Ennova Design – The Oasis Shower Chair

Traditional shower chairs have long been confined to the medical sector, designed for function but often at the expense of comfort, dignity and belonging in the home. This project challenged that status quo by repositioning a mobility aid as functional furniture, without compromising clinical performance.The complexity lay in bridging two worlds, meeting rigorous therapeutic requirements while delivering a product people would genuinely want in their space. Guided by lived experience and occupational therapy insight, the Oasis Chair resolves usability, adaptability and stigma, marking a significant shift in how assistive products can look, feel and be valued in everyday life.

The Oasis Chair was shaped through an iterative, co-design process bringing together lived experience and occupational therapy expertise. Early insights revealed a clear gap between clinical performance and how products feel in the home, setting the direction to create functional furniture rather than traditional equipment.Through prototyping and testing, key challenges around comfort, transport and usability were resolved. A soft silicone seat improves everyday comfort, while adaptable armrests support safe transfers. The pack-down design enables portability without compromise. The result is a clinically robust yet considered piece that redefines what supportive furniture can be.

The Oasis Chair redefines what mobility aids can be by successfully bridging clinical equipment and functional furniture. It reduces stigma and encourages adoption by offering a solution people feel confident having in their home, supporting safer daily routines and greater independence.Commercially, it sets a new benchmark for design-led assistive products, opening opportunities beyond the traditional healthcare market. Societally, it shifts perceptions of disability and ageing, while environmentally, its durable, considered design supports longevity and reduces the need for frequent replacement.

Flexible armrestsBi-directional armrests support sit-to-stand movements and slide transfers with a simple button mechanism. This swing away movement also responds to the person providing the choice of flexibility and greater freedom once seated. This flexibility enables safer transfers and accommodates multiple mobility needs.Human-centred comfortSoft silicone seat and back pads replace the rigid plastic that is typical of traditional shower chairs. The removable pads improve comfort for users with sensitive pressure areas and allow easy cleaning and maintenance.Compact portabilityThe Oasis Chair features a compact pack-down structure with an integrated leg storage compartment. that allows it to be stored or transported easily without breaking into multiple loose components. This supports travel, overnight stays and shared bathrooms where equipment may need to be moved or stored.Contemporary design languageContemporary colours and refined forms allow the chair to integrate into home environments rather than resemble clinical equipment. This helps reduce stigma and encourages greater acceptance of assistive technology.Precision adjustabilityHeight-adjustable legs allow accurate setup for individual users, supporting safer transfers and correct ergonomic positioning.