JASPER, Ind., January 26, 2015 - National Office Furniture, a unit of Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBAL), introduces its newest seating collection, Essay™. Student inspired and student designed, Essay is a unique solution to today’s evolving population of learners.

Essay came to fruition through a partnership between National Office Furniture and Purdue University. Annually, National hosts a competition for Purdue Industrial Design students and encourages them to submit entries for a specific furniture challenge. While attending Purdue, Sasha Mahan-Rudolph created an initial design and submitted the concept as a solution to the challenge. She was selected by National to work with the design team as an intern to develop her product, including market testing and validation.

Throughout the process, Sasha and the design team observed and gathered feedback from students and facility managers. Together, they evaluated the preferences of today’s students and corporate learning environments to develop one product line to fit those needs. Essay’s unique design details and functional elements make it simple, highly functional, and thoughtful.

The chevron back detail allows backpacks or bags to securely nestle into the groove to prevent them from falling. The back features cutouts in the same chevron shape to provide ventilation and add visual interest. The tray base continues the chevron design and allows items to be tucked in tightly for easy access and to keep aisle ways clear. The similarly-shaped tablet is non-handed to accommodate left or right handed usage and the size supports dual work zones to provide adequate space for a laptop and a notepad.

Essay is available in 8 signature colors and in a student chair, task chair, and stool. With smart design, intuitive functionality, and a broad product mix, Essay is the easy answer!

About National Office Furniture

National Office Furniture, a brand unit of Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBAL), is a Jasper, Indiana-based manufacturer of high-quality office furnishings. Since 1980, National has built a reputation for excellence with stylish furniture of exceptional value; a dedication to personalized service; product designs that reflect a passion for the user’s comfort and productivity; and a commitment to environmental responsibly. National operates facilities in Santa Claus and Jasper, Indiana, and Fordsville and Danville, Kentucky. For more information about National and its products, visit: www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com.