Achieving comfort during long-haul economy-class flights is a perpetual a goal of airlines. Of course, the challenge is that seated comfort must be achieved within highly space-efficient (AKA dense) economy cabin layouts.
An interesting idea to enhance comfort in existing economy-class and premium economy-class seating was revealed last year by the Tangerine design consultancy and Sabeti Wain Aerospace, a supplier of seat dress covers. Named Slouch, the concept was designed to support the body’s natural resting posture without requiring an increase in seat pitch or cabin footprint.
At the heart of the Slouch system is a mechanism fitted within the dress cover atop the seat (it will fit the majority of seat models). The seat occupant deploys an adjustment mechanism via controls positioned at either side of on the front of the seat cushion, which pulls forward a 3D sculpted section of the seatback membrane.
This extra sculpting provides additional support in the lower back area, reducing the need for passengers to slide forward and slouch in order to find a comfortable seated position. The system promotes a more supportive and relaxed posture and alleviates lower back strain.
The project partners have now further developed the original concept. The updated version, named Slouch 2.0, has several refinements in terms of user experience and styling.
The second-generation Slouch control mechanism is smoother and more intuitive for passengers to use (the crank mechanism of the prototype showed the potential of the design, but was a little clunky to deploy).
The dress cover design of Slouch 2.0, again developed with Sabeti Wain Aerospace, has been updated so its styling integrates better with contemporary seat programmes.
Slouch 2.0 is designed to work with both line‑fit and retrofit seating applications, enabling airlines and seat manufacturers to enhance passenger comfort without incurring the significant cost and disruption required in full seat replacement programmes.
In other comfort news from Tangerine, the studio has worked with Buzz, the Australia-based supplier of inflight amenities, to create new, simple to deploy comfort features for premium economy seating. Premium economy is the fastest-growing cabin segment, but while the seats and their pitch are both larger, many passengers still struggle to rest during long flights without a lie-flat seat.
Over a period of six months, the companies worked together to create a new vision for onboard comfort, based on four concepts.
- The cocooning blanketThis shaped blanket with cloud-inspired ‘pinsonic’ detailing wraps naturally around the body for enhanced rest.
- A sensory shut-out eye mask with integrated earbuds
A padded eye mask with sound-reducing earbuds built into the straps for easy access. The buds can also be removed and used independently. - Adjustable flat-roll neck pillow
A low-volume, ergonomic pillow that can be shaped into multiple supportive forms for better alignment than with traditional U-shaped pillows. - A foldout lumbar cushion
A flexible cushion that provides lower back and lateral support, and can adapt to shifting postures during long flights.
The concepts were developed during weekly video sessions, shared digital workspaces and iterative prototyping sessions.
To find out more about the work of the Tangerine strategic design consultancy, listen to the Aircraft Interiors Podcast featuring CEO, Martin Darbyshire.
