AHFE Open AccessErgonomics In Design and Kansai Engineering
Editors: Zhizhong Li
Topics: Ergonomics in Design
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN: 978-1-964867-46-5
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005981
Articles
Optimization of bulletproof vest design for the police: controlled simulations in a user-centered approach to assess the suitability of a MOLLE bulletproof vest for the comfort and effectiveness of patrol officers.
We conducted simulations to assess the design of a bulletproof vest integrating a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system and its compatibility with police patrol activities. By combining design and ergonomics, our study highlights key improvements in mobility, comfort, and equipment organization. Fifteen officers with diverse body types tested these vests in a controlled environment, performing tasks such as entering and exiting vehicles, competing a report, as well as handling various pieces of equipment. The results indicate positive feedback regarding safety, the modularity of the MOLLE system, and the vest’s aesthetics. However, several shortcomings were identified: improper equipment positioning hindering accessibility and comfort, rigid ballistic panel edges restricting mobility, and the attachment system and excessive bulk at the front of the vest complicate tool handling and increase physical strain. Our findings emphasize the need to redistribute equipment weight, optimize tool placement, and adapt the load to officers’ body sizes. By incorporating feedback from patrol officers and collaborating with manufacturers, we aim to refine the vest’s design to enhance both performance and user well-being.
Léa Corsini, Steve Vezeau
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Effects of Mouse Back Shape on Grip Comfort: An Ergonomic Study
The shape of a computer mouse’s back, specifically its curvature or arch height, is a key factor influencing user comfort during prolonged use. However, this aspect of mouse design has received relatively little attention in ergonomic research. This study examines the impact of shifting the highest point of the mouse back on grip comfort and muscle activation. Five mouse models were evaluated, including a baseline model and four modified designs with varying peak positions (higher, lower, forward, and backward). Subjective comfort was assessed using Likert scale ratings, and muscle activity was measured using electromyography (iEMG) during controlled clicking tasks. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze subjective ratings, while the Kruskal-Wallis H test was employed for the iEMG data. Results revealed significant differences in subjective comfort, with the baseline and forward-shifted models rated higher. However, no significant differences in muscle activation were observed. These findings suggest that peak position influences perceived comfort but does not significantly affect short-term muscle activity. The results provide valuable insights for optimizing ergonomic mouse design.
Yilu Li, Haining Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Integrative Bicycle Helmet Fit
Bicycle helmets can reduce head injury in the event of a crash. However, an improperly fitting helmet may move out of its intended position, exposing parts of the rider’s head and increase the risk of head injury. In published research, bicycle helmet fit is defined infrequently and inconsistently. In addition, a research study may explore one or two components of fit, yet describe their study holistically as bicycle helmet fit. In response, a literature review was conducted on bicycle helmet fit and includes other relevant aspects of fit from other industries and applications. This paper operationally defines and describes bicycle helmet fit, integrating the concepts of (1) perception of fit, (2) static fit, and (3) dynamic fit. Finally, an integrated approach to helmet fit should benefit future research, as well as the design and development of future safety countermeasures for cyclists.
