Work - Volume 54, issue 4

Authors: Vink, P. | Bazley, C. | Jacobs, K.

Article Type: Editorial

Abstract: Within this special issue, different aspects of the environment are studied: aspects that are distant from the human body, close to the body and touching the human body. Consequently, different human senses are involved in these studies as well as the different consequences and effects on the brain and human behaviour. This special issue also highlights many remaining questions about the effects and relationships between environments and human beings and the need for more studies and research. In particular, future studies are needed that address long-term effects and the effects of the combinations of elements which provide comfort or discomfort.

Keywords: Comfort, discomfort, transportation, office design, expectations

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162374

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 765-771, 2016

Authors: Groenesteijn, L. | Commissaris, D.A.C.M. | Van den Berg-Zwetsloot, M. | Hiemstra-Van Mastrigt, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Working in an office environment is characterised by physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour. This behaviour contributes to several health risks in the long run. Dynamic workstations which allow people to combine desk activities with physical activity, may contribute to prevention of these health risks. OBJECTIVE: A dynamic workstation, called Oxidesk, was evaluated to determine the possible contribution to healthy behaviour and the impact on perceived work performance. METHODS: A field test was conducted with 22 office workers, employed at a health insurance company in the Netherlands. RESULTS: The Oxidesk was well accepted, …positively perceived for fitness and the participants maintained their work performance. Physical activity was lower than the activity level required in the Dutch guidelines for sufficient physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a slight increase in physical activity, the Oxidesk may be helpful in the reducing health risks involved and seems applicable for introduction to office environments. Show more

Keywords: Office work, physical inactivity, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162348

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 773-778, 2016

Authors: Danielsson, Christina Bodin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The workplace is important for employees’ daily life and well-being. This article investigates exploratory the office design’s role for employees’ welfare from different perspectives. OBJECTIVE: By comparing different studies of the office, type’s influence on different factors of employees’ welfare the aim is to see if any common patterns exist in office design’s impact. METHODS: The three included studies investigate office type’s association with employees’ welfare by measuring its influence on: a) perception of leadership, b) sick leave, and c) job satisfaction. The sample consists of office employees from a large, national representative …work environment survey that work in one of the seven identified office types in contemporary office design: (1) cell-offices; (2) shared-room offices; (3) small, (4) medium-sized and (5) large open-plan offices; (6) flex-offices and (7) combi-offices. Statistical method used is multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis with adjustment for background factors. RESULTS: Overall results show that shared-room office, traditional open plan offices and flex-office stand out negatively, but to different degree(s) on the different outcomes measured. CONCLUSIONS: This explorative comparison of different studies finds a pattern of office types that repeatedly show indications of negative influence on employees’ welfare, but further studies are needed to clarify this. Show more

Keywords: Office type, sick leave, leadership, job satisfaction, design features

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162361

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 779-790, 2016

Authors: Bazley, C. | Vink, P. | Montgomery, J. | Hedge, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study compared the effects of pre-experience and expectations on participant comfort upon waking, arrival to, and after an appointment, as well as the assessment of properly placed Feng Shui elements in three healthcare waiting rooms. METHODS: Participants assessed comfort levels using self-report surveys. The researcher conducted ‘intention interviews’ with each doctor to assess the goals of each waiting area design, and conducted a Feng Shui assessment of each waiting area for properly placed Feng Shui elements. RESULTS: The waiting area designed by the Feng Shui expert rated ‘most comfortable’, followed by the waiting …area design by a doctor, and the lowest comfort rating for the conventional waiting room design. Results show a sufficiently strong effect to warrant further research. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the external environment, paired with pre-experience and expectation, influences comfort for people over time. Fostering and encouraging a holistic approach to comfort utilizing eastern and western concepts and ergonomic principles creates a sense of “placeness” and balance in the design for comfort in built environments. This is new research information on the influences of the comfort experience over time, to include pre-experience, expectations and the placement of elements in the external environment. Show more

Keywords: Environmental design, patient comfort, expectations, Feng Shui, pre-experiences

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162347

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 791-806, 2016

Authors: Smith-Jackson, Tonya | Middlebrooks, Rodney | Francis, John | Gray, Tiara | Nelson, Kaleb | Steele, Briana | Townsend, Kionda | Watlington, Cedric

