An interactive footrest designed to enhance the quality and comfort of sitting at a work desk environment by encouraging “dynamic sitting” and fidgeting to improve physical and mental health.

1. BENEFOOT
Designed by Ruth Weng
rweng.myportfolio.com
ruthweng99@gmail.com

2. BENEFOOT
An interactive footrest designed to enhance
the quality and comfort of sitting at a workdesk
environment by encouraging “dynamic sitting” and
fidgeting to improve physical and mental health.

3. Problem
Many people in the current age sit at a desk for several hours a day, and
this sedentary lifestyle is more harmful than people think. Studies say that
there are many health concerns of sitting for too long and from lack of
exercise, including lack of blood circulation in the legs, high blood pressure,
and more. A new study finds that sitting still is linked to a higher risk of
depression among teens. A study with 10, 381 participants done by the
SUN cohort, associated a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity
with a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder.
Opportunity
Recently, people have been working remotely now more than ever before.
According to an article, 51% of employed Americans have transitioned to
working from home during the pandemic. A vast amount of people are now
forced to provide and receive education remotely. I believe that individuals
of all ages will need to have some “joy” and “energy” sparkled in their
workplaces to help with their productivity and concentration.
Objective
This project will aim to explore different methods to encourage fitness
movements and fidgeting at a desk to improve physical and mental health,
by creating a portable interactive object that is convenient to use, and is
suitable for a workplace environment. The goal is to create a modern design
that encourages activeness under the desk, allowing users to fidget and
relieve stress. The aesthetics should be suitable for an indoor environment,
and it will be designed with a more sustainable and universtal approach
with core valuesin mind.
“Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.”
- Charles Eames, furniture designer.

4. ROCK FIDGET MASSAGE

5. Rock. Fidget.
User becomes stressed and restless because of a deadline coming up so they flip
over to the other side to fidget with the massage rollers. By pressing and rolling
their foot on the bumps of the wheels. pressure is applied on reflex points under
the feet which helps promote blood circulation, and relaxation in the body.
The user rests both feet on the BeneFoot’s edge tilting it to a comfortable
angle, gently rocking back and forth. The rocking motion is associated with
relaxation, which helps stressed users to ease their mind and spirit in the work
space. The ankle movement also promotes flexibilityand resilience in the ankles.

6. Massage.
Time flies by and the user’s body including the leg muscles become
stiff.The massage roller can be easily removed from the BeneFoot to
use separately by pushing in and twisting the handle to lock the spring
mechanism that holds it tight in place.
Sphere rollers can be used activiely on it’s own and roll freely on the BeneFoot
under the control (or out of control) of the user.

7. Personalization
8 deep roller bumps to target
specific areas of the feet
Remove handle cap with a twist to
access the rollers.
The customizable fidgeting rollers spin loosely so that users can selectively
use the roller of their choice to target different areas of the feet. The three
different types of rollers provides a range of intensity of massage experience.
Personalization encourages users to form an emotional relationship with the
object and cherish it timelessly.
13 shallow roller bumps for an easy
massage experience
A sphere roller targets trigger points
under the feet in all directions.

8. Display.
Birch
Birch trees grow in abundance
all over North America, and
has little impact on our global
environment. The natural light
colour brings out a soft and
welcoming feeling.
Charcoal Linoleum
Forbo’s furniture marmoleum
is scratch resistant and easy
to clean and maintain. It’s
simple and elegant texture
suits well with any work
space environment.
Walnut
Brings a warm touch and
sophisticated aesthetic to
the design. It’s earthy colour
is a great contrast between
the linoleum and the birch.

9. BENEFOOT

10. BENEFOOT
Ruth Weng