William Makowski, Thomas Martin, W Andy Schaudt
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Development of Functional Textiles Through Micro-encapsulation
Essential oils are used for medical and technical textiles' functionality, giving them new properties. The most commonly used method is encapsulation, which ensures greater functionality and durability. Microencapsulation protects small solid, liquid or gaseous particles by a coating system (1–1000 mm). The encapsulated material is called the core, and the material that forms the coating of the particles is the wall or encapsulating agent. The encapsulating material can be a natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric layer. Textiles made by knitting technology from fibrous mixtures with content of: Cotton/Elastane, Cotton/Polyester and 100% Polyester were treated by padding, to offer antibacterial properties. The impregnation module consists of a padding machine with 2 vertical/horizontal oscillating rollers, acquired from Roaches International LTD. The first treatment solution (R1) containing pine essential oil and collagen hydrolysate was obtained. 450 μL of pine essential oil was dissolved in 15 mL of ethyl alcohol. The pine essential oil solution was added over the 1.5% collagen solution together with zeolite and β-cyclodextrin (pine essential oil: zeolite: β-cyclodextrin ratio of 1:10:10). The second treatment solution (R2) containing doxycycline and collagen hydrolysate was obtained (doxycycline: β-cyclodextrin ratio of 1:10). After the treatment, the samples were dried at room temperature for 24 h. The treatment solutions were characterised by: DLS analysis (dynamic light scattering) with the Zetasizer nano NZ device from Malvern Instruments Limited UK used for the characterization of particles with sizes between 0.3 nm – 10 μm. The particle size in solution R1 was within the limits of 11-20 µm. The particle size in solution R2 was within the limits of 274.6 nm-1.169 µm. Optical microscopy using an Olympus BX43 microscope equipped with a WHN10x/22 eyepiece and a Plan N 40x/0.65 Ph2 objective, and scanning electron microscopy (drop-casting on copper slide) with magnifications of 4000X and 16000X and EDAX for compositional analysis were used for solutions analysis (R1 and R2). SEM images for R1 revealed granular formations with an average size of 516 µm (4000X) and 4.95 µm (8000X) and a density of granules of 365 granules per 128 µm×148 µm=18944 µm2 (area of the SEM image at 2000X magnification), resulting in a surface density of 1.92 granules/100 µm2. EDAX analyses reveal the elemental composition of the R2 solution consisting mainly of Oxygen-51.73%, silicon oxide-21.19% and Nitrogen-11.66%, Na, C, Al, Cl, K, Ca. GS-MS analysis for both the pine essential oil and the treated textile structures revealed the presence of specific chemical compounds. GS-MS analysis for both the pine essential oil and the treated textile structures revealed the presence of specific chemical compounds.The antibacterial activity, according to SR EN ISO 20645/2005, was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli ATCC10536 (gram-negative) strains and showed a satisfactory effect of treatments with R1 and R2 because no bacterial growth was observed.
Emilia Visileanu, Alexandra Gabriela Ene, Roxana Constantinescu, Viviana Roman, Alina Vladu, Felicia Dondea
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Participatory Ergonomics in Designing Working Environments for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities: A Pilot Study on Sheltered Workshops in Hong Kong
Studies have shown that the working environment is closely related to the employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Currently, the employment rate of persons with disabilities in many areas is not high. The theory of participatory ergonomics, which emphasises collaboration and user-centred design, has been widely applied in industrial and environmental design. This paper uses literature analysis to examine the factors affecting the employment rate of persons with disabilities in the working environment from three dimensions: physical, cognitive, and social aspects. Using sheltered workshops—a major employment venue for people with disabilities in Hong Kong—as a pilot site, the paper analyses the issues faced by trainees working there through qualitative research methods such as participatory observation and interviews. Ultimately, it proposes a participatory design framework suitable for the development of sheltered workshops in Hong Kong.
Kin Wai Michael Siu, Qian Jiang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
MIX: An Image Generation System Using Image Prompts for Industrial Design
Generative AI is increasingly being applied in the industrial design field. However, the existing AI design tools are still challenging due to complex operations and parameter settings. To solve these problems, we conducted comprehensive interviews with industry experts and proposed the MIX system. The system emphasizes image prompts and is designed to support designers for more efficient task completion. MIX incorporated both the IP-Adapter and the ControlNet control model with multimodal language models, making more natural interaction possible. It enables designers to quickly produce high-quality design renderings from target reference images. Through qualitative and quantitative user experiments, we found that the MIX system performs well in both efficiency and practicality in design development. Finally, we discuss about when it would be more appropriate to use text prompts versus image prompts in these different design scenarios. Available at https://mix.drafff.net.
Longfei Zhou, Wenxi Sun, Yuxin Ding, Xinda Chen, Luohe Ni
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Dynamic Analysis of Skin Deformation for Ergonomic Design of Compression Leggings
This study investigates the dynamic deformation of human skin during running using a 4D scanning system, capturing detailed spatiotemporal changes across five critical gait phases: initial contact, mid-stance, toe-off, mid-swing, and late swing. Six participants were analysed to track and quantify skin deformation (displacement). Results reveal the posture-dependent variations in skin deformation in running. The anterior knee and posterior hip regions consistently exhibited skin elongation, whereas the posterior knee and anterior hip regions showed skin contraction. Transitional boundary lines between these opposing deformation regimes were mapped, providing novel biomechanical insights into skin behaviour during dynamic motion. These findings advance the understanding of cutaneous mechanics in sports science and offer empirical guidelines for optimizing compression garment design, particularly for running-related compression legging applications.
