Sofia Sofia and Solus 2005

Stannah Stairlifts – whose products are lifesavers for people who experience loss of mobility, whether through age, illness or temporary conditions such as hip surgery – asked us to look into a new generation stairlift system that would re-position the stairlift away from a stigmatised, institutional 'distress purchase' and create a more contemporary product, that fits with how people live today.

Not a mean feat.
Many would-be users of stairlifts are in denial about their often-deteriorating condition, so the emotional component of what could otherwise be seen as a strictly functional device is gigantic.

If a single phrase encapsulates what Seymourpowell stands for, it is that design can and should make things better for people. The stairlift system we devised with Stannah is a perfect embodiment of that: a product which improves the quality of people's lives in terms of comfort, ease of use, security, aesthetic appeal – and dignity.

"The final product designs are revolutionary to the market and we are proud to be at the forefront of pioneering developments within the stairlift industry. It is our belief that the new designs will enable customers to continue to maintain their independence whilst enjoying a greater degree of choice, raised aesthetics standards and safety features. The more contemporary product designs will also help breakdown the stigma that is so often associated with purchasing a stairlift"
Jon Stannah

The importance of research:
Extensive research by SeymourpowellForesight at the front end of the project led to major insights, which informed the project brief. The team began the project by filming and interviewing users of traditional stairlift chairs (looking at both articulated AND unarticulated needs), as well as the (mainly local authority) professionals who recommend them.

Their reports concluded: 'The stark truth is that the product carries a central message of decline. Aesthetic perceptions are that stairlifts are obtrusive and unattractive. However, the purchase is still seen as being preferable to having to move home or stop using half of one's home through being unable to negotiate stairs. In today's market, a growing number of older people both have more money and are more design-conscious, creating the opportunity to sell positive benefits rather than simply need-based essentials. 'The chair' is central to domestic visual culture; when in sitting position the products should fit visually within people's perceptions of a seat.'

The design solution was to create a modular stairlift system with two models: Stannah Solus and Stannah Sofia, which were far more akin to other household products than previous models on the market. Both are more 'domestic-looking' in terms of softer lines, tactile materials and integrated design. Both uniquely use familiar and soft fabrics from genuine premium leather to soft woven materials to modern vinyl fabric and come in fresher, more modern colours than the norm, leading to greater product acceptability and better promotional possibilities for Stannah.

What did the design make better?
Both seats are designed upon principles of being completely tailored to the individual (unlike any competitor seats), with:
- unique adjustable arms with 'grab' handles for mounting and dismounting, better support and comfort
- overall improved comfort and ergonomics
- seat to footrest height adjustment
- broad choice of fabrics that add value and involve the consumer
- easy one-step folding away (including the seat, armrest and footrest)

Improved functionality and safety are paramount, with new features including
- simple ergonomic controls in a single new control 'pod' containing the key, the on/off switch and directional controls
- specially-designed and patented seatbelts, which are positioned directly in front of users, making them easy to reach and fasten with one hand, instead of users having to reach back to use a traditional 'car model' seatbelt
- new seat load sensor so that the lift cannot accidentally move until user is safely in chair