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Open plan offices have proliferated for the past several decades with more and more workers being concentrated in office buildings. Several studies have identified a number of negative factors associated with open plan offices, and those include noise, speech interference, lack of privacy, and a perceived loss of control over work. While negative factors have been identified several times in the literature, many studies rely on either surveys or highly controlled environments. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to use a quasi-naturalistic environment based on a scaled world model to test three hypotheses of the …impacts of office interference on editing and web navigation performance and mental workload. METHOD: A mixed factor design was used that utilized continuous speech recordings, discontinuous speech recordings, and a quiet condition. Individual differences questionnaires were administered to measure focused attention, stress, and cognitive failures. After task completion, participants recorded mental workload ratings. RESULTS: Participants had higher performance accuracy in the document editing task across the speech interference conditions. Mental workload ratings were higher in the web navigation task in the discontinuous speech condition compared to the continuous speech condition. In contrast to the hypothesis, those reporting stronger focused attention performed more poorly across all speech conditions. Overall, the results were mixed. CONCLUSIONS: OPO work design must focus on individual differences among workers to determine how to customize design to facilitate performance. Show more

Keywords: Open plan office, sociotechnical systems, office work, work system design, office layout

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162362

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 807-823, 2016

Authors: Luximon, Yan | Anne Sheen, Kimberly | Luximon, Ameersing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated silent versus speaking situations while wearing various types of facemasks over a period of time. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is the evaluation of temperature changes with time and the thermal comfort of facemasks under different verbal output conditions. METHODS: A two-way within-subject experiment was conducted to find the effects of facemask types and verbal output conditions. The infrared thermographic technology was used to record the video during the experiment. A subjective questionnaire was applied to measure the perception ratings of thermal discomfort. RESULTS: Wearing a …facemask could result in a higher face temperature compared to the condition in which a facemask was not worn. The N95 mask created the highest temperature value in the cheeks and nose/mouth regions. The speaking condition did not present significant difference on face temperature compared to the silent condition. Participants tended to provide higher subjective ratings of perceived humidity, heat, breathing difficulty and overall discomfort while wearing facemasks, especially while wearing the N95 mask and during the speaking conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Facial temperature distribution demonstrated various trends with time under different conditions. Facemask types had significant effects on facial temperature and perceived thermal comfort. Show more

Keywords: Thermal comfort, temperature distribution, subjective perceptions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162353

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 825-835, 2016

Authors: Roberts, Emily

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Regulating risk, freedom of action, and autonomy in decision making are problems shared by both caregivers and residents in long term care settings, and may become the subject of tension and constant negotiation. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on long term care staff and management perceptions of day to day life in a care community which has gone through a culture change transition, where small residentially scaled households replace large instutional models of care. In each household, the setting is considered to be home for the 8–12 residents, creating a major shift of roles for the caregivers; …they are, in essence, coming into a home rather than institutional environment as a place of work. This potentially changes the dynamics of both patterns of work for caregivers and patterns of daily living for residents. METHODS: Participant observations and care staff interviews. RESULTS: Several key themes emrged which include: teamwork; the culture of care; regulating risk; the physical environment and care staff empowerment. CONCLUSIONS: An unexpected outcome was the consensus among care staff that it is they who feel at home while working in the care households, leading to empowerment in their work roles and a deeper understanding of the importance of their role in the lives of the residents. Show more

Keywords: Person-centered care, small house model, skilled nursing facility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162373

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 837-851, 2016

Authors: Smith, Thomas J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prior research documents occupancy and patient care quality (OPCQ) benefits for private room (PR) relative to multi-bed (MB) designs in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). OBJECTIVE: To extend this research design to four additional types of children’s hospital units: a cardiovascular care center (CVCC), an infant care center (ICC), a medical/surgical unit (Med/Surg), and a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: Staff comments, task activities, patient care demands, and perceptual survey rankings for twelve major indicators of OPCQ were assessed with nursing staff on these units plus an NICU. RESULTS: With the …PR designs, for 38 of 48 pairwise comparisons for the twelve major OPCQ indicators, CVCC staff rankings are significantly lower than those by staff on the other four units. For 47 of 48 pairwise comparisons for the twelve major OPCQ indicators, NICU, ICC, Med/Surg, and PICU staff rankings for PR designs do not differ significantly from those for MB designs. Comments by staff on all five units target numerous PR OPCQ defects. CONCLUSION: Design, operation and management of the patient care environments on the five different PR units evaluated in this research confront a challenge in realizing OPCQ benefits that match experience with PR NICU designs in other contexts. Show more

