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Two years back, Coalesse design leaders found themselves thinking about the science of movement and the role that motion plays in human wellbeing. They began to wonder about designing more opportunities for movement into office settings.
Intuitively, they zeroed in on the idea of rocking.
“We knew from neuroscience research that when people move, tap their knees, doodle, they’re allowing their brain to focus better, take in what’s happening around them and be more engaged,” said John Hamilton, Coalesse Director of Global Design.
“We became intrigued with what that means for work.”
Hamilton and his design team asked themselves: How can we help people become more engaged through motion? Could a rocking chair support people’s physical and cognitive wellbeing at work, as well as give them tools to be more effective?
These musings prompted the development of a contemporary office rocker from Coalesse—a chair that recognizes the value of the traditional front porch rocker and updates it for workplace use.
While the product development team worked on a prototype, Coalesse launched a research study into the effects of rocking.
The “rhythmic sensory engagement” study, sponsored by Coalesse and carried out by researchers in Steelcase’s WorkSpace Futures group, asked users to spend time in a conventional rocking chair, participate in a conversation or activities while using the chair and then answer questions about the experience.
Boiled down, the research validates our design leaders’ intuition. It shows that rocking chairs, with their unique motion, offer three workplace benefits:
The rocker has strong potential for encouraging productive relationships. “It helps people have those interactions—to talk to each other in ways that build trust and collaboration,” Hamilton said.
This is perhaps the study’s biggest insight.
Coalesse chose the Montara650 Collection as the ideal entry point for an office rocking chair. The popular Montara650 Lounge not only has a beautifully sculpted form with a broad, comfortable seat, but its simple lines lend themselves to modification. Its classically casual frame became the basis for the new Montara650 Rocker.
This design-driven rocker is available with the same customization options as the rest of the Montara650 line:
While the Montara650 Rocker is ideal as part of small groupings in social and collaborative spaces like the office lounge, it’s also at home in spaces designed for individual focus. The Montara650 Rocker is now available in North America and Europe.
Watch for more insights about the new Montara650 Rocker to be published soon. For design ideas, browse our social connection Inspiration Gallery.
The fully upholstered Montara650 Rocker promotes relaxation and conversation in lounge settings. | The Montara650 Rocker with 3/4 upholstered shell delivers comfort and style |
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