Formid
A made-to-measure active seat folded from paper substrates, generated from body measurements and protected by two US patents.
Formid is a seat for people who sit still at work for long periods. It is folded from flat paper substrates and uses movement tracking and haptic feedback to encourage healthier movement.
Each seat is generated from the user's body measurements. Parametric tools set the cut and fold lines, so many variations come from one construction process with no measuring during assembly. The same algorithm handles structural sizing, fit, counterweight balance and the 3D-printed and laser-cut parts. Offcuts fill the cavity to add mass, and a slag counterweight in the base keeps the seat upright.
Machine-learning research with Western University classifies postures from the seat's sensors (Sensors, 2022). Formid holds US Patent Nos. 10,368,650 and 11,432,656 and was exhibited at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Toronto's Interior Design Show in 2019.
- Status
- Patented product research
- Period
- 2013–2020
- Location
- Sudbury and London, Ontario
- Sector
- Research and concepts
- Structure
- Paper substrates, slag and 3D prints
- Scale
- Variable
Project team and credits
- StructuralBlackwell
- ElectricalPodco Designs; Western University
- SoftwareKorey MacDougall; Western University
- Machine learningWestern University
- Material testsFPInnovations
- BiomechanicsLaurentian University
- FundingFPInnovations, Norcat, Domtar, NOHFC, Mitacs
