Diffrient World Chair by Humanscale
designed by Niels Diffrient

Diffrient World marks Humanscale’s first foray into all-mesh task seating. Like its mesh-backed forerunner, Liberty, Diffrient World’s tri-panel backrest hugs the body to provide tailor-made lumbar support, while its mesh seat eliminates contact stress under the thighs. But Diffrient World’s major innovation is its mechanism-free recline action, which leverages two parts of the chair’s frame, the user’s body weight, and the laws of physics to provide automatic and balanced support throughout the full range of recline. No chair is more intuitive, creating the ultimate user-friendly sitting experience.

Body Fit

• Size adjustable to fit more than 95% of the population

Self-Adjusting Recline

• Intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism automatically provides the right amount of support through the full range of recline motion, regardless of user size and weight
• No tension springs to adjust
• No recline locks to set/release
• During recline, the angle between torso and legs opens up for better body function
• User maintains near-constant eye level during recline
• 17 degree recline

Pivoting Backrest

• Extra motion of the backrest during recline automatically adjusts to the changing needs of the spine
• Provides additional lumbar support as needed
• 8 degree backrest tilt

Armrest Options

• Fixed Armrests
• Height Adjustable Armrests with 5 inches of movement

Form-Sensing Mesh

• Made specifically for our tri-panel, mesh-backed chairs, Monofilament Stripe fabrics have an elastic composition that achieves strength through its distinctive weave structure to provide unmatched support. Its classic stripe pattern is available in various striking colors.
• Tri-panel, non-stretch mesh construction creates body-fitting contours and self-adjusting lumbar support for a customized fit
• No external lumbar devices to adjust, break or lose
• Low-abrasion mesh protects clothing
• Modular for easy replacement

Non-Stretch Seat

• Designed with a four-way stretch, Corde 4 fabrics provide sitters with ultimate comfort as they adjust positions. Its intricate weave structure, dimensional surface and wide array of neutral and vibrant shades are visually appealing and engaging to the touch.
• Fourtis fabrics are four-way stretch fabrics that easily conforms to our cushions for the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. While still adjustable, its satin crepe weave structure is highly durable and creates a strong, high-performance fabric.
• Automatically sculpts to match body contours
• Frameless front edge eliminates contact stress under the thighs

Casters

• Casters for Carpet
• Casters for Hard Floors (hardwood, tile, laminate, stone, etc.)

Cushion Pan, Back Frame, Five-Arm Base

• Non-stretch, tri-panel mesh back. Non-stretch mesh seat

External Frame

• Injection-molded, structural, integral color glass-filled Nylon 6

Dimensions & Measurements

Product Brochure

Diffrient World Chair Product Brochure

Product Options

For any custom options below, call or chat with a product specialist to build.

Back Fabric Color

• Monofilament Stripe Mesh
• Silver Check Mesh - Custom
• Pinstripe Mesh - Custom
• Dash Mesh - Custom
• Catena - Custom

Seat Fabric Color

• Corde 4 Fabrics
• Fourtis Fabrics
• Sensuede Fabrics - Custom
• Ginkgo Fabrics - Custom
• Pinstripe Fabrics - Custom
• Dash Fabrics - Custom
• Lotus Fabrics - Custom
• Catena Fabrics - Custom

Frame Color

• Black
• White
• Grey

Arm Adjustability

• No Arms
• Fixed Arms
• Adjustable Arms
• Fixed Arms with Matching Textiles - Custom
• Adjustable Arms with Matching Textiles - Custom

Casters

• Casters for Carpet (Standard Hard Casters)
• Casters for Hard Floors (Soft Casters)
• Non Rolling Glides for Fixed Location use (Glides) - Custom

Cylinder Height

• Standard 5 inch cylinder
• Low 3.75 inch cylinder (for users under 5 feet tall) - Custom
• Tall 3 inch cylinder (for users over 6 feet 4 inches tall) - Custom
• Height 8 inch cylinder with 18 inch Foot Ring - Custom
• Height 8 inch cylinder with 21 inch Foot Ring - Custom
• Extra-high 10 inch cylinder with 18 inch Foot Ring - Custom
• Extra-high 10 inch cylinder with 21 inch Foot Ring - Custom

Fireproofing

• Standard Plastics and Foams
• CAL133 Label Applied to Underside of Chair - Custom

PRODUCT DESIGN STORY

“If every chair was made the way the World Chair was, we would cut in half all the material used for task chairs.”
— Niels Diffrient, Designer

Drawing inspiration from the three dimensional approach tailors take when creating men’s suits, Niels Diffrient wanted to build a minimal mesh task chair with a back that automatically fits the user. He collaborated with textile designer Elizabeth Whelan to create a flexible but strong non-stretch mesh, so the backrest would take on the shape of the sitter. He also wanted World to be minimal but highly functional, so he worked to eliminate tension mechanisms, knobs and adjustment levers. The result is a task chair that is simple but beautiful, supporting each user instantly and changing the way people sit.

OFFICIAL HUMANSCALE RETAILER

We're an authorized Humanscale retailer. This means we're official. We sell new factory-direct items complete with Humanscale's own warranty. You can purchase confidently from Office Designs knowing you'll be receiving genuine Humanscale product.

BRAND STORY

Humanscale is the premier designer and manufacturer of ergonomic products that improve health and comfort at work. Our award-winning office solutions - including self adjusting seating, sit / stand desks, monitor arms and task lighting - inspire movement and support the user in their every posture.
Humanscale's Design Studio, based in New York City, abides by the philosophy that good design achieves more with less. We regularly partner with esteemed industrial designers and are known for our history of collaboration with the iconic designer Niels Diffrient. Our innovations have been honored with more than 200 prestigious awards since 2007 and featured in various museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art.
Sustainability of both design and materials is at the heart of what we do, and we solve functional problems as simply and elegantly as possible while consuming less of the Earth’s limited resources.

Adjustment Instructions

Diffrient World Chair Adjustment Instructions

Humanscale Warranty

Care Instructions