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An objective measure that will predict discomfort reliably, and which can be used at an early stage in the development of a vehicle and its seating, would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems associated with driving. This paper reports on an extended road trial study to further investigate the potential value of pressure distribution data in the prediction of reported discomfort. Road trial data were collected from three cars and then interface pressure data were recorded for each of the three seats. Clear differences were identified between the cars with respect to reports of discomfort. However, no clear relationship was found between interface pressure data and reported discomfort. Keywords: Discomfort; Driving; Interface pressure measurement

The technique of interface pressure measurement has generated considerable interest in the automotive industry as a method, which could be used to predict driver discomfort during the development of prototype seat designs. Two repeated measures experiments were carried out to evaluate the practical application of the technique. The variables of foam density and posture were used to create discomfort, the whole emphasis of the work being to generate results with real-world applicability. A clear, simple and consistent relationship between interface pressure and driving discomfort was not identified. Future studies using this technique should provide information regarding such factors as gender, body mass, anthropometric data, posture and foam hardness due to the confounding nature of these variables. Keywords: Driving; Interface pressure measurement; Discomfort; Car seating

A questionnaire survey of drivers (n= 903) was conducted covering musculoskeletal symptoms, the vehicle seat, access to specific vehicle features, ingress/egress, driving performance and driving behaviours. Significantly, more discomfort was reported by older drivers (aged 65+) in the hips/thighs/buttocks and knees. Older drivers reported more difficulty parallel parking (p≤ 0.01), driving on a foggy day (p≤ 0.01), and turning their head and body to reverse (p≤ 0.001). They also reported that their reactions were slower than they used to be (p≤ 0.01). Dissatisfaction was found by all drivers with adjusting the headrest (height and distance), seat belt height and opening/closing the boot. There is a growing population of older people globally, and the number of older drivers is showing a parallel increase. Clearly, efforts are needed to ensure car design of the future is more inclusive of older drivers. Practitioner Summary:This paper describes a questionnaire survey of drivers on their driving experience – the vehicle seat, access to specific vehicle features, ingress/egress, driving performance and driving behaviours. Comparisons are made by age and gender. Issues with driving and vehicle design particularly for older drivers in the UK are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) affect the well-being ofworkers. Unfortunately, user requirements for design to reduce workplace risk factors for MSDs are not always effectively communicated to designers creating a mismatch between the user requirements and what is ultimately produced. OBJECTIVE: To understand the views of practitioners of design and ergonomics regarding tools for participatory design and features they would like to see in such tools. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey was conducted with a cohort of practitioners of ergonomics and design (n = 32). In-depth interviews were then conducted with a subset of these practitioners (n = 8). To facilitate discussion, a prototype integrated design tool was developed and demonstrated to practitioners using a verbalized walkthrough approach. RESULTS: According to the results of the questionnaire survey, the majority (70%) believed an integrated approach to participatory designwould help reducework-related MSDs and suggestedways to achieve this, for example, through sharing design information. The interviews showed the majority (n = 7) valued being provided with guidance on design activities and ways to manage and present information. CONCLUSION: It is believed that an integrated approach to design in order to help reducework-related MSDs is highly important and a provision to evaluate design solutions would be desirable for practitioners of design and ergonomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]