Steelcase Node Chair
Reinventing classroom seating to increase dynamic interactions in schools
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Through in-depth ethnographic research and iterative prototyping, IDEO and Steelcase revolutionized classroom seating with the Node chair, seamlessly blending mobility, flexibility, and modern learning needs. This iconic product launched Steelcase’s educational furniture division. 15 years later, the Node chair remains a powerful product in their portfolio.
THE CHALLENGE
Traditional student desks limited mobility, flexibility, and interaction in educational environments. Educators and students alike expressed frustration with these outdated designs, which reinforced rigid, top-down teaching methods and failed to support diverse learning activities. In 2009, Steelcase and IDEO aimed to address this gap by designing a chair that could transform classrooms into dynamic, collaborative spaces while accommodating modern teaching styles and technology.
Steelcase also wanted an iconic product that would help them launch an educational furniture business unit.
THE WORK:
IDEO and Steelcase employed a human-centered design process, beginning with ethnographic research to understand the challenges of existing classroom setups. My role was to lead the research and insights gathering for this project. I led a team of designers from IDEO and clients from Steelcase through observations in 35 classrooms across 12 schools and colleges. Through the synthesis process, we identified key needs: flexibility, mobility, and support for various learning styles.
As we progressed through iterative prototyping and testing in real-world classroom environments, our team developed the Node chair. Key features included:
360-degree swivel seats to maintain open sightlines.
Casters for easy movement and reconfiguration for collaboration.
Integrated storage for backpacks and technologies.
Adjustable worksurfaces to accommodate laptops, textbooks, and notebooks.
The design ensured the chair could adapt to a wide range of postures and learning activities, supporting collaboration and engagement.
THE IMPACT:
The Node chair redefined classroom furniture, enabling seamless transitions between teaching modes and fostering a more interactive, student-centered learning environment. Adopted globally by educational institutions, it has become a benchmark for active learning spaces.
The chair's innovative design received multiple awards, including the Silver IDEA Award (2011) and the Good Design Award (2012), solidifying its reputation as a game-changer in educational furniture. By addressing a neglected industry need, IDEO and Steelcase transformed classroom dynamics, empowering educators and students alike.
