Posted on 3rd Sep 2011 @ 5:42 PM

What does it take to make an award-winning ergonomic chair? A design that does everything that time-tested principles of ergonomics say it should do … and then adds a twist.

That's what the SAYL chair offers. Winner of the Australian International Design Awards 2011, the SAYL was designed by Fuseproject for Herman Miller.

Generally, most ergonomics experts agree that desk chairs should do at least three things. For example, OSHA specifies that ergonomic chairs should:

1. Be adjustable. This is possibly the most important factor in choosing a good chair for work. Desk chairs should allow workers to adjust for height, for sitting angle, and for arm-rest position. OSHA recommends that users try a chair in a few different postures, to make sure that it will adapt to their changing sitting position over the course of the day.

2. Reduce exposure to awkward postures. Chairs should not encourage your bad habits. A well-chosen, well-adjusted chair will make it easier for you to sit up straight, with your computer screen at eye level, with both feet on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. It won't encourage you to slump or type at an odd angle.

3. Provide adequate lumbar support. The chair should help maintain the S-shaped curve of the spine. Backrest should be the correct size, positioning, and material for the individual using the chair. Lumbar supports that are too big or too small encourage poor posture and fatigue.

The SAYL chair provides support and flexibility, just like all the best ergonomic chairs. It's adjustable for height, and provides lumbar support through the chair back's central spine (or "Y-Tower," as designer Yves Béhar refers to it.)

And here’s the “extra” that makes this chair unique. The back is constructed of a mesh material that offers range of motion and support at the same time. Inspired by suspension bridges, the "3D Intelligent Suspension Technology" allows users a larger range of movement, while still providing a stable base. Hinge points in the seat encourage "healthy forward rotation of the pelvis." The mesh backing is said to be cooler, allowing air flow between the seat and the back of the person sitting in it.

Plus, the chair looks cool. We'd give it a design award just for the neat Y-shaped back alone.

And yes, the chair from down under is available in the U.S. It can be purchased directly from Herman Miller; the basic model sells for $399. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, green, blue, and white.