DYNA JOURNAL ENGINEERING

Key words:

Product engineering, Product application, Community bus, Seats for special group, Ergonomics, Human-centered design, User requirements analysis, Kano model, KJ method, Public transportation design, Inclusive design, Assistive seating, Passenger comfort, Design optimization, Requirement prioritization

Article type:

ARTICULO DE INVESTIGACION / RESEARCH ARTICLE

Section:

RESEARCH ARTICLES

Public transport systems must accommodate diverse passenger needs, yet seating designs for special-needs groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women, and adults with children—often lack tailored functionality and ergonomic refinement. Moreover, the design process is compounded by the inherent complexities of the public transport engineering environment, such as stringent spatial constraints, diverse and conflicting user needs, and rigorous safety regulations. To address this challenge, this study proposes a new technology for human-centered requirement analysis that integrates the requirement categorization and ergonomics for systematic product application. Based on field observations and KJ-based interviews with eight volunteers, nine key user needs were identified and hierarchically structured. A Kano questionnaire was administered to 12 passengers, resulting in eight valid responses that classified requirements into must-be (e.g., safety), one-dimensional (e.g., spaciousness), and attractive (e.g., seat availability) attributes. Ergonomics constraints guided the translation of these demands into quantifiable design parameters. The proposed seat features a 20° central-axis tilt for easier access, a modular 0.02 m² triangular area for enhanced utility, and a biomechanically optimized backrest. Design validation through virtual layout experiments and ergonomic analysis confirms improvements in functionality and user satisfaction. The study demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed technology in navigating real-world engineering complexities. It provides a systematic framework for transforming ambiguous user needs into feasible and optimized design parameters under multiple constraints.
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Keywords: Product engineering, Product application, Community bus, Seats for special group, Ergonomics, Human-centered design, User requirements analysis, Kano model, KJ method, Public transportation design, Inclusive design, Assistive seating, Passenger comfort, Design optimization, Requirement prioritization