Keywords: Private patient care rooms, multi-bed patient care rooms, occupancy and patient care quality, human factors in ICU designs

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162358

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 853-872, 2016

Authors: Wagner, A.-S. | Kilincsoy, Ü | Reitmeir, M. | Vink, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mobility demands change due to differing life stages of car owners. Car sharing and retail markets seldom offer a possibility for customization by the user in contrast to the freedom of choice of an initial owner of a car. OBJECTIVE: The value creation of functional customization is investigated. Prior to a test with a concept design, different use case scenarios of car drivers are identified regarding the preferred storage location of their personal belongings in different situations. METHODS: A study with 70 subjects was conducted in order to evaluate the value added by functional …customization. Storage habits of users were investigated in general and in relation to a concept design offering the possibility for flexible storage. RESULTS: Smartphones, supplies, beverages and wallets were the most relevant belongings in all driving situations (commuting, leisure, vacation and special occasions) complemented by sports equipment. Smartphones and other valuables are stored within reach and sight of the user. The emotional responses, recorded before and after the test, subdivided in attraction, hope and joy indicated positive feedback. CONCLUSIONS: The ease of use and the design proved to be crucial product characteristics of individually adaptable storage solutions. Positive emotions are contributing factors for a user’s purchasing decision. Show more

Keywords: Functional customization, flexible storage, smart interior design, usability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162360

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 873-885, 2016

Authors: van Veen, Sigrid | Vink, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Passive posture variation in vehicles could enable variation in pressure distribution and muscle activity to counter physical fatigue from static seating resulting in more comfort. The difference in posture, however, should not lead to perceived discomfort and aspects of driving should be considered such as operating the steering wheel, pedals and vision in the mirrors. OBJECTIVE: This study sets out to find out how much postural variation occurs during the driving task and how sensitive is the human body to these changes. METHODS: The first experiment was user evaluation and assessed how and when …the changes in seat configuration were noticeable to the human body. The second experiment evaluated the influence of varying inclination of the backrest and the seat pan by the rating of typical aspects of driving. RESULTS: The differences in seat configuration during experiment 1, were so small that there was no consistency in the ratings for the same configuration. The most critical feature that restrains the posture is the location of the rear view mirror. CONCLUSIONS: The range-of-motion is defined as –1° to +1° for the seat pan and 0° to +1.5° for the backrest based on the results of experiment 2 because of the restraints of the driving task. Show more

Keywords: Dynamic sitting, range-of-motion, vehicle seat

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162359

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 887-894, 2016

Authors: Kilincsoy, U. | Wagner, A. | Vink, P. | Bubb, H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In designing a car seat the ideal pressure distribution is important as it is the largest contact surface between the human and the car. Because of obstacles hindering a more general application of the ideal pressure distribution in seating design, multidimensional measuring techniques are necessary with extensive user tests. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to apply and integrate the knowledge about the ideal pressure distribution in the seat design process for a car manufacturer in an efficient way. METHODS: Ideal pressure distribution was combined with pressure measurement, in this case pressure mats. …In order to integrate this theoretical knowledge of seating comfort in the seat development process for a car manufacturer a special user interface was defined and developed. RESULTS: The mapping of the measured pressure distribution in real-time and accurately scaled to actual seats during test setups directly lead to design implications for seat design even during the test situation. Detailed analysis of the subject’s feedback was correlated with objective measurements of the subject’s pressure distribution in real time. Therefore existing seating characteristics were taken into account as well. CONCLUSIONS: A user interface can incorporate theoretical and validated ‘state of the art’ models of comfort. Consequently, this information can reduce extensive testing and lead to more detailed results in a shorter time period. Show more

Keywords: Automobile seats, pressure distribution, pressure mat, passenger comfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162350

