ovi

OVi

Reimagining Long-Haul Economy Class Through Multi-Position Seating

OVi is a reimagined airplane seat that introduces a leaning posture to improve passenger comfort on long-haul economy flights — without requiring any changes to cabin layout or seat pitch. Rather than keeping passengers in a rigid seated position for hours, OVi allows users to switch between sitting and standing-leaning, relieving spinal pressure and improving circulation. It folds up when not in use, opening space in the aisle and making entry and exit easier.

OVi is a reimagined airplane seat that introduces a leaning posture to improve passenger comfort on long-haul economy flights — without requiring any changes to cabin layout or seat pitch.

Role:

Industrial Designer

Duration:

4 Months

Type:

Personal Project

Context

Current economy-class airplane seats prioritize passenger capacity making them uncomfortable for most travelers and miserable for those with back pain or injuries.

Problem Statement

With 619 million people globally affected by low back pain in 2020, the lack of proper lumbar support and adjustability is a serious issue, especially on long-haul international flights.

Pain Points

No Movement

Passengers are only to sit in the small seats for long duration of time

Unable to Strtech

There is not designated space for stretching and just standing

Awkward to Ask

Passenger in the middle and window seat find it hard to ask people to get up and let them get out.

Objectives

To explore the challenges of lower back pain in the context of air travel, investigating how seating design and posture management can improve comfort within the spatial constraints of an airplane.

Mood Board

Ideation

During the early stages of exploration, I investigated a range of strategies to enhance ergonomic support, focusing specifically on improving lower back comfort during prolonged sitting.

Exploration

One of the key moments of inspiration came while I was waiting for a bus and noticed a leaning bench at the stop. Unlike a typical seat, it allowed people to rest at an angle—offering relief without occupying the space of a full chair. That observation sparked a question: what if airplane passengers could benefit from a similar alternative posture—one that saves space but still provides meaningful support?

Ergonomic Study

To refine the ergonomic comfort of the project, I developed a series of full-scale seat cushion prototypes using CNC-milled foam. This approach allowed for precise shaping of various foam densities and contours, enabling rapid iteration and testing.

Physical Testing

I then invited participants to evaluate these prototypes, providing feedback on comfort and support. Their insights guided the selection of the most effective design, ensuring that the final cushion offers optimal ergonomic support within the spatial constraints of economy-class seating.

OVi

Reimagining Long-Haul Economy Class Through Multi-Position Seating

Demo Video

Multi-Positional Seating

The seat itself folds up into a leaning configuration, allowing passengers to take a short break from sitting by standing and leaning comfortably. This posture encourages light movement, helps stretch the legs, and promotes healthier blood circulation—an essential benefit during long-haul flights where prolonged sitting can lead to stiffness and fatigue.

Easy Access

Another clear advantage of the fold-up seat design is improved accessibility. When not in use, the seats retract to create more open space, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit their rows—especially during boarding and landing.

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