KI’s Cogni Seating Tackles Lack of Engagement — One Thoughtful Chair at a Time

May 20, 2025

At NeoCon 2025, KI debuts six new products grounded in mobility, human-centered connection, and purposeful design for the modern environment.

GREEN BAY – Whether it is a fifth grader fidgeting in math class or a college student zoning out in lecture, no matter the age or space, the same problem exists—students are struggling to stay engaged. It is a challenge that is not going away and an issue that requires a different approach.

In a recent study, Gallup found only 33% of K-12 students in the U.S. felt engaged in school. The environments they are expected to learn and work in haven’t kept up with how they think, move, or live.

Research shows that when students are physically uncomfortable, their ability to focus, retain information, and participate meaningfully diminishes. Environments that prioritize movement, flexibility, and wellness are no longer optional; they’re essential. Rigid, one-size-fits-all furniture can contribute to restlessness and distraction, while ergonomically designed seating can foster sustained attention, support mental stamina, and help bridge the engagement gap across all stages of life.

This is just some of the thinking behind one of KI’s newest innovations: Cogni Seating. Cogni was created from a bold question: What if a chair could actually help people focus? What if it moved with you instead of locking you in place? What if it adapted not only to your posture, but to your phase of life?

The result is more than a chair. Cogni is a chair that grows with you—a movement-friendly, mind-friendly piece of furniture for every stage of learning, creativity, and collaboration.

“We wanted to design something that supports the way students really think and move,” said Tony Besasie, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at KI. “Whether you’re a kindergartner or a college student, engagement starts with comfort and freedom—and Cogni delivers that across environments.”

Cogni’s ergonomically responsive frame encourages natural motion and supports focus through sensory engagement, while its minimalist, sleek form fits as comfortably in a K-12 classroom as it does a college learning environment. Lightweight, stackable, and available in a range of colors and finishes, the chair blends seamlessly into a variety of spaces, yet stands out for its thoughtful design.

At NeoCon 2025, June 9-11 at The Mart, KI is spotlighting Cogni as part of its mission to reimagine what learning environments can be. Alongside Cogni, KI will debut a full lineup of six new purposeful products designed to fuel engagement, creativity, and human connection across every space. Because the truth is, engagement doesn’t stop when you graduate. And neither does good design.

KI’s Full Lineup of New Products Debuting at NeoCon

Cogni Seating (Best of NeoCon Entrant)
Movement, mobility, sensory engagement, and choice – Cogni is more than a chair. It’s a behavior-shaping tool designed for today’s active learners. With movement-friendly base options, a sculpted shell for natural posture shifts, and customizable components, Cogni empowers users to stay engaged.

Cascha Furniture (Best of NeoCon Entrant)

Thoughtfully designed to complement any setting, Cascha Furniture delivers versatile seating solutions that blend understated style with everyday functionality—ideal for open offices, lounges and learning environments alike. Featuring a variety of base styles, optional armrests, a broad selection of upholstery options and a supportive, cradling seat, this collection accommodates diverse body types, tasks and seating preferences while ensuring lasting comfort and visual appeal.

Civara Task Seating (Best of NeoCon Entrant)

Designed by CLAUDIO BELLINI Studio, Civara reimagines ergonomic work seating—a sleek, high-performance task chair with 4D armrests, synchronized recline, adjustable lumbar support and a design-forward aesthetic. Civara reflects the future of flexible, health-conscious workspaces.

Clamber Tiered Seating (Best of NeoCon Entrant)

Forget traditional. Clamber activates underutilized space with multi-level and reconfigurable modular units that invite users to sit, climb, connect and create. With integrated power, it’s ideal for K-12 schools, higher education and corporate collaboration areas.

Thesis and Vesta Power

Freedom from the wall. These portable, battery-powered modules and towers keep devices charged in any environment, eliminating the need for fixed power sources. Ideal for conference rooms, flexible classrooms or event spaces, Thesis and Vesta ensure your technology works where you do.

Zentori Conference Seating (Best of NeoCon Entrant)

When comfort becomes intuitive. Zentori adapts to the user’s body weight and posture, offering a responsive experience that requires no adjustment. Clean silhouettes and premium finishes make Zentori the ideal choice for executive settings, conference rooms and high-end collaboration spaces.

Additionally, KI will offer exclusive previews of two upcoming product lines set to launch in late 2025.

Outspan Outdoor Furniture
Outspan offers a modern simplicity that connects inside to outside—a design without boundaries that serves as a natural fit for outdoor learning, working, and collaborating.

Passel Desking System
Passel is a modular, reconfigurable solution that evolves with the changing needs of modern work. This rail-based design supports both individual productivity and collaborative team dynamics.

Experience the Evolution at NeoCon 2025

All six new product innovations reflect KI’s commitment to evolving the way we work, learn, and connect. They will be on full display at KI’s final NeoCon showroom (#1181, 11^th floor of The Mart) before the company transitions to a brand-new space in Fulton Market in 2026.

“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation – it’s shaped by research, collaboration, and curiosity,” said Besasie. “These products represent a journey of designing for how people actually move, think, and thrive in the modern world.”

Images, product specifications, and interview opportunities are available upon request.

More information about KI’s full NeoCon product lineup can be found at ki.com/neocon.

About KI

KI manufactures innovative furniture for education, healthcare, government, and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with sales and manufacturing facilities worldwide. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique design and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit ki.com.

KI Furniture
1330 Bellevue Street, Green Bay, WI 54302
Phone: (800) 424-2432
Email: info@ki.com
Website: www.ki.com