The 'OTO' chair is a supportive seating solution for those on the autism spectrum to help them enjoy a place to relax and feel comfortable. The chair has been designed by Alexia Audrain as part of her BTMS Cabinetmaking in collaboration with the IME de Blain and works to provide a hug-like experience for the sitter. This is achieved with a functionality that takes inspiration from the Temple Grandin machine to apply pressure to the body ti make the person feel more supported and less overwhelmed.
The 'OTO' chair works with a single plug to be powered and is comprised of wool along with soft resin that further enhance the soft touch experience for the sitter. The chair highlights a cocoon-like design that will fit well into an array of spaces.
Image Credit: Alexia Audrain
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Sensory-supportive Furniture
- The 'OTO' chair is part of a trend towards sensory-supportive furniture for individuals on the autism spectrum, presenting opportunities for further innovation in comfortable and accessible seating solutions.
- Temple Grandin-inspired Design
- The functionality of the 'OTO' chair taking inspiration from the Temple Grandin machine is indicative of a trend of using innovative designs to improve quality of life for those with sensory processing difficulties.
- Single-plug Powered Furniture
- The 'OTO' chair's simplicity with a single plug for power is a trend that presents opportunities for efficient and easy-to-use furniture designs.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Furniture
- The furniture industry has the opportunity to continue innovating on sensory-supportive designs to create comfortable and accessible seating solutions for individuals with autism and other sensory processing difficulties.
- Assistive Technology
- The 'OTO' chair's Temple Grandin-inspired design demonstrates opportunities within the assistive technology industry to use innovative approaches in improving quality of life for individuals with sensory processing difficulties.
- Interior Design
- The cocoon-like design of the 'OTO' chair highlights the potential for collaboration between furniture and interior design industries to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing with sensory-supportive furniture.
