Cove is a conceptual family of chairs designed to provide support and comfort to chemotherapy patients. Featuring customizable elements such as privacy panels, lighting, temperature control, and reclining, Cove ensures a tailored experience to each patient's unique needs. Additionally, Cove offers a companion seat model that allows a support person to sit comfortably alongside the patient during treatment sessions. Inspired by loved ones going through chemotherapy, a team of diverse designers worked together to redefine the perception of treatment chairs. Drawing inspiration from the forms, colors, and finishes commonly found in upscale home furnishings and premium airplane cabins, Cove sets a new standard for comfort and aesthetics in medical seating.

Design Innovation:

At the onset of this project, the design team set out to identify design opportunities through a rigorous combination of desktop research, stakeholder interviews, concept development, and feedback loops to inform refinement. During this exploration, the team recognized that existing treatment chairs serve various healthcare settings, such as maternity wards, standard hospital rooms, dialysis, etc. This universal design approach poses a significant challenge in adequately addressing stakeholders' specific needs and preferences in chemotherapy care. The overarching theme from their research was that patients craved the ability to have more ownership over their environment. To help empower users, the team developed a suite of thoughtful design features, including:

· Rotating privacy panels

· Rotating work surface

· Adjustable reading lights

· Adjustable work lamp

· Temperature control (heating and cooling)

· Storage for personal possessions

· Personal charging ports

· Independent reclining head and footrests

Additionally, the support person experience can often be an afterthought. For example, we heard the support person is sometimes given a folding chair to sit on while they accompany their loved ones for infusions lasting several hours, leaving a support person in discomfort can make patients feel guilty for asking for the support they need. To create a comfortable and engaging solution, the team looked to bring the patient and support person together through the design details listed below.

· Integrated seat alongside the patient

· Shared worksurface

· Temperature control (heating and cooling)

· Storage for personal possessions

· Personal charging ports

· Adjustable footrest

Proposed Benefit to the User:

While Cove was created to evoke a sense of home and empower patients and their support persons to personalize their experience, it's also designed with oncology nurses in mind. Cove includes a button interface on the rear side of the left armrest reserved for nurse-centric functions, including locking/unlocking casters, emergency recline (for CPR), and raising/lowering the chair. In addition, there is also a release hatch on the rear of the right armrest and hinges embedded in the privacy panels so these elements can be moved out of the way, providing nurses with full access to the patient. Research also highlighted the importance of sanitizing and cleaning these chairs between patient visits. In response, the team thoughtfully considered surfacing the cushions and high touch point areas so they're easily wipeable. This need was also considered when making material selections including, leather- grained medical grade silicone, liquid- resistant woven fabric, and solid surfaces wrapped in wood grain.

Proposed Benefits to Society:

The Cove line of chairs is designed with deep consideration for social, cultural, and environmental factors, recognizing the diverse needs and backgrounds of chemotherapy patients, their support persons, and oncology nurses. Understanding the wide range of physical capabilities within these user groups, Cove aims to provide not just comfort, but also utility and empowerment throughout the chemotherapy experience.

One of Cove's key principles is accessibility. The design team has carefully incorporated ergonomic principles, visual cues, feature sets, and control interfaces that cater to all user groups and levels of ability. By ensuring that the chairs are intuitive and easy to use for everyone, Cove aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment in chemotherapy clinics.

Additionally, Cove's design includes consistent interfaces and repetitive visual elements, which help reduce cognitive load and create a sense of familiarity for users. This approach not only reduces unnecessary stress but also minimizes physical strain, making the chemotherapy experience more comfortable and manageable for patients, support persons, and nurses alike.

Designed with a dual focus on sustainability and hygiene, Cove chairs use durable materials that can withstand frequent cleaning without compromising structural integrity, reducing the need for intermittent replacements. Cove chairs set a new standard for medical seating that prioritizes both patient comfort and environmental responsibility.

Appropriate Aesthetics:

Through form and finishes, we looked to challenge the utilitarian aesthetic currently applied to treatment chairs. We heard from patients that they desired a less clinical experience. One patient even commented that they dreaded going to their infusions even though it was supposed to benefit them, 'if it's truly a therapy then why can't the experience reflect other types of therapies I may opt into at a spa?' As a result, we drew inspiration from consumer-facing markets including home furnishings and first-class air cabins.

These elements can be seen in the lifted stance of the chair, pushing it away from the monolithic forms of a standard recliner. The privacy panels with integrated reading lights reflect first-class travel and high-end lobby furnishings. The work surface lamp and pleated cushions bring in a touch of home while also being easy to wipe clean. The wrapping forms of the head and armrests create a sense of being embraced while also feeling robust and trustworthy.

Aside from form, we used carefully considered colors and finishes to bring this collection to life. Natural cool tones are paired with a light wood finish to create a balanced sense of warmth and calmness.

We also looked to create visual interest through contrasting fabric choices. High-contact areas like the seat cushions are shrouded in soft and supple medical-grade silicone while the headrest is paired with a woven fabric. As a result, the various elements strike a balance between professional and approachable.