Aosi Wang, Rong Liu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Design and Development of a Modular OPM-MEG Device Based on 3D Chinese Head Anthropometry
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has emerged as a critical non-invasive neuroimaging modality in both clinical and research domains, owing to its exceptional spatiotemporal resolution and absence of ionizing radiation. Conventional MEG systems utilizing superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are constrained by the necessity for cryogenic cooling, resulting in substantial operational complexity and maintenance costs. While optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) technology has enabled room-temperature operation, contemporary helmet designs present significant adaptability limitations - 3D-printed customized helmets incur prohibitive production expenses, while flexible alternatives suffer from compromised sensor positioning accuracy.This investigation proposes an innovative modular OPM-MEG system architecture that incorporates 3D cephalometric characteristics of Chinese populations with advanced electromagnetic shielding technology. The developed system incorporates an auto-adaptive sensor array featuring revolutionary mechanical configurations and optimized spatial arrangements, achieving remarkable improvements in device adaptability while maintaining superior measurement fidelity. Comprehensive theoretical modeling and computational simulations have substantiated the design's viability, yielding a pragmatic solution for clinical MEG applications. This advancement represents a significant contribution to the evolution of neuroimaging technologies and possesses profound implications for neuroscience research.
Qi Wang, Haining Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
The Effect of Facial size on Perceived Wearing Comfort of Vision Pro
With the rapid development of virtual reality (VR) technology, VR headsets have gained widespread applications across various fields. However, wearing comfort remains one of the key issues affecting their long-term use and widespread adoption. Specifically, how individual facial characteristics, such as face width and face height, influence wearing comfort has not been sufficiently explored. This study aims to investigate the specific effects of face width and face height on the wearing comfort of VR headsets and assess the role of gender differences in comfort evaluation. Through wearing experiments with 20 participants (including 10 males and 10 females), this study systematically analyzes the effects of face width and face height on the VR headset wearing experience. The results show that face width and face height have significant effects on different dimensions, such as comfort, pressure, and sense of downward pull, and gender differences play an important role in certain comfort dimensions. In particular, the interaction between face width and face height significantly affects comfort scores, suggesting that the diversity of facial features should be considered in the design of VR headsets. This study provides theoretical support for the personalized optimization of VR hardware design and offers data support for the future widespread application and customization of VR devices.
Shu Wang, Yujia Du, Haining Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Designing for Comfort: OWS Earphone Design Based on External Ear Anthropometry and Comfort Analysis
Open wearable stereo earphones (OWS), as an emerging wearable audio device, have gained significant attention due to their non-intrusive design and environmental awareness dimensions. However, issues such as pressure concentration and dynamic slippage caused by insufficient ear fit in the open structure hinder the user experience. This paper focuses on ear-hook type OWS earphones and proposes a systematic design framework based on the 'black box model - ear measurement - experimental validation'. First, key design parameters of the acoustic module, contact module, and structural module are extracted by decoupling the earphone components based on reverse engineering theory. Then, a mapping model between ear characteristics and earphone design parameters is constructed using a 3D ear database of 110 Chinese adults. Finally, the feasibility of the design solution is validated through orthogonal experiments and multi-scenario wearing tests. This study fills the gap in the systematic design theory of OWS earphones, establishes a data-driven paradigm for personalized fitting, and provides theoretical support and practical references for ergonomic optimization of wearable devices.
