Nurus
Ergonomic Armrest System for Task Chairs
A versatile armrest system designed for Nurus task chairs, offering adjustable height, angle, and distance for personalized comfort. Seamlessly compatible with various chair models, it ensures effortless usability while enhancing workplace ergonomics.
Industrial Design
Ergonomics
CAD
Prototyping
Modular
Innovation
PROJECT
OVERVIEW
The ergonomic armrest system was designed for Nurus task chairs, aiming to improve user comfort through adjustable height, angle, and lateral movement. The goal was to develop a versatile, easy-to-use armrest that seamlessly integrates with multiple chair models while maintaining durability and cost-effective manufacturing.
See Nurus Task Chairs
⚡ ROLE
Product Designer
👥 TEAM
▫ 1 Product Designer
▫ 8 Technicians
▫ 5 Outsource Manufacturers
🧰 TOOLS
▫ SpaceClaim, Rhino (3D Modeling)
▫ Keyshot (Rendering)
▫ FDM & SLA 3D Printing (Prototyping)
📆 TIMELINE
▫ 10 Weeks
▫ Feb-Apr 2019
▫ Full-Time
RESEARCH
& DESIGN PROCESS
I. Ergonomic Analysis
To create the ultimate 4D armrest, we started by analyzing market trends and ergonomic principles to enhance user comfort.
Our key focus areas:
🟢 User Adaptability : Designed for all users, accommodating different arm lengths, postures, and work environments.
🔵 Seamless Adjustability : Vertical height adjustment, rotation, and horizontal movement for effortless, natural positioning.
🟡 Material & Durability : A balance of high-strength yet lightweight materials for long-term performance.
🔴 Effortless Assembly : A smart locking mechanism allows easy attachment to multiple chair models.
Testing & Validation: Built for Real-World Comfort
✔ User Trials: Tested with diverse individuals to ensure optimal wrist & elbow support.
✔ Ergonomic Validation: Designed to reduce strain and promote natural movement for prolonged seating.
II. From Sketch to Reality: Concept Development & 3D Modeling
Bringing the vision to life required rapid ideation and precise engineering. Using SpaceClaim & Rhino, we transformed sketches into functional 3D models, focusing on:
🟢 Seamless Motion – A two-part sliding mechanism ensures smooth height and depth adjustments.
🔵 Ergonomic Flexibility – A swiveling pad adapts to natural wrist movements for maximum comfort.
🟡 Intuitive Design – A hidden locking system for effortless usability without visual clutter.
The journey from initial sketches to refined CAD models involved fine-tuning structure, hinges, and locking points, ensuring a perfect balance of form and function.
The journey from initial sketches to refined CAD models involved fine-tuning structure, hinges, and locking points, ensuring a perfect balance of form and function.
III. Bringing Ideas to Life: Prototyping & Testing
💡 From Digital to Physical:
To validate design feasibility, we 3D printed functional prototypes, testing every detail before final production.
🔹 FDM Prints (PLA/ABS) → Fast iterations for fit testing & mechanical adjustments.
🔹 SLA Prints → High-detail models to refine ergonomic comfort.
🔹 Reinforced Nylon Composites → Strength testing to ensure load-bearing durability.
🛠 Testing & Refinement:
✔ Real-world user trials revealed key improvements.
✔ Internal reviews fine-tuned the adjustment mechanism for effortless motion.
✔ Final tweaks ensured smooth movement & long-term reliability.
Testing & Validation: Built for Real-World Comfort
✔ User Trials: Tested with diverse individuals to ensure optimal wrist & elbow support.
✔ Ergonomic Validation: Designed to reduce strain and promote natural movement for prolonged seating.
IV. Precision in Production: Engineering & Manufacturing
With the design finalized, the focus shifted to manufacturing feasibility, ensuring efficiency, durability, and seamless assembly.
🛠 Material Selection
▫ 30% Glass-Reinforced Nylon → High strength & durability for the base and mechanism.
▫ Soft-Touch TPE Surface → Enhanced comfort & grip.
🔹 Component Breakdown
▫ Arm Pad → Soft PU surface with anti-slip properties.
▫ Base & Mechanism Housing → 30% Glass-Reinforced Nylon for exceptional strength & longevity.
⚙ Optimized Manufacturing
▫ Multi-part injection molds designed for efficient mass production.
▫ Snap-fit & screw-mounted components for fast & easy assembly.
FINAL PRODUCTION
& IMPLEMENTATION
With the molds fabricated, the first production units underwent rigorous testing to ensure durability, functionality, and seamless integration.
🛠 Performance Testing
▫ Load Testing → Verified strength for long-term, heavy usage.
▫ Cycle Testing → Simulated years of height & angle adjustments.
▫ Surface & Finish Evaluation → Ensured material consistency, texture, and color accuracy to match Nurus task chairs.
🚀 Seamless Integration
The final armrest system was successfully integrated into Nurus task chairs, enhancing user comfort, adjustability, and ergonomic support, all while ensuring efficient mass production.
CONCLUSION
This ergonomic armrest system embodies a seamless blend of functionality, aesthetics, and manufacturability—crafted with precision engineering and user-focused design.
✅ Enhanced Comfort & Adaptability – Designed for personalized support across various seating positions.
✅ Seamless Chair Integration – Universally compatible with Nurus task chairs for a cohesive experience.
✅ Cost-Effective Production – Optimized for efficient manufacturing without compromising quality.
This project showcases my expertise in industrial design, product engineering, and manufacturing, taking an idea from concept to mass production with a refined, scalable solution. 🚀
Interested in connecting?
Let’s talk projects, collaborations, or anything design!
Experience
7+ Years
Awards
6
Projects
100+
Coffee
1000+
Copyright 2025 by Seth Unlu