The Humanscale Freedom chair is a minimalist ergonomic chair. The driving principal behind the Freedom chair is that “Technology can make simple things complicated or complicated things simple. We prefer the latter.” There are no adjustments knobs on this chair. Humanscale markets the Freedom chair as automatically adjusting to 95% of body types. The knobs and adjustments have been replaced by “intelligent’ mechanism that automatically adjust to the current user when they move from task to task. From the Humanscale site:
The Freedom chair is designed to give the maximum ergonomic benefit to the sitter with a minimum number of manually-adjusted controls. Once the chair is fitted, no further adjustment is required. The idea is that movement, which is essential for a healthy body, shouldn’t be constricted by locking mechanisms and manual controls. In other words, sitting comfortably isn’t something you should have to think about.
There are two drawbacks to most ergonomic chairs. First, in order to fully enjoy the benefits of using an ergonomic office chair it must be the proper size to fit your body. Second, once you have the proper size, based on that particular ergonomic desk chair, you have to make subtle adjustments to the chair using knobs and dials. These are drawbacks inherent in all mass produced ergonomic chairs. Most people do not understand enough about ergonomics to make the correct size choice, much less make the necessary personal customizations.
The design of the Freedom chair seems to take on these two issues head on. The only adjustments for the chair are based on size and not ergonomics. Seat height, and depth, lumbar adjustment and head rest are all standard adjustments. This is how Freedom is able to fit 95% of the population.
The “Intelligent Mechanism”, as they call it, is really simply a balance mechanism that automatically adjusts to body weight and task movement. This means there are no tension springs or recline locks to adjust between tasks. This does make using the chair easier than many other ergonomic desk chairs.
The Freedom chair is a highly adjustable ergonomic chair. Depending on the features you choose you can have either a mid back or high back a long with a myriad of different features. Its design is definitely me
Freedom Chair On The Internet
You either love the Freedom chair or you hate it. A lot of what I have read is that many users do not like the automatic adjustments. Now this could simply be due to them not being used to a chair that works this way. A lot of people a used to an ergonomic chair having knobs and adjustments. Two other complaints are that although the recline function is supposed to be automatic it is not always as responsive as you may like and having a knob or a lock would be better. The final complaint is based on pricing.
Several users found that the chair was not worth the price. I tend to lean in the direction that all ergonomic chairs are expensive and are an investment and not a purchase. Because of the automated nature of the Freedom chair some users may feel as if they are not getting their money’s worth. If you tend to lean back in a reclining position then this chair may be for you.
Most of the reviews I have read agree that in order to be comfortable in the Freedom chair you must adjust it to your body properly. Most reviewers intimate that to get the most out of this chair you need to purchase the headrest. I would also suggest purchasing the gel seat cushion as most users leaving positive review of this chair had purchased this upgrade.