Baoruo Zhang, Kexiang Liu, Ke Zeng, Yan Yan, Haining Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Design Tool for Smartwatch Form Aesthetics Evaluation Based on Principal Component Regression
This study presents an aesthetic evaluation system for smartwatches based on Principal Component Regression (PCR). User reviews and product parameters were collected from platforms like Taobao and JD.com using web scraping techniques, and 38 attributes related to form aesthetics were extracted through literature review and interviews. Using card sorting, these attributes were reduced to six core evaluation attributes: style, color, material, dial, strap, and overall feel. A predictive model for form aesthetics evaluation was developed, along with a visualization system. The results show that design style and overall feel have the most significant impact on the aesthetic score, and the model effectively reflects the core aesthetic preferences of users. This system provides designers with a scientific tool from the user’s perspective and can be extended to optimize the design of other wearable devices. Future research will expand the sample size and introduce multidimensional evaluations to further enhance the system’s functionality.
Jiaxin Shi, Yujia Du, Le Chang, Haining Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Automated Anthropometric Analysis for Personalized Workspace Optimisation
This paper presents a novel pipeline for automated anthropometric analysis aimed at personalized workspace optimization. We leverage MediaPipe to extract eight key body dimensions from individual images: Sitting Height, Sitting Eye Height, Elbow to Fingertip, Elbow to Seat Height, Knee to Foot Length, Back to Elbow Length, Shoulder Width, and Hip Width. We constructed a dataset of calibrated images to train and validate our system. The developed pipeline achieves 85% accuracy in extracting these measurements. Subsequently, we generate a 3D model of the user's workspace in Blender, providing dimensional feedback and visual ergonomic assessments. This approach offers a practical and efficient solution for enhancing user comfort and productivity by enabling personalized workspace design.
Nidhi Singh, Nihaal Kuchangi, Neha Vemireddy, Navya Govil, Surabhi Narayan
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Comparative Self-Perception Empathy Study in the Design Process
Empathy, defined by Waal（2008）as the ability to understand a person from their frame of reference rather than one's own, has become relevant in the design exercise. The main objective of this paper is to report a preliminary study that looks into the correlation between designers' self-perception of empathy through self-assessments and the application of empathy on their projects through the analysis of their portfolios. Although there have been studies on the measurement of empathy in the field of psychology by Hodges & Myers (op. cit.), there is little literature on measuring how designers use empathy during the design exercise. The measurement instrument created and used in this paper may help designers and researchers understand the use of empathy in the design exercise. Two methods have been adopted in this study. The first is a quantitative approach was taken implementing Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright (2004), a validated empathy test questionnaire, which has been used widely in clinical psychology. This study uses this test because it offers a holistic view of the empathy dimensions (emotional, cognitive, and associative). The second method is a questionnaire as an instrument created by researchers of this study to evaluate the level of empathetic thinking of the designer on their projects and observe the relationship between self-perception and their empathetic thoughts in the design exercise. This study analyzed an assertive perception of how empathetic designers clinically talk and their behavior in the design exercise. It involved correlational analyses between their clinical score as the independent variable, their self-perception score as the dependent variable, and the influence of two independent variables, clinical score and different background factors like professional field and working years. In the analysis of their clinical and self-perception scores, we obtained the result R= 0.867. It is observed that these two variables have a significant correlation at the 0.01 level. The data suggests a significant and strong relationship between clinical measures and self-perception scores. Using the spline chart analysis to compare clinical scores and profession fields, the result revealed that the top three scores are interaction design, graphic design, and industrial design, and art and CA/animation are the lower ones. In terms of demographics, we found that years of experience and the type of professional background influence empathetic thinking and the results from assessments, with a positive correlation in interaction design and animation and a negative correlation in industrial and graphic design. Moreover, artistic fields often show lower empathy scores than what, potentially reflecting differing demands for empathy in varying design disciplines. The comparison with the field of designers(industrial, graphic, interaction, etc.) and empathy clinical score shows that the most artistic disciplines participants show less empathy score, which may indicate that it doesn’t require the same level of empathy for every discipline in their daily design exercise. This study implies that background factors, such as profession and experience, may significantly impact empathy use in design.
