brief
Helix is a backpack with a built-in posture-healthy seat, targeted for the urbanist hiker or weekend warrior.
posture Study
Improper sitting can have major negative health effects on the body.
"When we sit for a long time, discs are squashed unevenly. Collagen hardens around tendons and ligaments."
-The health hazards of sitting: By Bonnie Berkowitz and Patterson Clark Jan. 20, 2014
"Tight back muscles and wimpy abs form a posture-wrecking an alliance that can exaggerate the spine's natural arch, a condition called hyperlordosis, or swayback."
-The health hazards of sitting: By Bonnie Berkowitz and Patterson Clark Jan. 20, 2014
Whats the solution?
Sitting on something wobbly!
An exercise ball or even a backless stool to force your core muscles to work. Sit up straight and keep your feet flat on the floor in front of you so they support about a quarter of your weight.
-The health hazards of sitting: By Bonnie Berkowitz and Patterson Clark Jan. 20, 2014
conclusion + a deisgn theory...
Instead of a product such as a chair or backpack which essentially degrades posture. Why can't it actually be a promoter of good posture?
Conceptualizing
The premise of the design was about creating a collapsible structure that could be supported by a tension and compression method.
The sketches weren't doing it, time to get tangible.
I experimented with a variation of structural forms that would lend themselves to collapsibility.
Decisions, DECISIONS
A matrix was made to understand the most viable option.
Mock it up
This model was made to see the structural viability of a scissor-like tension and compression system.
Proof of concept
Constructed from a combination of fiberglass and carbon fiber tubes for light weight and flexibility. The seat pan requires the user to have to maintain a balance in order to sit promoting better posture.
CAD concept
Final model
Posture's looking better :)
