ABOUT

“If technology doesn’t revolve around us, how advanced can it be?”

-Thomas Stroman, Founder

Like the adage "necessity is the mother of all inventions", Stroman Design began developing its line of ergonomic products after the studio's founder, Thomas Stroman, endured a severe back injury, surgery, and lengthy rehabilitation. This life-changing and deeply personal experience played a critical role in highlighting the need for a new approach to ergonomic design that prioritizes the body - not technology. 

The studio's main ergonomic focus has been to free the user from the constraints of a fixed seated posture that, despite being described as “ergonomic”, has prioritized technology at the expense of increased spinal compression, muscle fatigue, tech neck, and poor circulation. The studio prides itself on having developed products that offer not only the widest range of healthier yet task-effective postures, but products that can also increase movement throughout the day.

The studio's initial design development produced the CHOTTO ( chair + ottoman ) - a recumbent task seating design. This was soon followed by the TASK TRAY - a portable and rotationally adjustable ergonomic desk, and ultimately the TASKY TRAY's complimentary  WALLSTATION - a micro-footprint, wall-mounted, height-adjustable, display-enabled, and power-enabled ergonomic workstation that was designed exclusively for the TASK TRAY.

The CHOTTO®

The CHOTTO, first introduced at the 2016 ICFF in New York City, is designed to reduce stress by reducing the spinal compression, muscle fatigue, and poor circulation that develop when sitting upright in technology-adaptive postures. To achieve this, the CHOTTO features a unique weight-displacing neutral recumbent seating posture and an entirely flexible, pre-tensioned, and cushioned seating surface that dynamically adapts to each occupant’s weight, shape, and movement.  These elements work together to leverage the gravitational force acting on the body with subtle but targeted resistance. 

A pivoting and telescopically-adjustable headrest that can be micro-adjusted to any number of 98 unique positions provides precise head and neck support.  A freely rotating tray has been integrated to provide an work surface for any number of user-defined functions. This same tray has been integrated within rear support brackets as part of the ongoing development of the pivoting display interface / standing desk ( PDI ).  

The pivoting display interface is based on design research that favors a dynamic display that literally revolves around the seated, tension-free and fully supported user.  If paired with a laptop, the PDI can also be used as a dual-screen interface in both a seated or standing posture. 

In 2018, the CHOTTO received international recognition with an A’Design Award within the Furniture, Decorative Items, and Homeware category.          

The CHOTTO is covered by US Patent. No. 11039690, No. 10617214, No. 10123624, No. D754451.

The TASK TRAY® & WALLSTATION®

The TASK TRAY, first introduced at the 2018 ICFF, is a portable, micro-footprint, and rotationally adjustable ergonomic desk that is designed to prioritize and move with the body throughout any resting, recumbent, reclining, sitting, or standing posture. It is equipped with two patented, side-mounted, quick-release, and self-locking mechanisms that allow its work surface to be rotationally adjusted throughout a wide, 150˚, rotational range of motion. 

The TASK TRAY’s portability allows it to be placed on any surface or docked within the wall-mounted and space-saving WALLSTATION workstation.  The WALLSTATION, first introduced in 2021, is comprised of three Elfa® compatible assemblies: ( 1 ) a 3-in-1 VESA Display Assembly, ( 2 ) a Docking Shelf Assembly, and ( 3 ) a 8-Outlet Power Supply Assembly.  The Elfa products displayed include: ( 1 ) 26” Hang Track, ( 2 ) 60” Standards, ( 2 ) Pegboards, and ( 2 ) Standard Clips. Elfa brand supports and accessories are conveniently available exclusively though The Container Store.

The TASK TRAY promotes healthy movement by providing support for an unprecedented range of postures that grant technology-dependent consumers the freedom to determine where, when and most importantly, how they want to work.     

The TASK TRAY is covered by US Patent. No. 11,213,134.