Yan Li, Daniel A Muñoz, Shunli Yang, Xin Shu, Beibei Pan, Yunge Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Correlation Analysis of Subjective Preferences and Mattress Pressure Comfort
The relationship between mattress firmness and user comfort plays a critical role in the development of personalized mattress designs. Although previous studies have examined subjective preferences and comfort perception, few have explored the specific correlations between subjective firmness preferences, hardness perception, and comfort. A stratified sample of 60 adults (30 female; age 18-60) was recruited through 3D anthropometric percentiles (height: 152.6-182.0 cm; waist circumference: 70.0-105.4 cm), with subjective preference distribution as follows: soft (n=23), medium (n=25), and firm (n=12). Participants evaluated four mattress configurations (inflation levels: 0/20/50/80) using validated 5-point Likert scales under standardized supine positioning. The results include correlation analyses between subjective preferences, firmness perception, and comfort ratings, as well as the identification of optimal air-cell inflation values for each preference group. These findings provide new insights for the design of personalized mattresses aimed at enhancing sleep quality.
Qiannan Deng, Yuqi Wei, Ke Zeng, Haining Wang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
The Interaction Design of Registration Machines
The widespread adoption of Registration Self-Service Machines (RSSMs) across various sectors has enhanced convenience and streamlined processes for users. However, these systems often present substantial challenges for individuals with disabilities, necessitating additional accommodations to ensure accessibility. This study aims to bridge existing research gaps by providing actionable insights and recommendations for creating more inclusive and accessible registration machines, focusing on the needs of individuals with disabilities, such as those who are blind, visually impaired, or hearing impaired. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 26 participants from diverse locations. The results indicate a strong preference for self-service registration, particularly among middle-aged users (31-40 years old), although adoption rates vary across different age groups. The proposed design for a new self-registration machine integrates features to accommodate both disabled and non-disabled users, addressing the specific needs of deaf and blind individuals through visual cues, text-based instructions, audio feedback, and tactile interfaces. While the statistical analysis revealed no significant association between age groups and registration methods, the moderate effect size suggests a meaningful pattern that warrants further investigation. The findings highlight the need for continued research and development in creating more accessible and inclusive self-service technologies in healthcare settings. Future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these results and further improve the design and implementation of RSSMs to meet the diverse needs of all users.
Walusimbi Peter, Hui Yi Chuan, Mengru Xue, Jecha S Jecha
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
The Activity of The Ultrasound Physician – Comparative Analysis Between Procedures Using Transducers In Abdominal Examinations And Their Repercussions
The advancement of new technologies has significantly enhanced the design of ultrasound transducers, improving the usability of these devices by healthcare professionals. Despite these developments, sonographers remain among the professional groups most affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study investigates the ergonomic and usability aspects of ultrasound transducers, particularly focusing on the interface between users and devices, including the application of ergonomic accessories for ultrasound cables. The research aims to propose practical guidelines for the proper handling of transducers during abdominal examinations, based on physical complaints reported by ultrasound professionals at the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). This is a bibliographic, documentary, and field-based study with a descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative approach. Comparative analyses and systematic user observations were conducted. Usability tests were applied, and biomechanical assessments were carried out using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method. Environmental factors such as temperature, lighting, and noise levels were also measured using specialized equipment. The findings highlight the presence of ergonomic risks and reinforce the need for targeted occupational health interventions to improve working conditions and ensure user safety.
Poliana Vilar Torres Ferreira, Angélica De Souza Galdino Acioly
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Analysis of consumer response to promotional posts by influencers
In recent years, an increasing number of companies have been utilizing social media marketing, a marketing activity that makes use of social media. Among them, “influencer marketing,” which utilizes influencers who have great influence over other users on social media to promote their products, has been attracting attention. On the other hand, there are studies that point out the risk that PR using influencers may be counterproductive in some cases, and the effects given by influencers may vary depending on the subject influencer (sender) and the user (receiver). Therefore, there is a need for more detailed research on the reactions of consumers when they encounter PR postings. This study aims to clarify the effects of influencer attributes and posted content on consumer behaviour based on an evaluation using conjoint analysis and eye-tracking data. First, we examined eight attributes related to the scale of influencers' follower counts and the content of their posts and generated multiple scenario posts based on an orthogonal array. We also generated fictitious influencer account profiles for each scale of influencers' follower counts. These scenario posts and account profiles were combined to generate a total of 16 conjoint cards, which were then used in an experimental study. Furthermore, an eye-tracking experiment was conducted to validate the effects of the factors identified through conjoint analysis. The analysis reveals that the size of the influencer is the most important factor influencing consumer preference. In addition, we found that PR posts by mega-influencers contribute to consumers' impressions of PR posts. Furthermore, the eye tracking data collected in the experiment revealed that the number of followers and self-introductions in the influencer's profile account tended to be watched closely, with minor differences depending on the size of the influencer.
