Fact: A pound of potato chips costs 200 times more than a pound of potatoes.
Fact: Americans consume 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips a year.
Legend has it that the potato chips’ origin in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1853 was a response to a dissatisfied customer’s request for extra thin, crispy French Fries. It is an incidental fact that my home state of Pennsylvania is known as the Potato Chip Capital of the World. Ten local companies make it the leading producer of this tasty treat.
Seemingly, potato chips have nothing to do with design, right? Wrong. Potato chips, soft drinks, fast food and an easy abundance of all types of edibles impact our lifestyles. Generous portions along with “fun foods” have created a more generously-size population. Medical conditions may add to the weight problem. And (fact) that’s where the design challenge presents itself.
Today it’s not uncommon to hear of chair backs breaking off or legs cracking – occurrences which were rare 50 years ago. Funeral directors acknowledge that their furniture is over-stressed by the increased size of their guests.
Seating FACTS:
• Seating is generally designed to accommodate a 5’ 10”, 275 pound adult.
• Inexpensive seating found in discount stores or on-line may only hold 200 pounds.
• There may be disclaimers on furniture regarding weight allowances.
• Arms on chairs provide support to assist with sitting and standing.
• Bariatric seating widths vary from 24” to 30”.
• Bariatric chairs are suggested for weights over 350 pounds.
• Benches or small settees may fail under higher weight loads.
Just as overloading a car with cement blocks can result in a broken suspension, too much weight on chairs or sofas will break the frames and damage the spring system. Excess weight causes furniture “failures” – an unwanted result of not making the best purchases.
Good design and thoughtful seating selections accommodate all visitors. Generously-sized people struggle to maintain a sense of independence and dignity. Welcome them to use a “grandmother chair” – so named because a grandmother might sit comfortably in the wider seat with a “little one” beside her.
Always select chair styles based on design, balance, comfort and safety. Arm chairs with casters, counter-height chairs, specialty bariatric chairs – what’s comfortable and what’s safe?
• Traditional upholstered arm chairs come in standard seat widths of 19 – 24”. These can come in a variety of firmness. Choose most firm for comfort and durability.
• Chairs with two casters move easily. Caution is needed when selecting ones with four casters. They might “skitter” away – resulting in a fall. (Senior living centers choose two caster models for that reason.)
• The very popular counter-height chairs are easy to slide into but may alter the center of gravity. Counter-height chairs should be “weighted” or heavy enough to prevent balance issues and tip-overs especially for those with weight concerns.
• The safest choice to accommodate fuller figures is a Bariatric chair. The wider seat and extra-sturdy base provide comfort and ample support for an active weight load.
Getting back to the facts on potato chips – you likely noticed the cost disparity. Isn’t it interesting that consumers find greater value and will pay the increased cost of this enhanced product?
The correlation is that changes made to accommodate all of your guests will generate increased business but most especially, increased good will.
TRUE STORY: A few years ago a friend’s family selected a funeral home based – not on funeral director expertise, not on funeral cost and not on location, but on comfort of seating. Her large family decided against using the same funeral home because they had sunk into the same uncomfortable furniture for 15 years. Despite the increased cost and long-standing business relationship, they made a change. They found an enhanced product and were willing to pay for it.
No matter the culprit – potato chips or something else, Americans are getting bigger and public facilities must be able to accommodate them or lose the business. If the question is “How do we make them feel welcomed?” The answer is “Sturdy and comfortable seating.”
Now excuse me while I grab a bag of Fritos.