Susan HulsWriter
Susan worked for Herman Miller for almost 12 years. She is enthusiastic about exploring and sharing new ideas and also has an affinity for Post-it notes.
Susan's Posts
Design, Technology, What's Up
April 11, 2011
By Susan Huls
Free-flowing action with smooth adjustability, a unique visual indicator weight gauge, and compatibility with touch screen technology–these innovations appear together in our Flo monitor arm, which is sweeping design competitions around the world. And not just any design competitions. Most recently, Flo received a 2010 Red Dot award from what many consider the largest and most distinguished international design competition. It also received the office furniture industry’s coveted 2010 Best of NeoCon award in Technology Support and the 2010 National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition Attendees’ Choice award.
Flo is one of several technology support products designed by our U.K.-based subsidiary Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS). In fact, CBS manufactured the market’s first monitor arm back in the 1980s. The company is committed to providing adjustable workspaces that promote a healthy and productive working environment, which makes it exciting to spread the news about products like Flo.
Better World, Design
April 8, 2011
By Susan Huls
When TreeHugger asked its readers to vote online for the 2011 Best of Green in Design and Architecture, our SAYL chair came out on top. The popular blog, which focuses on driving sustainability mainstream, includes the Best of Green Readers’ Choice online voting is part of its annual Best of Green awards.
Designed by Yves Béhar, the SAYL chair is unique for its Eco-Dematerialised design, which means we used fewer materials in inventive ways to make the chair attainable for more people. Fewer parts and less material ultimately mean less cost and a smaller carbon footprint needed to make SAYL chairs. And, we produce them on three continents to cut the distance between factory and buyer.
TreeHugger points out that it’s a great time for green and we agree.
Congratulations to all the Best of Green winners and thank you to everyone who voted for SAYL!
Design, What's Up
February 15, 2011
By Susan Huls
Have you seen one of our products in a movie, television show, or commercial? Have you elbowed your neighbor and pointed out an Aeron chair or Eames lounge and ottoman?
We know how you feel. And we want to hear from you.
Beginning today, you can share your product sightings with us on our Facebook page. For the next five weeks, we’ll post a photo of one of our products and we’d like you to tell us where you’ve seen it.
So, what’s the first product to kick-off this campaign? The Aeron chair, of course. Look for the Show & Tell post and photo of the Aeron on our Facebook page and include your comment about where you’ve seen it (Hint: You might have seen it around the office or maybe you could ask your brothers and sisters?).
And if you’ve seen another product that’s not on the list, please post that on our Facebook page as well.
We’re looking forward to your participation!
Design, Herman Miller Journal
February 14, 2011
By Susan Huls
During this time of year, people often express love or feel loved. We’re delighted that so many people share with us how they love our furniture. Over the past year, we’ve collected wonderful photographs of Herman Miller products graciously submitted by fans to our Facebook page and blogs. It’s an honor to have our products in your homes and offices. Thank you for the opportunity to share these photographs with the rest of our community.
Above: Photo submitted by Isabelle Roy
Above: Photo (L) submitted by Alison Vryhof, Photo (R) submitted by Isabelle Roy
Above: Photo (L) submitted by Amy Cadwallader, Photo (R) submitted by Shellie VanSickle Ayres
Above: Photo (L) submitted by Anthony Kuzub, Photo (R) submitted by Omer Lifshitz
Photo submitted by Noel O’Malley
Design, Products
February 9, 2011
By Susan Huls
Charles Eames said, “Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.” It’s a quote several interns took seriously last year when John Aldrich, our VP of New Product Development, asked them to experiment with one of the most recognizable Eames designs—tandem sling seating.
You’ve probably seen it before. Designed for O’Hare International Airport in 1962, the sleek, contemporary design remains in style for all kinds of public waiting areas, especially airport terminals.
However, as airports continue to update their facilities with trendy shops and an increasing number of dining options, the challenge to find electrical outlets to recharge cellular devices, tablets, and laptops remains the same.
After meeting Charles Eames’ grandson, Eames Demetrios, Director of the Eames Office, the interns received his support for moving forward with adding electrical outlets to the tandem seating design.
The interns began working with John Berry, a representative for the Eames Office, and with his help they developed several different electrical outlet options.
