Ergonomics in design – through the eyes of Wise Habit and Humanscale

At Wise Habit, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. That's why we are thrilled to partner with Humanscale, the creative force behind the world's most sustainable task chair crafted from recycled fishing nets.

For over 40 years, Humanscale has been redefining ergonomic design, creating office solutions that truly support comfort and well-being. Their approach? Prioritizing function, simplicity and longevity while minimizing waste through the use of recycled materials.

We share a commitment to sustainability and conscious design. That's why today, we are exploring ergonomic design together: what it is, how to achieve it and how it can positively impact both people and the planet.

Ergonomics – a science with Polish roots

Ergonomics is a field with Greek etymology (ergon – "work" and nomos – "law"), first defined in the 1850s by Polish researcher, naturalist and biologist Wojciech Jastrzębowski. He described it as the science of work – optimizing the use of human "forces and abilities." In the following century, these principles were further developed by engineers such as Frederick Winslow Taylor and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, as well as designers – from the German Bauhaus movement to the American studio of Henry Dreyfuss.

Today, ergonomics is an interdisciplinary science combining knowledge from medicine, psychology, engineering, sociology and anthropology. Its goal is to create tools, spaces and working conditions that support human capabilities – ensuring comfort, safety, and increased efficiency.

Designing for human needs

In the world of design, we see ergonomics as the art of adaptation – adjusting the form, size and function of products or spaces to suit the human body. It means designing everyday objects, interfaces, interiors and architecture to be intuitive to use and friendly to both body and mind.

Ergonomics encompasses three levels, each of which prioritizes comfort, efficiency and safety. The first level is physical ergonomics, which focuses on adapting objects to human anatomy – such as well-contoured chair backs or properly positioned work surfaces. The second level is cognitive ergonomics, which aims to simplify interactions with products and spaces through intuitive design, clarity, and logical layouts – think user-friendly app interfaces or thoughtfully placed signage. The final level is organizational ergonomics, which enhances work and living environments to support productivity and well-being – examples include functional workstation layouts or optimal acoustic and lighting conditions.

Human-centered design

At both Wise Habit and Humanscale, ergonomics is deeply connected to the concept of human-centered design.

As Martyna Piaściak, Head of Design at Wise Habit, explains: "Ergonomics is an integral part of the design process, making products comfortable, functional, intuitive and perfectly suited to user needs. We consider the diversity of human body dimensions, accounting for both petite and larger individuals. We also take natural movement ranges and visual fields into account, combining form and function while reducing unnecessary effort. Of course, ergonomics isn't just for able-bodied users – it's equally important to ensure comfort for people with disabilities. This means prioritizing visibility of key product elements, making buttons and moving parts easy to interact with, and providing clear feedback – whether visual, auditory or haptic – so that using the product is accessible and effective for everyone."

Sylwia Goryczka, Country Manager Poland at Humanscale, also emphasizes the value of human-scale design: "Since its founding in 1983, Humanscale has been a pioneer in ergonomics. From the beginning, we have designed products that adapt to the user, rather than the other way around. For us, simplicity and ease of use are the essence of functionality. Designing for simplicity means using fewer parts and materials while making functionality so seamless that it becomes invisible to the user."

To bring ergonomic principles to life in design, it takes more than an analytical approach to scale and construction – it also requires empathy for human needs and limitations. As Martyna Piaściak summarizes: "Ergonomics challenges us to broaden our perspective on who the end user is and to consider those with special needs – fostering both empathy and sensitivity to people's requirements."

From research to solutions

How can ergonomics be ensured in design? Both brands have their own approach.

"At Wise Habit, we take a holistic approach to ergonomics – combining research, user studies and functional testing with prototyping, especially iterative prototyping, to develop the best possible product version. Our goal is to create solutions that enhance comfort and quality of life." – Martyna Piaściak explains.

"At Humanscale, our products are designed to intuitively adapt to users without the need for complicated adjustments or settings. Our office chairs, for example, are fully automatic, replacing complex mechanical springs under the seat with body weight and the laws of physics. This benefits users by making them easier to use and benefits the environment by reducing components and the overall carbon footprint." – Sylwia Goryczka comments.

Martyna Piaściak also highlights best practices for ensuring ergonomic outcomes in design: "First, user research – analyzing behaviors, habits and needs in depth. This should be conducted not only in the research phase before designing but throughout the process to refine insights and validate new assumptions. Second, prototyping and testing – evaluating different product variations in real-world use. This can involve simple paper prototypes, existing objects, advanced 3D-printed models and, in the final stages, refined prototypes developed in collaboration with manufacturers."

Ergonomic = ecological?

Ergonomic design enhances human comfort but can it also support planetary well-being? Absolutely. The balance between design and sustainability is embedded in the very essence of ergonomics – Wojciech Jastrzębowski himself based it on principles drawn from natural science.

Martyna Piaściak explains today's perspective on sustainable ergonomics: "A well-designed product – functional and comfortable – reduces waste and extends its lifecycle. When something is comfortable and intuitive people use it more and replace it less frequently. Ergonomics also enhances energy efficiency – products designed with users in mind allow for more efficient actions which in case of machines or tools can mean shorter operating times."

Sylwia Goryczka shares their approach: “Our lead designer, Niels Diffrient, created our designs with the philosophy that sustainability is a byproduct of efficient design. No amount of recycling can compare to reducing consumption from the outset. That’s why all our designs use the fewest possible components, and over 70% of them meet the Living Product Challenge certification as environmentally positive.”

Less waste, more care – for people and the planet

Ergonomics and sustainability can go hand in hand – well-designed products not only last longer but also consume fewer resources at every stage, from production to daily use. Modular furniture, adaptable equipment, intuitive tools and energy-efficient interfaces minimize waste and reduce environmental impact by evolving alongside users’ needs. Additionally, ergonomic solutions enhance user comfort and health, making objects and spaces more accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or lifestyle.

Wise partnerships

This is just the beginning of Wise and Humanscale’s collaboration. The New York-based brand is a partner in two events in our Design Café series: Longevity Design: Designing for long and healthy life, taking place on April 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, and Benefit Design: Designing for a better World / Within B-Corp, happening on June 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

We are proud to engage in meaningful dialogue with a brand that shares our values and inspires the design world with its innovative, sustainable projects.

Join the conversation and help shape the future of responsible design!