Revolutionizing Seating: The Bada Chair

Jeongmin Ryu and Taekeun Oh's Innovative Solution to Prolonged Sitting

The Bada chair's design was inspired by the modern lifestyle, where people spend a significant portion of their day sitting. This prolonged sitting, especially in a slouched posture, can exert twice the pressure on the lower back compared to standing, leading to health issues such as lumbar disk disease. The COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the time people spend at home, further exacerbated this issue. Recognizing the need for a solution, Ryu and Oh designed the Bada chair to encourage periodic changes in sitting posture.

What sets the Bada chair apart from other chairs is its unique design that utilizes discomfort to promote healthier habits. While it may seem counterintuitive, this designed discomfort can help maintain a correct posture and keep the user healthy. As the user's posture deteriorates, the chair's seat plate rotates, creating an inclination that gradually lowers the user's position. This forces the user to adjust their posture.

The Bada chair is made from white oak solid for the body and stainless steel for the CD-Bar. The chair's dimensions are W500mm x D580mm x H750 mm. The design process, which began in Korea in March 2021, was completed in November 2021. The designers faced challenges in determining the appropriate slope to trigger discomfort when the user's posture is bent. After producing several prototypes, they found an 8-degree slope to be the most effective.

The Bada chair's innovative design has earned it recognition in the design world. It was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2022, a prestigious award given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the Bada chair by Jeongmin Ryu and Taekeun Oh is a testament to the power of design in addressing modern lifestyle challenges. By using discomfort as a tool, the chair promotes healthier sitting habits, potentially reducing the risk of health issues associated with prolonged sitting. The Bada chair is not just a piece of furniture, but a step towards a healthier lifestyle.