Humanscale
Humanscale
Est. 1983
About
Humanscale is an American manufacturer of ergonomic office products based in New York City. It designs and produces task seating, sit-stand desks, monitor arms, task lighting and other ergonomic accessories, with a stated focus on tools that support healthier, more active ways of working. The company is also widely recognised for its work in sustainability. Humanscale was founded in 1983 by Robert King, generally known as Bob King, in New York. The business began with ergonomic accessories and tools before expanding into seating and larger product categories. From early on, its approach centred on ergonomics — designing products that adapt to the human body rather than requiring the user to make extensive manual adjustments. A defining element of the company's identity is its long collaboration with the industrial designer Niels Diffrient, a leading figure in ergonomic design. The Freedom chair, introduced in 1999, is among Humanscale's most recognised products; it uses a weight-sensitive recline mechanism that adjusts to the sitter automatically, reducing the need for manual controls, and it was described by The New York Times as "the gold standard in office seating." Diffrient also designed later chairs for the company, including the Liberty and Diffrient World models. Beyond seating, Humanscale produces a range of ergonomic workplace products. These include the Float line of height-adjustable sit-stand desks, monitor arms such as the M2, M8 and M/Connect, task lighting, and supports for keyboards and other devices. The common thread across these products is a focus on ergonomic function and on mechanisms intended to work with minimal manual setup. Sustainability is a prominent part of how the company operates. Humanscale states that it was the first company in the world to achieve full Living Product Challenge certification, in 2016, and that its factories are certified to the TRUE Zero Waste standard. It has also produced what it describes as the first task chair made using reclaimed ocean fishing-net material, the Smart Ocean chair, developed with the materials company Bureo, and reports that a large share of its products are certified as net positive. The company's products are used mainly in office and contract environments and are sold through dealers, resellers and online. As a New York-based, ergonomics-focused manufacturer, Humanscale combines human-centred product design with a strong environmental programme.
Specifications
- Categories
- officehealthcare
- Price Range
- $$$
- Founded
- 1983
- Headquarters
- New York, United States
- Certifications
- Living Product ChallengeTRUE Zero Waste
Resources
Common Questions
Humanscale is headquartered in New York City, in the United States, where it was founded. The company sells internationally through dealers, resellers and online channels. Its products are used mainly in office and contract environments.
Humanscale was founded in 1983 by Robert King, known as Bob King, in New York. It began with ergonomic accessories before expanding into seating and other product categories. The company has focused on ergonomic design throughout its history.
Humanscale is known for ergonomic office products, including the Freedom chair designed by Niels Diffrient, as well as sit-stand desks, monitor arms and task lighting. It is also recognised for sustainability, including being the first company to achieve full Living Product Challenge certification. Its designs emphasise mechanisms that adjust with minimal manual input.
The Freedom chair is a task chair introduced by Humanscale in 1999 and designed by the industrial designer Niels Diffrient. It uses a weight-sensitive recline that adjusts to the sitter automatically, reducing the need for manual controls, and it became one of the company's signature products. The New York Times described it as "the gold standard in office seating."
Humanscale places a strong emphasis on sustainability. It states that it was the first company in the world to achieve full Living Product Challenge certification, in 2016, and that its factories meet the TRUE Zero Waste standard. It has also developed a task chair made with reclaimed ocean fishing-net material and reports that a large share of its products are certified net positive.
Humanscale products are sold through a network of dealers and resellers and through online channels, serving mainly office and contract customers. Buyers typically purchase through these channels rather than directly from the manufacturer. furniture.directory is an independent directory and does not sell furniture directly.