Stannah Sofia and Solus

Stannah Stairlifts products are 'lifesavers' for people who have experienced a loss of mobility, whether through age, illness or surgery. Understandably, they are therefore usually perceived as 'distress purchases'. So Stannah asked Seymourpowell for a product design that would present the stair lift as contemporary and attractive, whilst improving the lives of its users.

Challenge
Many potential stair lift users are upset and in denial about their condition, so the emotional component of what is otherwise a largely functional device must not be overlooked. The product innovation strategy therefore lies in avoiding an association between the stair lift and a sense of declining health.

In today's market, a growing number of older people have disposable income and are design-conscious, so the industrial design needed to consider all the functional and styling elements, whilst also promoting a sense of dignity amongst users.

Response
Extensive ethnographic research by Seymourpowell Foresight, the consultancy's research department, included filming and interviewing users of traditional stair lift chairs and the professionals who recommend them. It became clear that stair lifts are perceived as obtrusive and unattractive, if still preferable to moving house or abandoning use of half the home.

The product innovation was a modular system with two models, Sofia and Solus, both styled to complement typical household products, with soft lines and tactile materials. Uniquely amongst stair lifts, the products feature familiar domestic fabrics such as premium leather, woven materials and modern vinyl.

Core to the chairs is a new type of simple control on the right hand arm, which can be removed to disable the chair (to stop grandchildren playing on it, for example) and which becomes a remote control for summoning the chair. Functionally, the designs include adjustable arms with 'grab' handles, improved ergonomics, easier, more powerful controls and a one-step fold away mechanism.

Result
As well as improved safety and functionality, the mould-breaking aesthetic considerations offered an unrivalled flexibility to personalise the products, in turn opening up better promotional possibilities for Stannah.

The client says...

'The final product designs are revolutionary to the market and we are proud to be at the forefront of pioneering developments within the stair lift 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.' - Jon Stannah