Herramienta didáctica para determinar factores ergonómicos en el diseño de muebles de asiento. Mediante el análisis cualitativo de un modelo de estudio

Abstract

Introduction: As a part of the Industrial Design program at the UDLSB, the subject of Furniture Design attempts to involve students into general problematics concerned to the furniture area, without looking for a strict specialization in each study case. Nevertheless, because of its complexity, is common that seating furniture it is not ergonomically solved at all. After the analysis of such problematic, the proposal of a TOOL is justified, so that students may learn about the ergonomic aspects of their seat designs. This assumption was demonstrated by analysing student’s practical study cases, in which it was confirmed the didactic utility of the TOOL.

Method: The present research contemplated four phases in general. The first one was focused into the contextual frame and the straight relationship between the subject and the program of Industrial Design of the UDLSB, as well as an analysis of the main problem according to the learning method managed by the students inside the subject of Furniture Design 2007. The second phase consisted in the planning and execution of a chair-looking Didactic TOOL along with its respective analysis INSTRUMENT. The third phase helped determinate the correct methodology needed to assign projects to the students, leading up to the establishment of a main study case under the category of seating furniture. Finally, with the application of the Herramienta didáctica para determinar factores ergonómicos en el diseño de muebles de asiento Revista Electrónica Nova Scientia, Nº 2 Vol. 1 (1), 2009. ISSN 2007 - 0705. pp: 64 - 97 - 67 - TOOL and the obtained diagnose of the selected case, the advantage of such device was demonstrated in the fourth phase, to make evident its benefit.

Results: With the results of the case in matter, the mechanics of the product-user relationship were analyzed and according to these, previous adjustments were recommended for a definite prototype, warning to prevent health risks due to a bad posture caused by an ergonomic deficiency in its design.

Discussion or Conclusion: After having selected and analysed the main study case called “Chair 22”, it was obtained that, despite a good planning, significative ergonomic deficiencies were found, whose results were also proved and recommended for the product perfection. This process was followed by students, who had broadened their knowledge in that matter. In order to confirm the Didactic TOOL functionality, it was also tested the project “Odissey Chair”, leading up to identify its own ergonomic findings. Finally, it comes to a conclusion that the Didactic TOOL is noteworthy for its purpose, generating interest to the student and the academic community because of its research support in the area.