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 895-904, 2016

Authors: da Silva Menegon, Lizandra | Vincenzi, Silvana Ligia | Andrés Diaz Merino, Eugênio | Barbetta, Pedro Alberto | de Andrade, Dalton Francisco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although comfort and discomfort on seats have been widely investigated, their nature is still not well described by literature and it is not known exactly how the interaction between these two phenomena happens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the multidimensional nature of comfort and discomfort in aircraft seats as well as their levels of interaction. METHODS: A comfort-discomfort questionnaire has been given to 1500 passengers in Brazil. RESULTS: The results brought evidence that comfort and discomfort are different phenomena with a strong negative correlation. At extreme levels, the presence of comfort implies the absence …of discomfort; however at the other levels of comfort (minimum to moderate) there is the presence of discomfort. Estimating the scores given by the passengers has allowed them to be placed at scales of comfort and discomfort with their different levels. However, no passenger has achieved the levels of maximum comfort or of maximum discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to infer that comfort, as much as discomfort are multidimensional phenomena and must be evaluated through scales with different levels, since at the extreme levels there is no interaction between the phenomena, but at the intermediate levels the passengers could perceive comfort and discomfort at the same time. Show more

Keywords: Comfort, discomfort, aircraft seat, factor analysis, item response theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162354

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 905-912, 2016

Authors: Nijholt, N. | Tuinhof, T. | Bouwens, J.M.A. | Schultheis, U. | Vink, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Passenger comfort is a key variable in user acceptance of transportation systems. The back rest of a seat is of importance part in this experience. In designing a backrest, information of the human contour is useful as the product can be formed following this contour. The question is whether there is too much variation due to variety in tasks or in human anthropometry to design a back rest. OBJECTIVE: The research question is whether anthropometric properties and the performed activity have an influence on the back contour of a person. METHODS: The head, neck …and back contour of a human sitting in an aircraft seat are estimated by using a kyphometer. In total 46 subjects are measured in two different chairs, when performing two different activities. RESULTS: This research indicates that the maximum variation of the contours occur on the upper back, neck and head. These parts are more bended forward when using a laptop compared with watching IFE. By dividing the data in groups, based on buttock-top of head distance, the height at which significant differences between the groups occur was determined. For one seat 400 mm above the seat pan a significant difference was found and for the other seat this was 420 mm above the seat pan. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in back contour started to appear above 400 mm vertical distance from the seat pan, which means that the design of a seat should facilitate this variation. Show more

Keywords: Sitting ergonomics, back rest, human back contour, measurement, anthropometrics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162355

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 913-923, 2016

Authors: Smulders, M. | Berghman, K. | Koenraads, M. | Kane, J.A. | Krishna, K. | Carter, T.K. | Schultheis, U.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The concept of comfort is one way for the growing airline market to differentiate and build customer loyalty. This work follows the idea that increasing the contact area between human and seat can have a positive effect on comfort [5, 6, 7 ]. OBJECTIVE: To improve comfort, reduce weight and optimise space used, a human contour shaped seat shell and cushioning was developed. METHODS: First the most common activities, the corresponding postures and seat inclination angles were defined. The imprints of these postures on a rescue mat were 3D scanned and an average human …contour curve was defined. The outcome was transferred to a prototype seat that was used to test the effect on perceived comfort/discomfort and pressure distribution. RESULTS: The resulting human contour based prototype seat has comfort and discomfort scores comparable to a traditional seat. The prototype seat had a significantly lower average pressure between subjects’ buttocks and the seat pan over a traditional seat. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that it is possible to design a seat pan and backrest based on the different contours of study subjects using 3D scan technology. However, translating the 3D scans into a prototype seat also showed that this can only be seen as a first step; additionally biomechanical information and calculations are needed to create ergonomic seats. Furthermore, it is not possible to capture all different human shapes and postures and translate these into one human contour shape that fits all activities and all human sizes. Show more

Keywords: Lightweight, 3D scanning, aircraft seat, comfort, pressure distribution

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162363

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 925-940, 2016

Authors: Kokorikou, A. | Vink, P. | de Pauw, I.C. | Braca, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Making a lightweight seat that is also comfortable can be contradictory because usually comfort improvement means adding a feature (e.g. headrest, adjustable lumbar support, movable armrests, integrated massage systems, etc.), which makes seats heavier. OBJECTIVE: This paper explores the design of an economy class aircraft seat that aims to be lightweight, comfortable and sustainable. METHODS: Theory about comfort in seats, ergonomics, lightweight design, Biomimicry and Cradle to cradle was studied and resulted in a list of requirements that the new seat should satisfy. RESULTS: The design process resulted in a new seat …that is 36% lighter than the reference seat, which showed that a significant weight reduction can be achieved. This was completed by re-designing the backrest and seat pan and integrating their functions into a reduced number of parts. Apart from the weight reduction that helps in reducing the airplane’s environmental impact, the seat also satisfies most of the other sustainability requirements such as the use of recyclable materials, design for disassembly, easy to repair. A user test compared the new seat with a premium economy class aircraft seat and the level of comfort was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Strong points of the new design were identified such as the lumbar support and the cushioning material, as well as shortcomings on which the seat needs to be improved, like the seat pan length and the first impression. Long term comfort tests are still needed as the seat is meant for long-haul flights. Show more

