September 24, 2024 (NEW YORK, NY) — Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable, high-performance ergonomic products, today announces the release of the Freedom 25th Anniversary Signature Edition as a celebration of the collaboration between legendary designer Niels Diffrient. An icon of design since its debut and a milestone in ergonomic innovation, Freedom transformed the task seating landscape with its innovative approach to user comfort and timeless aesthetic, and remains as relevant today as it was 25 years ago.

Unlike other chairs that require extensive instruction manuals to operate, Freedom makes ergonomics intuitive and effortless, allowing people to move naturally and instinctively throughout their day. Niels Diffrient, often called the “father of ergonomics,” recognized that traditional office chairs, despite being labeled as ergonomic, actually restricted natural movement, keeping users locked in place. Diffrient saw that workers were spending their days adjusting knobs and levers but still feeling discomfort. His vision was to create a chair that would solve this problem by supporting the sitter intuitively, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments. The result was the Freedom chair, which allows users to move freely and promotes a healthier, more dynamic sitting experience. Diffrient’s work on the Freedom chair has had a lasting impact on ergonomic design, demonstrating that simplicity, functionality and beauty can coexist.

“The Freedom chair has set the gold standard for ergonomic seating over the past 25 years by pioneering self-adjusting seating and transforming workplace wellness,” said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. “As we reflect on 25 years of success, we honor Niels’s legacy and his relentless pursuit of innovation which continues to inspire and create healthier workplaces across the globe.”

Freedom was the first chair to introduce a weight-sensitive recline mechanism that automatically adjusts to each user, synchronous armrests that move with the user, ensuring constant support, a gel seat cushion that distributes weight evenly for enhanced comfort and a dynamic headrest that provides support in every position. These groundbreaking features set a new standard in ergonomic seating, earning Freedom a place in the prestigious Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. It has also become a symbol of excellence, gracing the offices of leaders, CEOs and heads of state around the world.

To commemorate this occasion, Humanscale is releasing a limited run of 250 Freedom 25th Anniversary Signature Edition chairs. Each chair is a testament to the enduring design and unmatched quality that has kept Freedom in production for 25 years. Freedom 25 will feature:

  • Exclusive finishes and detailing, with upgraded aluminum parts on the headrest and handles;
  • An upholstered back shell;
  • Commemorative branding to mark the 25th anniversary, featuring Niels Diffrient’s signature alongside an edition number;
  • A personalized certificate of authenticity for each chair;
  • White Glove delivery included on all Signature Editions chairs shipping in the United States and Canada.

To continue the anniversary celebration, this month, Freedom will join Humanscale’s Ocean Collection with select Freedom Ocean configurations composed of over four pounds of ocean plastic. This includes reclaimed fishing nets, which are known to be one of the most harmful types of ocean plastic, damaging delicate ecosystems and marine life. As a certified B Corporation, Humanscale is committed to planet-positive manufacturing, which means leaving the world better off, one product at a time.