At a time when physical inactivity and stress are becoming major challenges in the workplace, the question is how to create workspaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and healthy for employees. Our latest development provides the answer: Aeris Linu.
With its elegant design and exceptional flexibility, it redefines the modern office chair and becomes the centrepiece of health-conscious work environments. It offers users, architects and designers a successful symbiosis of form and function that fits seamlessly into any office concept.
Versatility in design and function - the Aeris Linu will get you moving
The key to the Aeris Linu's freedom of movement lies in its advanced kinematics, inspired by the Aeris Numo Task. "The challenge was to design the kinematics in such a way that movements are fluid in all directions and without noticeable joints," explains Dietlind Walger, Chief Product Development Officer at Aeris.
Furthermore, the Aeris Linu has been designed to allow even more lateral flexibility and thus adapt to the user's natural movements. In addition, a spring strut supports gentle swinging movements that ensure a noticeable sense of well-being even after long hours of work. "Every Aeris chair has the task of keeping the user moving, and the Aeris Linu is no exception," adds Walger.
The ergonomic features such as the generous seat and high backrest are specifically designed for maximum comfort. "The high-quality upholstery rounds off the design and ensures that well-being and elegance harmonize perfectly."
Prototype of the Aeris Linu office chair with casters.
The brains behind Aeris Linu: creativity meets technology
The Aeris Linu is the result of close collaboration between our internal development team and designer Andreas Ostwald. Together with Dietlind Walger (Chief Product Development Officer), Thorsten Teschner (Mechanical Designer & Project Engineer) and Aleksandar Dobric (Technical Product Researcher & Developer), a product was created that combines maximum flexibility and elegant design.
"It is the interplay of creativity and technology that makes Aeris Linu a unique chair," explains Dietlind Walger. "Everyone in the team has played their part in turning an idea into a chair that redefines movement."
Aeris Linu design team (from left to right): Dietlind Walger, Andreas Ostwald and Torsten Teschner
A fast and creative development process
The design and development process for the new Linus was one of the fastest of any Aeris chair to date.
The first idea for the new kinematics concept emerged in mid-2023 after the product development of the Aeris Numo Task. With an initial design draft by Andreas Ostwald for the seat shell, upholstery and kinematics in January 2024 , the project was successfully implemented within just six months.
This speed was made possible above all by the close cooperation with an external manufacturing partner, who was already involved in the Aeris Swopper as a manufacturing partner at the beginning of Aeris' history and produced essential parts even then.
Fabric samples and technical drawings show the development steps of an ergonomic chair design.
Ein An interview with Dietlind Walger: inspiration and design
Aeris: How did the idea for the Aeris Linu come about?
Dietlind Walger: After receiving so much positive user feedback for the kinematics of the Numo Task, it was obvious to strive for further development. Our aim was to achieve even more lateral flexibility.
And so one thing led to another: Our product development team came up with good ideas for adapting the geometry for more lateral flexibility. When Andreas Ostwald then delivered the right design for the new kinematics and the matching shell, everything came together perfectly.
Aeris: What was the design goal for the Aeris Linu?
Dietlind Walger: The shell should look simple and elegant, regardless of whether it is upholstered or not. At the same time, it should be flexible enough to be placed on different bases. The upholstery and classic quilting support the slim design of the shell, and the larger seat and higher backrest provide additional comfort.
Of course, Andreas Ostwald, the designer of the Aeris Linu, can answer all this much better ...
"The initial question for this project was to create a higher backrest - because a high, beautiful back can also be pleasing! So we went for the aesthetics: an elegant line, a slight curve, something graceful - which is then reflected in the central plane - defines the shape, a spherical curvature and the right posture when sitting is easy". - Andreas Ostwald
Aeris: What challenges arose during the development process?
Dietlind Walger: As with all our chair developments, we always have to try to guarantee the greatest possible movement while complying with all relevant safety standards. In particular, the issue of stability and the risk of entrapment has always presented us with tricky challenges.
The team at work: the design and development stages of an ergonomic chair, from technical construction to the assembly of prototypes.
Aeris: What role did sustainability play in the development of the Linus?
Dietlind Walger: Sustainability is a central component of our corporate philosophy. With the Aeris Linu, we have increasingly focused on the "circular economy". This means that all materials used can be easily separated and recycled. We also offer a repair and refurbishment service for our products at the factory.
For the chair, we deliberately chose a regional manufacturer that already offers "circular economy" and has extensive experience in processing recycled plastics and post-consumer materials. This partner was also able to support us in the Linu development process with its very well-positioned engineering department.
We were also able to focus on sustainability in the upholstery. The upholstery can be easily broken down into its material components for the circular economy process. We also use our sustainable Cura upholstery fabric again for the cover, which is made from 100% post-consumer polyester.
Fabric quality and upholstery of an ergonomic chair are checked using samples and technical sketches.
Aeris: What was the biggest moment of success in the development process?
Dietlind Walger: When we were able to sit on one of the printed prototypes for the first time and feel the great movement of the chair - that was a moment of happiness. And then we were also able to enjoy the happy smiles of all the other testers. That's when we knew: This is going to be a great product!
Aeris: How has the development of Aeris chairs changed over the years?
Dietlind Walger: In recent years, we have increasingly turned to external companies that build us models of our initial ideas in a short space of time. This allows us to see more quickly whether our design works.
We now also have 3D printers in-house: we want to expand further in this area, as it speeds up the development process enormously. And if we then - as with Linu - work with manufacturers who can also provide engineering support, things go even faster.
Individual parts and a model version of the Aeris Linu from our internal 3D printer.
At this year's Orgatec 2024, trade visitors will be able to experience the Aeris Linu live for the first time and be moved by its unique design and flexibility. The new office and conference chair series will be available in our store and from authorized dealers from spring 2025. If you don't want to wait, you can contact our sales team now to pre-order the Aeris Linu.
