Work-chair with a giant no-distraction hood

Vitra's "Workbay" looks like my kind of chair. At first glance, it appears to have been designed for top-heavy aliens who have evolved giant brains that make them resemble lollipop-headed Blythe-doll uberman -- which is pretty darned cool. Then it becomes apparent that this chair will effectively shield you from visual and auditory distractions, so that you can buckle down in a truly obsessive, single-minded focused way in front of your screen, and that's even cooler.

Workbay protects its users visually and acoustically thanks to the shape of its high backrest. It opens the possibility for users to distance themselves, even in busy environments, so as to be able to concentrate better with fewer disruptions.

Workbay (via Core77)

I write books. My latest is a YA science fiction novel called Homeland (it's the sequel to Little Brother). More books: Rapture of the Nerds (a novel, with Charlie Stross); With a Little Help (short stories); and The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (novella and nonfic). I speak all over the place and I tweet and tumble, too.

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gabu

I use these, both at work and at home:

http://www.amazon.com/Peltor-H10A-Professional-Canceling-Earmuff/dp/B00009LI4K/

Peltor H10A Professional Noise Canceling Earmuffs. Looks like I’m at the firing range or mowing lawns for spare $s, but *man*, do they help me concentrate. Portable, lightweight, and cheap.

I also put anything that might cause me to open my browser, into the Trash Can/Recycling Bin. Makes it that much harder to twitter/facebook/google/gmail/ebay/etc/etc.

And of course, Dark Room — http://they.misled.us/dark-room — it’s gold, Jerry! GOLD!

xo
g
Anonymous

http://www.betterhaunts.com/hmfaq/doombuggies.jpg
El Mariachi

If you have a proper office you don’t need it, and if you’re in a cube farm or “open office plan” you probably wouldn’t be allowed it.
sammich

one portable solution = the snorkel parka
AnimalG

The problem is that most of my distractions are ON my screen.
drtwist

for those with more on-the-go lifestyles try this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Laptop-Compubody-Sock/
Takuan

I’ll have big paper teeth and googly eyes taped on it within thirty seconds of arriving in the office.
libelle

Don’t they have these in the Haunted Mansion?
Anonymous

Finally! A Chair that fits my Lifestyle!
-Dark Helmet
Noelegy

But will it stop people from coming up and tapping your shoulder while you’re wearing headphones?
flosofl

Does it come with a white long-hair cat and a hidden lair in a volcano?
EvilTerran

Reminds me of Catbert’s patented Head Cubicle.
Takuan

I shall market old-fashion style “can” type headphones that have touch sensors that release spring-loaded, razor sharp spikes outwards when that eventuality occurs.
arkizzle

DrTwist, from the comments of your link:

olivier94austinsays:
“”lol great for PORN!!!!”"

Correct.
nigelstwin

There’s no control pad with which to open the trap doors above the alligator pit.

Fail.
Takuan

why did they ever quit making them?
http://www.spminiatures.com/bespaq4205bsbmhhoodedporterchair.jpg
Anonymous

This works especially well if you are bald, stroke a white cat while working, and are plotting world domination.
klg19

It seems to assume that people work in cubicle farms or large open spaces. For those of us with walls and a door, it’s less of an issue.

But I agree with the first comment–my distractions are all screen-based.
lukus

It looks like something a Segway user would enjoy.
bensbrowning

I can’t help but think it would be better with speakers built in to the cowl… That way you could mask what noise DOES come in and have immersive sound for the seated without unduly bothering neighbors.

Such a step would help gamers like me who stay up late and have SOs that don’t ;)
gabu

How about a dialog that comes up whenever you open your browser or a new tab or window in your browser, that just says, “Really?”
Anonymous

I guess people realised just how useful Napoleon’s famous cursed hooded chair was.
SLL1065

“The Cone of Silence” is one step closer to becoming a reality.
buddy66

But you can’t see them sneaking up on you.

My cat lives like this, not me.
Earle Martin

I still want the Eero Aarnio Ball Chair (AKA “Number 2′s chair” from “The Prisoner”). Now a snip at only $1,499!

http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Chair-Eero-Aarnio-1966/dp/B001129VQU
Takuan

cctv in back, flip down LCD monitor from top. “I expect you to die, Mr.Bond!”
Thomas_Chippendale

Responding to Takuan in #15, They didn’t :-)

http://profiles.designcentersearch.com/www/item_details.php?itemID=54967&refpid=SF
Anonymous

Looks like an awesome way to hide your nap at work.