KI’s Cogni Chair receives a Red Dot Award ahead of its inclusive design-themed events for London Design Festival

KI's Cogni Chair has received a Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category, earning recognition for its thoughtful integration of ergonomics, movement, sensory engagement and contemporary educational design. This prestigious award, which plays a significant role in promoting design excellence and innovation, is given to outstanding design that is aesthetically appealing, functional, sustainable and innovative.  

Cogni represents KI’s user-driven, research-led design ethos, shaped by extensive observation of real behaviours in education and learning spaces, where long periods of sitting demand both comfort and cognitive support. Developed through an inclusive design process, the seating line moves beyond conventional ergonomics to support student engagement, focus and comfort while also elevating the visual language of educational spaces. 

Its sculptural one piece injection moulded shell features ergonomic contouring, and its passive‑flex back supports users who naturally shift throughout the day. An integrated handle enables easy mobility and allows alternative seated positions commonly seen in active learning spaces. Under the seat, Cogni introduces a patent‑pending tactile sensory dot pattern that encourages sensory regulation and improves chair stackability and desk nesting, providing efficient room turnover.  

The range includes four‑leg, cantilever, stool and task chair models, each engineered to deliver stability, comfort and responsive movement. Integrated wheels on selected models further support fluid movement across dynamic environments, and the collection is available in an extensive palette of polypropylene colours, upholstery options and frame finishes. These features collectively reinforce KI’s commitment to designing seating that is not only technically advanced but also inclusive and adaptable to user needs. 

“Receiving a Red Dot Award for Cogni is a significant milestone for KI. It is a reminder that creating products that give choice and create inclusive, adaptable environments is of great importance. Cogni stands apart in our product portfolio, supporting a diverse range of learners’ needs through its exceptional design, ergonomics and sensory features. We look forward to showing visitors the importance of designing for inclusivity with our Cogni display and programme of events and workshops during London Design Festival this year.” comments Alison Mallet, Director of Education Furniture at KI. 

Since launching last year, Cogni has earned a range of industry honours, including winning awards at NeoCon, Interior Design Magazine’s ‘Best of Year’ awards, and the Product Innovation Award at EDspaces.  

Cogni’s Red Dot Award comes at a fitting time, as KI prepares to host a programme of inclusive design-focused events during London Design Festival 2026. On 15th and 16th September, visitors are invited to KI’s Clerkenwell showroom to explore new product displays, experience the award-winning Cogni collection, and take part in showroom tours and product demonstrations led by KI’s expert team, read more here. 

On Tuesday 15th from 10:00 (RSVP), and Wednesday 16th at 13:30 (RSVP), KI’s Senior Furniture Specialist, Antony Gatley, will be sharing his insights on designing furniture solutions for inclusive learning. Antony’s engaging presentation will explore innovative furniture solutions, research-backed insights, and practical examples.  

On Tuesday 15th from 11:00 (RSVP) and Wednesday 16th at 14:30 (RSVP), Ash Grimsey, Furniture Specialist at KI, will host Colour Exploration Workshops. Visitors will be able to discover how colour can influence mood, behaviours and spatial experience, while gaining insight into the research, user insights and trend forecasting that shape KI’s colour selection. Attendees will also create their own mood boards using a range of curated materials. 

University Design Forum (UDF) will host a panel discussion on Wednesday 16th from 08:45, ‘Inclusive by Design: Who are we really designing our campuses for?’ exploring how universities, architects and manufacturers are rethinking learning environments to better reflect the needs of today's higher education communities. This event is for UDF members, and non-members; (RSVP/enquire here).  

Lastly, but certainly not least, CIUK’s and Designer Insider’s Editorial and Marketing Director, Alys Bryan, will be hosting a panel discussion on ‘The Future of Neuroinclusive Spaces’, on Wednesday 16th from 15:45 (RSVP here). Speakers include Gurvinder Khurana, Director at M Moser, Jason Slocombe, Senior Inclusive Design Consultant, Neurodiversity Design Specialist at Motionspot, and James Lawrence, Europe Product Development Leader and Strategy Director at Gensler.