Keywords: Biomimicry, cradle to cradle, user experience, nature-inspired-design, comfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162352

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 941-954, 2016

Authors: Hiemstra-van Mastrigt, S. | Meyenborg, I. | Hoogenhout, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND : Discomfort increases when duration of sitting is longer. Aircraft passengers are subjected to prolonged sitting in restricted postures, which can cause discomfort. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between duration of sitting and development of discomfort, as well as the influence of different passenger activities. METHODS: Participants (n  = 18) performed four different activities in three conditions during an aircraft seat test. Discomfort was measured every 15 min on an 11-point scale. A short online survey asked passengers (n  = 114) when they felt most refreshed during their last flight. RESULTS: Discomfort was significantly lower during …the ‘food’ activity for condition 2 (hot meal), compared to conditions 1 and 3 (drinks, snack). The largest decrease in discomfort was during the 15 min break between two conditions, in which participants could walk around. Respondents from the online survey indicated they felt most refreshed after food (34.8%), sleeping (27.0%) and walking through the plane (25.2%). Walking was mentioned more often as most refreshing activity by long-haul passengers (>6 h) compared to short-haul passengers (<2 h). CONCLUSIONS: Passengers can be distracted from feeling discomfort by providing food and drinks. Airlines and seat manufacturers can increase comfort by stimulating passengers to move in their seat. Show more

Keywords: Sitting, walking, in-flight, refreshment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162349

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 955-961, 2016

Authors: Lewis, Laura | Patel, Harshada | Cobb, Sue | D’Cruz, Mirabelle | Bues, Matthias | Stefani, Oliver | Grobler, Tredeaux

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Comfort is an important factor in the acceptance of transport systems. In 2010 and 2011, the European Commission (EC) put forward its vision for air travel in the year 2050 which envisaged the use of in-flight virtual reality. This paper addressed the EC vision by investigating the effect of virtual environments on comfort. Research has shown that virtual environments can provide entertaining experiences and can be effective distracters from painful experiences. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which a virtual environment could distract people from sources of discomfort. METHODS: Experiments which involved inducing discomfort …commonly experienced in-flight (e.g. limited space, noise) in order to determine the extent to which viewing a virtual environment could distract people from discomfort. RESULTS: Virtual environments can fully or partially distract people from sources of discomfort, becoming more effective when they are interesting. They are also more effective at distracting people from discomfort caused by restricted space than noise disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual environments have the potential to enhance passenger comfort by providing positive distractions from sources of discomfort. Further research is required to understand more fully the reasons why the effect was stronger for one source of discomfort than the other. Show more

Keywords: Comfort, discomfort, virtual reality, virtual environments, aircraft

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162356

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 963-979, 2016

Authors: Ahmadpour, N. | Kühne, M. | Robert, J.-M. | Vink, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aircraft passenger comfort experience was previously defined based on its underlying thematic components representing passengers’ perception of the environmental elements and their link to their concerns. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to 1) identify aircraft passengers’ attitudes towards their personal and shared space in the cabin environment during the flight which are linked to their comfort experience and 2) highlight passenger concerns associated with those attitudes. METHOD: A sample involving 16 participants was conducted, collecting full accounts of their real-time flight experiences onboard commercial aircrafts, using questionnaires. RESULTS: Four types of attitudes were …identified in reaction to participants’ personal and shared space during the flight. Those were described as adjust, avoid, approach, and shield. Passengers’ concerns associated with those attitudes were respectively: control, privacy, connectedness and tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that passenger comfort can be improved once the identified concerns and attitudes are addressed in the design of the aircraft seat and interior. Design recommendations are provided accordingly. Show more