Aina Ishikawa, Kohei Otake
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Emotion-Driven Design of New Energy Vehicle Wheel Hubs: Integrating Kansei Engineering and Generative Adversarial Networks
Wheel hubs have undergone new form changes as an essential part of New Energy Vehicles (NEV). At the same time, consumers' emotional preferences for the wheel hub design of NEV differ from those of traditional vehicles. However, designers' original knowledge and experience cannot be fully applied, which has limitations. Generative algorithms have been widely used in product design. Therefore, this paper proposes a form design method that combines Kansei Engineering (KE) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to investigate consumers' emotional preferences for wheel hub form design of NEV and provide designers and manufacturers with design insights. First, a wheel hub dataset is established by collecting and processing images from the website to train GAN and generate various design alternatives. Second, the experts deconstruct the wheel hub form into main features and screen several representative samples. Third, a Kansei questionnaire is distributed to investigate users' emotional preferences and satisfaction with the NEV wheel hub form. Next, the questionnaire data is analyzed and visualized to obtain the relationship between emotional preferences and design features to form a design guide. Finally, Design solutions are selected from the generated wheel hub alternatives according to the design guidelines to realize design automation. This study proposes a systematic method for NEV wheel hub form design, which provides theoretical and practical support for designers to meet user needs more efficiently.
Yi Wang, Meiyu Zhou, Zhengyu Wang, Weilin Cai
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Handheld gimbal camera design based on Kansei Engineering and TRIZ
In order to solve the problems of common appearance, lack of personalization, and unclear function description in the design of handheld gimbal cameras, and to help designers optimize their design solutions through users' emotional needs and technological innovations, this study proposes a handheld gimbal camera design method based on Conformal Engineering (KE) and TRIZ theory. Through literature research and a questionnaire survey, we screened 10 pairs of semantic words that match the appearance imagery of handheld sports cameras and designed a questionnaire under the guidance of the semantic difference method to be distributed to young designers and the main user groups of handheld sports cameras. After recovering the questionnaires, through factor analysis, we extracted the core perceptual factors influencing users' preferences. Based on this, the key challenge of the design, i.e., the gap between ideal and reality, was analyzed and summarized. According to the principle of multiple inventions of TRIZ, we solved three pairs of technical contradictions and proposed a modular design and interaction optimization scheme. Finally, a portable handheld gimbal camera prototype for the young group was designed and validated. The approach synthesizes cross-domain methods, considers user emotions and technical feasibility, and provides a new way of thinking for the design of handheld sports cameras.
Menghan Xia, Meiyu Zhou
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Form Design of Manual Wheelchair Products Based on Evaluation Grid Method and BP Neural Network
In modern rehabilitation assistive devices, manual wheelchairs are a key tool for improving the quality of life for people with mobility impairments. Their design should consider functionality and safety and deeply explore users' emotional needs to achieve a more humane and attractive product form design. This study is based on the theory of Kansei Engineering, combined with the Evaluation Grid Method (EGM) and Back-propagation Neural Network (BPNN) methods, aiming to establish a mapping relationship model between user emotional needs and the design elements of manual wheelchair product form to explore manual wheelchair product design solutions that meet user emotional needs. Firstly, the manual wheelchair samples were evaluated using the EGM to identify attractiveness factors based on user preferences. Then, the semantic difference (SD) method is used to quantify users' Kansei imagery evaluation of manual wheelchair products. Finally, by constructing a BPNN model, the mapping relationship between the design elements of the manual wheelchair form and the user's Kansei imagery was achieved. Mean square error (MSE) was used as a metric to measure the accuracy of the BPNN model to validate the effectiveness of the BPNN prediction model. This study not only enhances the rationality of the form design of manual wheelchair products but also provides valuable references for product design and manufacturing driven by user attractiveness.
