The Ariel: Redefining Active Sitting with Innovative Design

Revolutionizing the Way We Sit

For years, Dr. Turner Osler MD, a former trauma surgeon and now an emeritus professor at the University of Vermont, battled constant back pain caused by prolonged sitting. Recognizing the detrimental effects of sitting on overall health, he set out to find a solution. The Ariel chair was born out of his determination to combat the widespread issue of sitting disease and back pain.

The Ariel chair's patented rocking mechanism allows the seat to move effortlessly in all directions, providing a floating sensation. However, what sets this design apart is its simplicity. Dr. Osler spent over a year developing a unique geometric solid that eliminates the need for any moving parts. The result is a chair that engages the core, improves posture, and relieves back pain.

The realization of The Ariel involves a combination of injection-molded polycarbonate for the rocker, hand-stitched leather upholstery, and office chair parts such as a level 4 gas cylinder and an aluminum base. The chair's design also includes 1-inch rubber motor mounts for bumpers, a dipped red nylon handle, and CNC-cut Baltic birch painted with a non-toxic black finish.

With a height adjustability range of 508-685.8 mm, a star base measuring 495.3 mm, and a seat size of 330.2 mm x 228.6 mm with a small back height of 165.1 mm, The Ariel offers both versatility and comfort. Despite its impressive features, the chair weighs only 8.16 kg, making it easily portable.

Feedback from the 2,500 individuals who have purchased The Ariel has been overwhelmingly positive. Users have reported reduced stiffness after prolonged sitting, relief from back pain, improved posture, and even benefits for certain medical conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis, and disk herniation.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was making The Ariel affordable without compromising its effectiveness. Dr. Osler and his team successfully achieved this goal, ensuring that the chair could be manufactured at scale for a reasonable price.

The Ariel chair, designed by Dr. Turner Osler MD and Lex Osler, represents a paradigm shift in the way we sit. By incorporating principles from Feldenkrais, yoga, Tai Chi, and AT, this design promotes active sitting and contributes to a healthier lifestyle. With its sleek and innovative design, The Ariel has rightfully earned its place as a Bronze A' Design Award winner in the Furniture Design category, further solidifying its status as a game-changer in the industry.

Image Credits: Scott Brightwell Photography

Intellectual Property Notice: The Ariel is a patented design (US Patent No.: US 10,010,758 B2) and holds registered trademarks (Reg. No. 5,560,171 and Reg. No. 5,574,091).