“Respecting and maintaining the aesthetic of the Eames chair was the overall goal for the project and with John Berry’s insight we were able to honor that,” says Andrea Nelson, who recently received a master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design from Kansas State University.
After testing and monitoring the use of their designs for four days at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the team knew it was something special. And the airport facilities team also liked the idea, says Nelson.
The team now is refining their ideas, but has established that it will place the outlets between the seat and back.
Adds Aldrich, “It’s a premium product, so it deserves a premium design.”
Intern project team:
Andrea Nelson, Kansas State University
Anthony Herrera, Grand Valley State University
Jane Zhang, Auburn University
Adam Koehler, Kettering University
Jacqueline Xu, Thunderbird University
Brian Chuang, University of Michigan
Jep Cohen, Rose-Hulman
Update: This solution is currently in development and is not commercially available.
Healthcare
February 8, 2011
By Susan Huls
In 1943, Abraham Maslow introduced the world to what is prominently known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. These needs often are shown according to their level of importance within the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental levels of needs at the bottom.
Inspired by this idea, researchers from Herman Miller Healthcare developed the Caregiver Goal Prioritization Pyramid.
In fact, Doug Bazuin, a senior researcher with Herman Miller Healthcare and frequent contributor to Discover, recently had an article published by Hospitals & Health Networks about the Caregiver Goal Prioritization Pyramid. The article, called “The Pyramid of Caregiver Needs,” highlights the team’s research findings from nine hospital observations and 150 interviews.
Says Bazuin, “The pyramid reminds us to think through the multiple implications of any change or decision in a care giving process or environment. When we use the pyramid as an input into the design of a space or product, it can help to ensure we have considered all the variables and results in a better outcome for both the caregiver and the patient.”
Better World
January 31, 2011
By Susan Huls
Herman Miller has received the top rating for a fourth consecutive year in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s eighth annual Corporate Equality Index.
We are one of only 337 companies recognized for employment policies and practices that include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) workers and their families. The index evaluates non-discrimination policies, benefits, diversity training, and other internal resources for LGBT workers, as well as external support for the LGBT community.
At Herman Miller, inclusiveness is one of the Things That Matter to us and one of many ideals that helps us succeed.
In fact, Brian Walker, our President and CEO, says, “When we are truly inclusive, I believe we go beyond toleration to really understanding what makes us unique and what unites us as human beings.”
Design, Products
January 25, 2011
By Susan Huls
Designer Yves Béhar believes there’s a parallel between the SAYL chair’s unframed suspension back and how we humans progress by unframed expressions of our potential.
“You live unframed when you let ideas define what it is you want to do and who it is you want to be,” he says.
So, how do you live unframed?
If you have a Twitter account, show us in a TwitPic or yfrog image what it means to you to live unframed and tweet it to @hermanmiller for your chance to win a SAYL chair.
For more information, check out the rules and guidelines page. The deadline for entries is February 11, 2011.
Education, What's Up
January 24, 2011
By Susan Huls
That’s the question Herman Miller is asking full-time students attending 2-or 4-year colleges or universities in the U.S. and Canada* for our second annual video contest. We’re encouraging them to document the places where they connect, recharge, study, and socialize on campus.
We’re hoping to see a variety of entries that are creative, fun, or serious—all from the perspective of students. The results will help promote discussion among higher education professionals about the rapidly changing needs of students and how higher education facilities can respond to those needs.
Plus, the top three entries will receive cash prizes.
Want to learn more? Check out the contest website and you’ll find everything you need to know.
* Students in the province of Quebec are excluded from participation in the contest.
Better World
January 7, 2011
By Susan Huls
Herman Miller’s independent contractors are an important part of our community, and just before the holidays transcriber Jodie Alexiev surprised us with a wonderful gift–a donation in our name used to stock a health clinic for those in need.
Alexiev considers herself an altruistic person by nature. For example, following her dreams meant she had to give up her job at a travel agency to serve with the Peace Corps in Bulgaria. And later she created her own transcription business so that she could stay at home with her kids.
Her altruism showed through in her Christmas gifts to Herman Miller and the rest of her customers, many of which are healthcare organizations in West Michigan.
Their reaction? “They’ve been tickled and honored,” she notes.
The idea came from a gift catalog published by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization.
“It ignites your imagination,” says Alexiev, “and you know where your dollars are going.”