Work - Volume 54, issue 4

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