perfect fit and lumbar support for every user - automatically and without an external lumbar device.
All other mesh chairs require some form of lumbar mechanism. This is because the two-dimensional, pliable mesh on those chairs cannot provide adequate support on its own. Niels Diffrient had the revolutionary idea of sewing three panels of non-stretch mesh together to create a three-dimensional form. Because the Diffrient World chair's backrest displaces rather than stretches, it actually molds itself to each user's unique form and is more supportive than a traditional lumbar mechanism.
At the same time, no foam, no upholstery, and no lumbar mechanism mean another reduction in materials.
Armrests
Like all Humanscale chairs, the Diffrient World chair's armrests attach to the backrest instead of the seat, so they stay with you during recline. It's much harder to design and manufacture adjustable arm rests this way, but the end result is significantly more comfort for the user. In addition to adjustable arms, the Diffrient World chair is available with fixed arms or no arms.
