The Humanscale Freedom Chair has gained some fame as the subject of a TED talk. It stands out from other chairs with its focus on simplicity and user-friendly design. Unlike chairs filled with a multitude of confusing mechanisms, the Freedom chair keeps it simple with just a few intuitive adjustments and a self-adjusting recline tension. This makes it ideal for shared seating scenarios, whether it's a family workstation or a conference room.
However, as time has passed, subsequent Humanscale chairs have surpassed the Freedom chair's design. While the self-adjusting mechanisms are convenient, newer versions offer more comfortable backrests, smoother operations, and other useful features. Additionally, the Freedom chair has limited adjustability, which may not meet the needs of every user or those looking for all-day comfort and customization.
That being said, the simplicity and intuitiveness of the Freedom chair make it worth exploring its positive aspects. Let's dive into the details!
Recline Style: Finding the Right Balance
The Freedom chair incorporates three recline mechanisms: backrest swivel, backrest-only recline, and seat riser. The backrest swivel is a highly effective way of providing on-demand lumbar support without the need for manual adjustments. It accommodates the angle and shape of your back as you lean back.
However, the implementation of the backrest swivel on the Freedom chair falls short compared to other Humanscale chairs like the Liberty and Diffrient chairs. The stiff cushioning and lack of an exact match for spinal angles make it less comfortable. Additionally, the Freedom chair lacks the smoothness and quietness of its counterparts.
The backrest-only recline mechanism, while not ideal, is present in the Freedom chair. Unfortunately, it can make you feel like you're sliding forward out of the chair. It also encounters trouble with the "lumbar gap," leaving your lower back unsupported as you tilt further backward.
While the chair may have some drawbacks in the recline department, it performs well if you prefer sitting upright. There's no lumbar gap issue or sliding-forward sensation. However, for a chair in this price range, it's fair to expect more, and a synchro-tilt mechanism would be a better option.
Adjustments: Striking the Right Balance
The Freedom chair features a self-adjusting tension mechanism that accommodates the user's body weight. The balance it strikes allows for easy-enough forward and back recline operation without feeling too resistant or too weak. Though it has a limited range of adjustments, it works fairly well for most users.
Other adjustments include seat height, seat depth, backrest height, and armrest height. While they lack the complexity of other office chairs, Humanscale opts for simplicity. The intuitive controls make finding the right fit easy. The headrest option also follows the same intuitive design.
The height adjustment lever near the bottom right of the backrest allows for backrest height customization. This feature is useful, although a more malleable cushion or flexible backrest, like those in other Humanscale chairs, could have provided a comfortable fit without adjustment.
Armrests: Intuitive Design with Limitations
The Freedom chair showcases an innovative design for armrest height adjustment. You can simply lift up from the front of the armrests to raise them and lower them by lifting from the front and pushing down from the back. It's a quick, simple, and intuitive process.
However, the armrests lack other adjustability options found in competing chairs. While they can move completely out of the way when not in use, they follow the angle of the backrest when fully reclined, which can be inconvenient for typing or using a keyboard. Additionally, they may need to be adjusted lower than desired to avoid hitting the underside of a desk.
Lumbar Support: A Mixed Bag
The Freedom chair provides some level of lumbar support through its height-adjustable and swiveling backrest. It effectively molds to your lower back as soon as you sit down. However, the lumbar support diminishes as you recline, and a full recline detaches contact with the lower back completely. This is an inherent issue with the backrest-only recline mechanism.
If you prefer an upright sitting position, relying on the backrest swivel without additional recline, you won't experience this problem. The same goes for the angling of the armrests, which becomes an obstacle when fully reclined. So, using the chair in an upright position is the best way to make the most of its lumbar support.
Waterfall Edge? A Comfortable Contour
Though it lacks a flexible seat edge, the contoured front edge of the Freedom chair doesn't cause discomfort or pressure along the back of the thighs. This is impressive considering chairs with a seat riser often face this issue. The seat's curvature ensures a comfortable experience.
Conclusions on the Humanscale Freedom Chair
To sum it up, the Humanscale Freedom Chair has plenty of positive aspects that set a high standard for self-adjusting mechanisms. Its simplicity and intuitive controls make it suitable for various users and shared seating setups.
However, the chair does have its limitations. The recline mechanism can feel like it's pushing you forward, and the lumbar support disappears in a full recline. The armrests, although intuitive, lack adjustability and may impede typing in certain positions. The chair also suffers from slight clacking noise and rickety components.
Humanscale has since improved upon the Freedom chair's design in other models like the Liberty and Diffrient chairs. These iterations offer better lumbar support, a synchro-tilt mechanism, and superior functionality. While the Freedom chair is simple, attractive, and pleasant, it may not be the ideal choice for all users.
If you prefer sitting mostly upright, you can still benefit from the Freedom chair's simplicity and ease of use. However, if the drawbacks mentioned are concerns for you, it's worth looking into the alternatives offered by Humanscale.
Overall, the Humanscale Freedom Chair is a solid option with its unique features, but there are other models that provide a more refined experience.