Equitable Design Solutions: Adjustable Backrest Attachment for Lab Stools

The Adjustable Backrest Attachment is designed to improve comfort and ergonomics for users of standard lab stools. By incorporating an adjustable height range of 4”–6”, the backrest provides essential lumbar support while accommodating different users’ needs. The stool mount ensures stability and durability, featuring thigh support, a rigid base for structure, and foam padding to distribute weight evenly and reduce tailbone pressure. The clamp mechanism allows for secure attachment while maintaining easy adjustability with minimal effort. Designed with cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of manufacturing in mind, this attachment is a practical solution for improving posture and comfort in lab environments. User feedback through interviews and testing will be incorporated to refine the design and enhance usability.

Background

Standard lab stools often lack proper back support, leading to discomfort and poor posture for students and researchers during extended work sessions. Many users have expressed a need for better ergonomics, cushioning, and adjustability in existing lab seating. Our adjustable backrest attachment aims to solve this issue by providing a comfortable, sturdy, and cost-effective solution that can be easily mounted to existing lab stools.

Goal and Objectives

Our goal is to design and develop an adjustable backrest attachment that improves ergonomics and user comfort while being easy to install and manufacture.

• Winter 2025: Develop the first prototype and refine the design based on feedback.

Spring 2025: Complete manufacturing and testing of the final prototype, preparing for potential real-world implementation.

More Information

The backrest attachment features:

• Adjustability: Height range of 4”-6” for different user preferences.
• Ergonomic Design: Supports lumbar curvature and relieves lower back strain.
• Durable Construction: Sturdy stool mount with thigh support, foam padding for comfort, and a secure clamp mechanism.

User-Centered Approach: Feedback from user interviews and real-world testing will guide design refinements.

Team Contacts

Sabrina Contreras (sabriec1@uci.edu)

Reef Borja (rcborja@uci.edu)

Ryan Tran (tranr6@uci.edu)

Hollywood Mansouri (mamanso1@uci.edu)

Hathaway Mardriaga (madriagm@uci.edu)

Sponsor/Advisor

Professor Natascha Buswell (nbuswell@uci.edu)