Integrating Physical Testing and Digital Workflow: A Hybrid Platform for Seating Prototyping and Design

Abstract

This paper introduces a reconfigurable testing rig for seating ergonomics designed to streamline the product development process for industrial design education and small-scale manufacturing. These sectors currently face significant data scarcity because existing anthropometric datasets are often proprietary, cost-prohibitive, or limited to office-centric contexts. Without accessible and relevant data, designers often rely on subjective intuition. This can lead to an aesthetics-first fixation that compromises user well-being and requires resource-intensive iteration loops.Recognizing that poor ergonomic fit accelerates the disposal of upholstered goods, this research positions robust ergonomic assessment as an essential strategy for extending product service life. To address this gap, we present a modular physical testing rig. This tool facilitates testing across diverse typologies ranging from low-profile lounge to bar-height seating. The platform integrates into multiple stages of the iterative design workflow from early-stage form finding all the way to detailed assessment. Additionally, the system allows for synchronization with conventional digital tools like CAD software and serves as a testing base for emerging technologies such as 3D motion capture and pose estimation.

Keywords: Prototyping, Human-centered Design, Industrial Design Pedagogy, Dynamic Anthropometry, Product Longevity

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007758