Mapping Experiential Values of Office Chairs: Insights from Qualitative Observations

Abstract

As Activity-Based Working (ABW) becomes standard, office chairs play a vital role in supporting productivity. However, many advanced functions remain underutilized due to unintuitive design, suggesting a gap between chair features and user understanding. This study aims to identify the experiential values workers seek in office chairs to establish more effective design guidelines. Observations were conducted in varied settings, including island-style offices at Itoki Corporation and Osaka Metropolitan University, as well as modern open spaces. Data were analyzed using the KA method to construct a value map. The integrated value map indicates that one group of prioritized values exists along a continuum, shifting from chair-specific attributes, such as stability and physical support during focused work, to broader workspace-related values, including mobility and environmental fit. In contrast, another group of prioritized values is associated with task engagement, ranging from support for deep concentration to features that enable mental refreshment and rest. This research clarifies how experiential values transition from physical chair features to holistic workspace qualities. This research clarifies how experiential values shift from physical chair features to more holistic workspace qualities, as well as how user needs dynamically fluctuate between states of concentration and rest depending on the task context. These qualitative findings offer meaningful guidance for future product development grounded in human-centered design.

Keywords: Experiential Value, Office Chair, Value Map, User Experience

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007421