Better World, Design, Innovation, Products
May 21, 2012
By Randall Braaksma
It’s a 50-cent word, but “dematerialization” just might save us millions, to say nothing of our planet. The basic idea is getting down to only what is essential, or, as Charles Eames said in the 1940s, “the best for the most for the least.”
Doing more with less certainly predates Mr. Eames, but dematerialization has had a resurgence lately, largely as a response to conspicuous consumption (McMansion anyone?), a throwaway culture (it’s cheaper to buy a new one than fix the old one), and planned obsolescence (as Annie Leonard says in The Story of Stuff, only 1% of things are still in use 6 months after purchase).
It’s no wonder those concerned about sustainability see promise in dematerialization, an idea whose logic train goes from using less material to eliminating material altogether while still delivering the same level of functionality. An example of this promise they often point to is music delivery. From LPs to cassettes to CDs to digital downloads, the progression eliminated lots of plastic waste and the resources and energy needed to make it. (The sustainability costs of using the Internet to download the music will be left to another discussion.)
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Better World, Design, What's Up
October 3, 2011
By David Foster
In 1953, Herman Miller founder D.J. De Pree promised, “We will be good stewards of the environment.” That promise drives the design and innovation of our products today.
Setu’s Kinematic Spine, for example, has a not-so-secret secret—polypropylene, the same recyclable material used to make everything from toothbrushes to garbage cans. Making the plastic structure flexible and strong involved creative engineering. The result is a lightweight mechanism that lets Setu mimic your every move.
Visit us at Greenbuild 2011 in Toronto, October 4-6, 2011.
Better World, Design
December 9, 2010
By Susan Huls
This week our Setu chair earned a prestigious Design of the Decade Gold award as “Best Sustainable Design Solution.” The Industrial Designers Society of America holds the Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) annually, and then a larger, comprehensive and multi-category review at the turn of each decade.
The jury selected Setu, which was designed by Studio 7.5, as the best example of sustainable design for its positive impact on business and broader society. As both wrestle with environmental demands, and as Herman Miller looked to support the ergonomic needs of mobile workers and their technology, Setu created a new benchmark for sustainability and comfort.
Always in good company, Setu appears with Method Laundry Detergent with Smartclean Technology and Nike Considered Footwear to round out the top three finalists in its category.
And it joins Herman Miller’s impressive list of previous Design of the Decade winners, including the Equa chair (80s) and the Aeron chair (90s).
It’s a great example of our commitment to problem-solving seating design and anticipating the needs of our society.
Products, What's Up
December 3, 2010
By Susan Huls
Since it made its debut in 2009, our Setu chair has received several accolades, but it really hit the big time today on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Featured among her famous ‘12 Days of Giveaways,’ Setu chairs—about 425 of them—were given to every audience member and a few lucky folks who registered online.
Setu also kept good company during the filming. Film stars Hilary Swank and Mila Kunis made an appearance as well as Grammy-award winning singer Adele.
Cerentha Harris, editor of our sister blog Lifework, attended the filming and shares more about her behind-the-scenes experience in today’s post.
“It was such a thrill to be part of all that energy and well-wishing,” Harris writes. “Ellen gave away over $3,000 worth of gifts to each audience member. And the audience was ecstatic.”
We’re thrilled that Setu could be part of such an amazing experience for so many Ellen fans. If they’re excited now, just wait until they get a chance to sit in their new chairs!
Products
July 6, 2009
By Bill Holm
Here’s something kind of interesting, depending on how geeky you are:
The origin of the word “comfort” is the Latin “confortare,” “to strengthen.” When you’re comfortable, you’re free from pain and trouble. All’s well. You’re rejuvenated. Stronger. Physically and mentally.
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Products
June 15, 2009
By Marcia Davis
At NeoCon this year, our showroom demonstrated how we work for a better world around you. Check out our video series for an overview of the space and highlights of the products we offer. Each is designed to improve your environment whether it’s an office, hospital, school, home, an entire building, or the world at large.
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Products
June 5, 2009
By Bill Holm
Herman Miller is telling stories at NeoCon 09—ones you shouldn’t miss if you love happy endings.
The Herman Miller showroom in the Merchandise Mart (Booth 321) spotlights four distinct workplace scenarios, and each has its own tale to tell. They illustrate a range of real-life situations where Herman Miller has created cost-effective, customer-focused, eco-friendly solutions with a variety of integrated Herman Miller products, including their new Setu chairs, Embody chairs, and Intent furniture.
You’ll hear about real, relevant problem solving instead of just the (yawn) nuts, bolts, and benefits of products. It’s a great way to discover how Herman Miller makes a better world around you.
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