Designed by Niels Diffrient

Smart Ocean Stool

Simple, self-adjusting support. Smart Stool delivers weight-sensitive recline and streamlined comfort for elevated work settings.

Design Features

  • Sustainable materials

    Sustainable materials

    Made using NetPlus reclaimed fishing nets.
  • Form-Sensing mesh

    Form-Sensing mesh

    Automatically adapts to the sitter for responsive comfort.
  • Encourages movement

    Encourages movement

    Supports active sitting and flexible postures.
  • Effortless Ergonomic Support

    Effortless Ergonomic Support

    Delivers comfort without manual controls.
  • Designed for higher surfaces

    Designed for higher surfaces

    Ideal for sit-stand desks and elevated workstations.

Specifications

Variant

SKU

S133BN10AR13XFWSNSC

Casters

Multi-Surface Caster for Hard or Soft Floor

Warranty

15 Years; Fabric/Cushions/Arm Pads/Casters: 5 Years

Dimensions

Width

26.5 in

Depth

26 in

Overall Height

43.75 in - 51.25 in

Backrest Height

22.5 in.

Seat Depth

16.25 in - 18.75 in

Seat Height

20.75 in - 28.25 in

Weight

Overall Weight

34 lb

Weight Capacity

400 lb

Materials & Sustainability

  • Product Materials

    Smart Ocean is constructed using die-cast aluminum, steel, engineered polymers, contoured seat cushion, multi-layer Duron arm pads, and upholstery textile. Die-cast aluminum and steel form the structural frame and recline mechanism. Engineered polymers are used for components requiring flexibility and impact resistance. The back features patented Form Sensing tri-panel mesh that takes on the exact shape of the sitter's back, providing a personalized fit and maximum adaptability. Ocean plastic, including discarded fishing nets upcycled from ocean and coastal environments, is incorporated into select structural components.

  • Upcycled Ocean Plastic

    Select components in this product are made using up to 2 lbs of upcycled plastic from ocean and coastal environments, including discarded fishing nets. Each unit produced diverts material from marine ecosystems while delivering the same performance as virgin materials.

Who It's For

For people who want a more active way to sit, with a sustainability-first design.

  • Ideal for sit-stand desks and elevated workstations
  • Great for collaboration zones and flexible office layouts
  • A strong fit for teams who want sustainable seating that supports movement

Certifications & Testing
  • HPD
  • DECLARE® - Red List Approved
  • Living Product Challenge
  • CDPH
  • BIFMA LEVEL® - Level 3
  • SCS Indoor Advantage Gold
  • MID

Care, Maintenance & Longevity

  • Upholstery

    Care instructions vary depending on the selected upholstery. Vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and prevent dirt from working into the fibers. For spills, act quickly — blot liquids with an absorbent cloth before they set. Stains should be removed by gently dabbing with a lint-free cloth or sponge dampened with clean, warm water. If necessary, add a small amount of mild dish soap, then finish by dabbing with clean water. Avoid rubbing, as this may damage the textile surface. For wool textiles, professional dry cleaning is recommended for anything beyond surface stains. For detailed care instructions by upholstery type, refer to the Humanscale Care Guide.

  • Frame, Base & Components

    Clean metal and plastic components with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Dry thoroughly.

The chair has the ergonomic virtues of the best office seating but its slim lines and optional aluminum trim give it a less corporate look, making it a strong candidate for the growing numbers of people looking to improve [their] home workspace.

You'd never know that this sleek ergonomic office chair started its life in the sea.

The chair has a minimalistic look but when you look into it you understand how much technology and how much work was, put into this chair to make it look so elegant and at the same time to be comfortable.

Niels Diffrient designing on board while sitting on Humanscale Freedom Saddle Stool ring base

Design By Niels Diffrient (1928–2013)

Niels Diffrient was a pioneering industrial designer known for his human-centered approach and belief that design should be intuitive and effortless. Often called “the last of the mid-century modernists,” he focused on simplicity, allowing form to follow function in its purest sense. A Cranbrook Academy graduate alongside Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, Diffrient went on to shape some of the most iconic products of the 20th century. His work at Henry Dreyfuss Associates helped define modern industrial design, while his research into human factors redefined how products support the body. His partnership with Humanscale introduced a new standard in seating, creating designs that automatically adapt to the user. Diffrient’s legacy lives on in products that are simple, timeless, and designed to improve the human experience.
View Design Story