Has anyone ever heard of ball transfer units? I doubt it. The name alone doesn't spring an accurate image of this component. It is a metal ball which rotates within a case which may have a flange to put screws through to attach it onto another object or it may have a threaded screw which only needs to be turned and tightened by someone. Anyway, there are many variations of this component and they can bear heavy loads (measured in kilograms), but the heavy duty ones can take bear up to around 2000 kilograms! Amazing, right?

Here's the web address of the main manufacturers for the component - http://www.omnitrack.co.uk/index.html

I've had a look around for images of ballpoint or ball bearing chairs but it seems that very few people or none at all made this kind of chair. Well... the ball transfer unit component is the main feature for the desk chair I am designing and therefore would make it fairly unique, however, I haven't finished designing it yet. Which is why I need you! (Uncle Sam poster reference), the reader, to help me out. Please check out the 2 survey links from the previous post, I would greatly appreciate your views about desk chairs.

Thanks. Please post comments or answer the surveys! :)

Hi, I'm a student studying BA (Hons) Product Design and I'm on my final major project. 

I'm designing a desk chair but I would like to know what problems people have had from the pre-existing desk chairs (includes, computer desk chairs, study room desk chairs, in educational facilities, out of educational facilities, at home, at your friends' homes, etc.)

If you've had or someone you know has had problems with their desk chairs, no matter in what situation, please leave a comment or opinion about it. It would be even better if you also have suggestions in which to improve them.

I've also made a questionnaire (sorry in advance, it has 2 parts) which should only take about 5-10 mins overall. Please click the link below, I would really appreciate you contributing to it.

Part 1
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/856NP9M
Part 2
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LTBJVH2

Thanks