Du. Chair – Down Up Genius

The Du Chair tackles the critical challenges of enabling safe, independent sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements, improved mobility and quality of life. Existing motorised lift chairs are prone to electrical failures, cable-related trips, and maintenance concerns. The Du Chair’s revolutionary mechanical lift mechanism addresses these concerns, delivering a dependable, low-maintenance solution for those needing seating assistance. The Du Chair’s ergonomic design, adjustable weight support, and progressive force transition enable efficient, controlled motions while decreasing physical strain and fall risks. Specifically, the Du Chair addresses the special needs of the senior population, empowering users while minimising the carer load.

The Du Chair addressed challenges highlighted in the Australian government’s aged care report: - reduced elderly mobility making it difficult to get in/out of chairs independently. - importance of appropriate seating for maintaining independence and comfort. Its development involved a user-led process engaging aged care stakeholders. A key innovation was collaborating with pioneering technologist Garrett Brown and his Exokinetics team to develop an innovative mechanical gas spring/dampener lift system that eliminated electrical components. Through iterative QUT research-validated prototyping, the design met aged care requirements, facilitating efficient sit-to-stand movements with reduced muscle activation while improving safety, costs, and overall quality of life.

The Du Chair profoundly enhances mobility, independence, and quality of life for the aged or anyone requiring mobility assistance. Its innovative mechanical lift system facilitates safe, controlled sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements, reducing physical strain and fall risks. The ergonomic design provides support, comfort, and postural alignment, mitigating discomfort and pressure sores. The Du Chair promotes dignity and well-being in the home or care environments by empowering users and reducing caregiver burden. As a groundbreaking, user-centric solution, the Du Chair exemplifies good design principles and has the potential to drive positive change in aged care seating standards worldwide.

Ergonomic Design: The chair features contoured seating, backrest, and armrests for optimal support and ease of use. The armrests are designed for users with limited hand strength or arthritis. Adjustable Weight Mechanism: A simple adjustment knob customises the chair’s support level to accommodate a wide range of body weights, ensuring personalised comfort. Stable Base Design: The chair’s stable base, non-slip feet, and low centre of gravity prevent tipping and ensure secure seating during transfers. Mechanical Lift System: The groundbreaking gas spring/dampener lift mechanism facilitates smooth, controlled sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements without electrical components or batteries. Gradual Force Transition: As validated by the QUT study, the Du Chair provides a more gradual transition of force under the feet during sit-to-stand tasks, reducing the risk of sudden postural changes and falls. Reduced Muscle Activation: The QUT study found decreased muscle activation levels in key muscle groups like the gluteus and quadriceps when using the Du chair’s assistive mechanism, indicating less physical strain on users. Durable Construction: The Du Chair is built with robust materials and high-quality components to withstand frequent use and cleaning, ensuring long-lasting performance in aged care environments.