The OTO Chair helps people on the autistic spectrum overcome stress with its hug-like mechanisms. Alexia Audrain designed the Dyson Award-winning OTO chair. The designer learned about the specific needs of people on the autistic spectrum while she studied cabinetmaking and designing.
According to research, tight holds and hugs can help reduce stress, which is why the OTO chair uses inflatable cushions to hug the user tightly. The cushions expand from either side to emulate the feeling of a hug to help overcome sensory overload. The chair's isolating design creates a comfortable cocoon. While the soft cushions gently compress the body, the stress dissipates, and the cushions can be deflated back to their original shape by the user.
Image Credit: Alexia Audrain
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Stress-reducing Chairs
- There is an opportunity for furniture companies to create similar chairs for people who experience stress or anxiety.
- Inflatable Cushions
- Companies specializing in cushion manufacturing can explore the opportunity to make inflatable cushions that can be used in a variety of settings.
- Design for Disabilities
- Designers and manufacturers can look into creating furniture and products that cater to people with disabilities.
Where This Applies
- Furniture
- The furniture industry can look into creating stress-reducing chairs for people with autism or other disabilities.
- Medical Equipment
- The medical equipment industry can explore developing similar products that can be used in hospitals or clinics for patients with anxiety or stress disorders.
- Psychological Services
- Psychological services can use stress-reducing chairs like OTO chairs to help their patients alleviate stress and anxiety.