Weilin Cai, Meiyu Zhou, Yi Wang, Zhengyu Wang
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Anthropomorphism and the Kansei Evaluation in Product Design Between Japan and Thailand
Features in design that evoke human-like qualities—known as anthropomorphism—positively and negatively influence human perceptions. However, most previous studies have focused on subjects from a single country, and limited research explores whether similar trends exist across different nations. This study aims to investigate the differences in preferences and impressions of anthropomorphic product designs between Japan and Thailand. Despite being in the same Asian region, significant geographical distances may lead to cultural differences, resulting in varied attitudes toward anthropomorphism.We conducted an impression evaluation experiment using 16 images of anthropomorphic product designs with 60 Japanese and 70 Thai participants, employing the semantic differential (SD) method to assess this. As a result, preferences for anthropomorphism in Japan are divided, while they appear more ambiguous in Thailand. However, both Japanese and Thai participants emphasized the "overall evaluation of good design," valuing attributes such as "comfortable," "lovely," and "beautiful." Additionally, both groups preferred non-realistic anthropomorphic representations of the entire human body. Notably, products that evoke a sense of "solitude" are chosen in Thailand, whereas those that convey a sense of "simplicity" are favored in Japan. These results highlight the differences in preferences and impressions toward products with anthropomorphic elements between Japan and Thailand. This study's findings are expected to provide insights into effective anthropomorphic representations across diverse cultures.
Haruki Tanaka, Namgyu Kang, Khongthat Thongphun
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Ancient poetry imagery based on AIGC and Kansei Engineering Research for Visual Translation Strategy
Chinese ancient poetry and verse culture has a long history. It not only reflects the unique emotional expression and aspiration of the creators in different historical periods, becoming an artistic presentation of individual emotions and ambitions, but also constructs a cultural symbol and symbolic system with oriental aesthetic characteristics through rich imagery elements. This research uses web crawler technology to collect 360 classic ancient poems and verses, invites experts to form a focus group for text analysis and extract key imagery elements of ancient poetry and verses, and then classifies them into Mountain and Climate, Animal and Plants, Cultural and Artifacts Classes. A 5-level scale questionnaire survey is used to screen out 20 high-frequency imagery elements. Midjourney is used to conduct a pre-experiment on the imagery elements and generate the A version of the element library. After improving the parameters and adding the "cultural anchoring" parameter, the B version of the element library is generated. Subsequently, the emotional words used by the creators in the ancient poetry and verses to express emotions are collected, and the B version of the AIGC-generated images are scored and evaluated through semantic matching using the seven-point semantic differential method. The matching degree between the images and the original text imagery is quantitatively compared by drawing the imagery scale diagram. The AIGC-generated ancient poetry and verse imagery element library through the study of sensuous engineering can convey semantics and emotions that conform to cultural attributes, thereby providing feasible strategies for the visual translation of ancient poetry and verses by AIGC.
Jiayi Zhang
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Consumer Perceptions of Product Recyclability for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
As new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies take effect this year, the demand for recyclable products compatible with municipal recycling systems is growing. In response, recycling programs are being streamlined and communications about product recycling is increasing. Companies that sell products across multiple states will need to prioritize materials that are widely accepted and easily processed within these evolving systems. At the same time, consumers will be expected to take a more active role in identifying and properly recycling the products they use. This research explores how consumers understand and evaluate recyclability. Participants were presented with sets of six drinking cups, each made from a different material: various polymers, aluminum and glass. The materials used in the cups were derived from petroleum, corn, sugar, trees, ore, and sand. Participants assessed the cups based on six qualitative design strategies for sustainability, including recyclability. The study compares perceived sustainable attributes across the different materials and highlights the interplay between material composition and consumer perceptions of recyclability. A key finding reveals that plant-based polymers are often perceived as more recyclable than petroleum-based polymers. These insights can inform product design and policy implementation aimed at improving recycling outcomes and consumer engagement.
Kiersten Muenchinger
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings