Designed by Niels Diffrient

World Task Stool - Fully Upholstered

Minimal design. Full performance, elevated. World Stool combines lightweight materials with weight-sensitive recline for simple, adaptable support.

Specifications

Variant

SKU

W31BAUTAU10WSNSC

Seat Textile Type

Fabric

Seat Textile Style

Autumn

Seat Textile Code

0101

Back Textile Type

Fabric

Arm Style

Adjustable Height Arms

Frame Color

Black

Casters

Multi-Surface Caster for Hard or Soft Floor

Warranty

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

Dimensions

Width

654 mm

Depth

635 mm

Overall Height

968 mm - 1158 mm

Backrest Height

22.5 in.

Seat Depth

409 mm - 470 mm

Seat Height

460 mm - 650 mm

Weight

Overall Weight

11.8 kg

Weight Capacity

181.4 kg


Materials & Sustainability

  • Product Materials

    World 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 fabric that takes on the exact shape of the sitter's back, providing a personalized fit and maximum adaptability.


Who It's For

For people who want ergonomic support without the office chair look.

- Ideal for home offices in living spaces and multi-use rooms

- Great for hybrid workers who want comfort with a softer aesthetic

- A strong fit for anyone who wants ergonomic support that blends into home interiors


Certifications & Testing

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

Care, Maintenance & Longevity

  • Upholstery

    Vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, wipe down with a damp cloth — no soap required for routine maintenance. For stubborn marks, a small amount of mild soap solution can be applied and wiped clean with a damp cloth. Allow to dry fully before use.

  • Frame, Base & Components

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

Felt like the chair was protecting us from some of the more insidious side effects of sitting down.

Conforms to your back while weight-sensitive recline adjusts automatically - but barely noticeably - with each movement.

Blends an industrial minimalist design with a slew of feel-good features.

A perfect score for seat comfort and backrest comfort, and we were impressed to note that its 'tri-panel backrest' also provided exceptional lumber support.

A very comfortable chair.

The Humanscale Diffrient World chair has produced a seat that's brimming with effortless ergonomic comfort all contained in a sleek design that adds a touch of modernity to a workspace.

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
4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 7 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 3 Total 4 star reviews: 3 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
7 reviews
  • Sofia N.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Chose the fabric back stool

    Chose the fabric back stool for our executive desks because it felt more refined. Very comfortable for long days and collaboartive work where you're twisting around a lot

  • Mateo C.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    I've had the task

    I’ve had the task chair version for years and decided to add the stool for my standing desk. Same quality, same smooth recline. Fabric back hasn’t shown any wear and still looks sharp.

  • Adrian J.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Very good stool

    Overall very good stool, but I think the seat itself is really lacking in a few layers of padding.

  • Cameron W.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    Wanted to like it

    I wanted to like it... but this one just doesn't do it for me. Proportions of the stool feel awkward, I much prefer my Freedom chair

  • Enzo R.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Chairs are silent when people shift during meetings

    I like that the chairs are silent when people shift during meetings. It’s a small detail but noticeable. Packaging was thoughtful and minimal. Would purchase again.