BRUGES – With her background as an occupational therapist and years of experience in the sector, Aline Ollevier has developed a deep passion for office ergonomics. The office chair is crucial in a healthy working environment, but in practice it is often not properly adjusted, says Ollevier. And so she decided to do something about it with her start-up Nozzle, which wants to put an end to the past by creating a unique, custom-made office chair.
Nozzle was born from a passion and a pursuit of innovative improvement. “After years of practical experience as an occupational therapist and expert in ergonomics, it became increasingly clear how office chairs are used in practice and what the effect of prolonged sitting is on the human body,” says Ollevier. “Sitting for hours during working hours is directly linked to physical complaints, lower productivity and increased absenteeism due to illness. Many office chairs on the market are not adjusted properly, or users do not know how to optimally adjust the chair. In addition, they often do not provide sufficient support or do not fit well with the individual morphology of the user.”
Nozzle wants to be truly unique by completely personalizing the chair, à la carte according to the user, so to speak. Both the person and the environment are accurately measured so that the chair is perfectly tailored to the body and the workplace. This means that every chair is different because it is designed specifically for the person sitting in it. In addition, the ergonomic shape invites movement, while providing optimal support for a productive working day. No complex settings, just instant comfort.
Sustainable comfort
“We wanted to develop a product that is not only ergonomically sound, but also has a minimal impact on the environment,” says Aline. “The goal was to use upcycled materials without compromising the chair’s strength and functionality. Thanks to the collaboration with OMD3D, experts in 3D design and 3D printing, this became possible.”
The first model (Up ofte upward movement) will be launched on October 22, 2024, during the Ergonomics Congress. Up will also be on display during the Business Contact Days in Bruges.
The Throne of Comfort: Nozzle’s Journey into Office Ergonomics
Ah, office chairs! The unsung heroes of our workdays – or, let’s be honest, the tragic sitters of a thousand broken backs! If only they could speak, they’d probably whine about the neglect they suffer at the hands of us hapless employees. Well, let’s meet Aline Ollevier, an occupational therapist with a spark – nay, a raging inferno – of passion for office ergonomics, who decided to redefine the office chair through her brilliant start-up, Nozzle! Yes, you heard it right, Nozzle – a name that sounds suspiciously like a futuristic garden hose, but hang on, it’s more compelling than that!
With years of experience tucked under her belt – Aline isn’t here for a laugh. She’s got a serious mission: to rescue us from the clutches of poorly adjusted chairs that do nothing but amplify our physical complaints. Seriously, prolonged sitting is like inviting a grumpy old relative over – it promises to leave you in physical agony and makes you less productive! Those chairs that we so lovingly park our behinds on? Most are adjusted poorly or allow us to adjust them in ways we haven’t the foggiest idea about. That’s basically like giving a toddler the keys to a Ferrari. The result? Total chaos! And a lot of backache.
Personalized Chairs: Because One Size Fits None
Nozzle isn’t about mass production; it’s more like bespoke tailoring for your posterior. Aline’s clever plan is to unleash custom-made office chairs that cater to each user’s distinct shape and work environment as if they were creating a chair for royalty. No more slouching like a sack of potatoes at a dull family gathering – these chairs will invite movement while giving your back the support it deserves. Think of it as a chair that genuinely cares. If only relationships were that easy!
Imagine walking into your workplace, and instead of eyeing a dreary, generic chair, you see a throne, an ergonomic wonder that looks as if it were sculpted by da Vinci himself (if he were into office furniture). Each chair is unique, tailored with precision – this is personalization that goes beyond a choice between ‘smoked walnut’ or ‘rosewood’. It’s like a first date where someone actually remembers your favorite ice cream flavor – the ultimate treat!
Sustainable Comfort: Saving Back and Planet at the Same Time
And because Aline is no fool, she’s also thought about our beloved planet. Yes, an ergonomic chair that doesn’t just cradle your backside but is birthed from 100% upcycled materials! Talk about a win-win! “We wanted to develop a product that is not only ergonomically sound but also eco-friendly,” says Aline with the kind of enthusiasm that could probably power a small village. Partnering with 3D design experts OMD3D ensures that environmental friendly materials struck the perfect balance between comfort and strength, giving new meaning to the phrase ‘green sitting’!
The first model, aptly named Up ofte upward movement, is set to be unveiled on October 22, 2024, at the Ergonomics Congress. Mark your calendars, folks – this isn’t just any chair. It’s an invitation to a future sans backache, where sitting becomes an art form!
So, here’s to Aline and her revolutionary approach to our daily grind! Sure, many of us may not think much about our office chairs, but with Nozzle on the scene, it won’t be long before our rear ends are treated as the royalty they deserve to be. Let’s gear up for comfort, because this is one throne we won’t want to escape!