Conceptual Design of Smart Health Based Ergonomic Office Chair

Abstract

Prolonged sedentary behavior in office environments has been linked to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), poor circulation, and decreased workplace productivity. Despite the advancements in ergonomic chair design, traditional models remain passive solutions that rely on user engagement for adjustments, often leading to improper usage and ineffective sitting management. This paper presents the smart health-based office chair, an innovative approach that integrates ergonomic principles, anthropomorphic interaction, and smart technology to actively promote healthy sitting behavior. The conceptual work employs the use of SolidWorks for designing different graphical concept models, which were ranked using the Pugh matrix for determining the best concept. After which, electrical components simulation was carried out using “Tinker Cad” and “Wokwi”. The research finding shows that the conceptual model with the following features: visual alert, alarm sensory system, multi-sensory feedback mechanisms, voice prompts, haptic vibrations, and LED alert has the highest score weight of 250 based on standard operational practices. Prototyping, components integration of microcontroller, calibration of sensors, actuators performance trials, and quantitative data analysis were further considered on the best concept model that emerged. The results showed that the chair has an average performance rating of 84%, as the expected outcome includes reduced prolonged sitting, lower MSD risk, increased movement compliance, and improved work productivity. The total cost for completion of the chair was estimated at two hundred dollars only.