Keywords: Wellbeing, experience, design, aircraft interior

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162346

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 981-987, 2016

Authors: Mallam, Steven C. | Lundh, Monica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical environments influence how individuals perceive a space and behave within it. Previous research has revealed deficiencies in ship engine department work environments, and their impact on crew productivity, health and wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: Connect operational task demands to pragmatic physical design and layout solutions by implementing a user-centric perspective. METHODS: Three focus groups, each consisting of three marine engineers participated in this study. Focus groups were divided into two sessions: first, to investigate the end-user’s operational requirements and their relationship with ship physical design and layout. Second, criteria formulated from group discussions were applied …to a ship design case study. All focus group sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using Grounded Theory. RESULTS: Design choices made in a ships general arrangement were described to inherently influence how individuals and teams are able to function within the system. Participants detailed logistical relationships between key areas, stressing that the work environment and physical linkages must allow for flexibility of work organization and task execution. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional engine control paradigms do not allow effective mitigation of traditional engine department challenges. The influence of technology and modernization of ship systems can facilitate improvement of physical environments and work organization if effectively utilized. Show more

Keywords: Naval architecture, maritime, ergonomics, participatory design, grounded theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162365

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 989-1000, 2016

Authors: Kok, Barbara N.E. | Slegers, Karin | Vink, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Designers develop their basic competences during their design education and these competences are later amplified and refined during their professional career. Therefore, one could expect that the design processes of professionals and of student designers are conducted differently, and that these processes consist of different components (steps, actions, methods, tools, etc. used in the design process). OBJECTIVE: The differences and similarities between the design processes of design students and professionals were studied. In addition the effect of the designers experience on the design process is studied. METHODS: The design processes of seating products of …19 professional designers, 15 master students and 16 bachelor students were compared in order to understand the differences in the components they apply in their design process. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences between professional designers and design students for eight out of fifteen of the components. The components for which differences were found were applied more frequently by professionals than by students. For six of the components significant positive correlations were found with the designer’s experience. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences between the design processes of design students as well as similarities. The differences amongst others related to the designers’ experience. Show more

Keywords: Product development, seating, experience

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162351

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 1001-1007, 2016

Authors: Roelofsen, P. | Vink, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The original Stolwijk model is not equipped with clothing, thermal sensation, comfort indices, individual characteristics and performance loss models. OBJECTIVE: This study attempts to modify the model to include clothing, thermal sensation as well as the calculation of the percentage of dissatisfied as a result of general discomfort. The model is useful for the evaluation of thermal comfort in the built environment by professionals. METHODS: Methods described in literature with regard of clothing, the research of Fiala as well as some in the literature recommended and validated adjustments, to improve the simulation of the …skin temperature per body segment, are implemented in the here assembled Stolwijk computer model. Finally, for verification of the above adjustments, the model was compared with experiments conducted in the field of thermal sensation at various levels of temperature change. RESULTS: By improving the simulation of the skin temperature per body segment and by adding clothing and thermal sensation, suitable for the assessment of steady state and transient thermal conditions, and fixed with this the percentage of dissatisfied, the scope of the Stolwijk model has become larger than it was before. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the calculations and the experimental results, it was concluded that the adjusted Stolwijk model was suitable for the simulation of the thermal sensation under steady state and transient thermal conditions. Show more

Keywords: Mathematical human modelling, transient thermal sensation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162357

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 1009-1024, 2016

Authors: Bazley, C. | Vink, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper discusses the importance of including time in environmental design and the challenges facing environmental design now and in the future. Research shows that important factors for studying the effects of environments are time, body movement, control and sensory variability. There are many ways to incorporate time into the design and it is dependent on the type of environmental design. Research also suggests that discomfort in restrictive environments, e.g., in an airplane or automobile are strongly related long periods of inactivity and lack of sensory stimulation. Research also suggests that office workers’ health risks are in a large part …due to restrictive movement, training inefficiencies, and lack of variation found in the environment. A challenge is how to incorporate stimulating activities and variation into restrictive environments. Another challenge is the cost versus benefit of designing comfortable and healthy environments. Will comfort standards be accomplished through volunteer compliance or is it necessary to push for compliance through legal requirements, standards and regulations? Is it time to consider reducing discomfort as a necessity and apply what research has suggested, i.e., that variation and movement over time in interior environments promotes well-being and productivity? Is it time to accept the results of research and apply the findings to the designs and practice of environmental design? Show more

Keywords: Discomfort, control, variation, well-being, comfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162364

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 1025-1029, 2016

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 1031-1037, 2016

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 1039-1042, 2016