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Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Computing and Artificial Intelligence".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 March 2027 | Viewed by 3102

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Dr. Rosaria Califano

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Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Interests: industrial design methods; computer-aided design; virtual prototyping; human factors and ergonomics; comfort assessment; design for ergonomics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since its origins, ergonomics has focused on optimizing the interaction between humans and systems to improve safety, comfort, and performance. Over time, this vision has evolved into Human-Centred Design (HCD), a multidisciplinary framework that integrates human needs, abilities, and well-being into every stage of the design process. Today, the convergence of ergonomics with emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, and smart systems offers new opportunities to simulate, predict, and enhance human–system interaction. These tools enable designers to create adaptive, data-driven, and inclusive systems, transforming HCD into an iterative and intelligent process that strengthens human safety, resilience, and reliability in complex environments. This Special Issue aims to collect innovative research, methodologies, and applications that advance the understanding and implementation of HCD in modern ergonomics. Contributions are welcome from academia and industry, addressing both theoretical insights and practical solutions that promote usability, accessibility, safety, and sustainability in products, workplaces, and environments.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:

Human-centred and participatory design methods;
Digital Twins for ergonomic analysis and design optimization;
AI-driven human–system interaction and adaptive interfaces;
Cognitive, emotional, and safety ergonomics;
Inclusive and accessible design;
Human–robot collaboration and Industry 5.0 applications.

We invite researchers and practitioners to contribute to shaping the next generation of safe, human-centred, AI-supported ergonomic systems.

Dr. Rosaria Califano
Guest Editor

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Keywords

human-centred design
ergonomics
digital twin
artificial intelligence
human–machine interaction
cognitive ergonomics
safety
usability
biomechanics
inclusive design
Industry 5.0
smart systems

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1170 KB

Open AccessArticle

Safety and Feasibility of Spring-Assisted Sit-to-Stand Training in Individuals with Trunk and Lower Limb Impairments: A Prospective Single-Center Study

by Kei Takehara, Yukiyo Shimizu, Hideki Kadone, Gaku Watanabe, Yuichiro Soma, Ryu Ishimoto, Aiki Marushima, Hirotaka Mutsuzaki and Yasushi Hada

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(16), 8205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16168205 - 18 Aug 2026

Viewed by 137

Abstract

Repeated sit-to-stand practice is an important rehabilitation strategy for individuals with trunk and lower limb impairments; however, its implementation is often limited by fall risk, patient fatigue, and the physical burden on assisting staff. This prospective single-center feasibility study evaluated the safety and feasibility of sit-to-stand training using Qolo, a motor-free, gas-spring-assisted sit-to-stand training device, in 40 clinically selected individuals with trunk and lower limb impairments. All sessions were performed under physiatrist supervision. The primary feasibility endpoint was completion of at least three intervention sessions using Qolo. A total of 181 sessions were conducted, and in this clinically selected, supervised cohort, 36 participants achieved the primary endpoint, yielding a feasibility rate of 90.0% (95% confidence interval, 76.9–96.0%). The median number of sessions was 4 per participant, with 48 sit-to-stand repetitions per session and 134 repetitions per participant. Participant-reported fatigue was descriptively higher after training, whereas perceived fatigue among primary assisting staff remained low. No intervention-related adverse events, falls, or skin injuries were observed in this supervised feasibility study. Thirteen device-related problems were recorded, most of which involved the Qolo–tablet connection rather than the assistive mechanism, indicating important usability and reliability issues for further refinement. These findings support the early feasibility of Qolo-assisted sit-to-stand training in this small, clinically selected, supervised, heterogeneous cohort. Further controlled studies are warranted to evaluate clinical effectiveness, sustained adherence, staff workload, device reliability, and safety under routine clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics)

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30 pages, 1487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ergonomic Evaluation of Mixed Reality Interaction Modalities for Wire Harnessing Task Guidance

by Sara Buonocore, Andrea Tarallo, Francesca Massa and Giuseppe Di Gironimo

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7120; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147120 - 15 Jul 2026

Viewed by 323

Abstract

Nowadays, modern manufacturing industries still rely on the expertise and manual dexterity of highly skilled operators. In this context, Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are emerging as promising solutions for contextualized task guidance to support operators during complex activities. However, their effective adoption in production environments is still limited by the lack of ergonomic evidence regarding their impact on operators’ well-being, usability, and interaction sustainability. This study investigates whether different interaction modalities with holographic instructional content influence the ergonomic suitability of a MR-based task guidance system for wire harnessing, developed in collaboration with Leonardo S.p.A. A between-subjects experimental design was adopted, involving 16 industrial workers randomly assigned to two groups: gaze and gesture interaction (Group A, n = 8), and gaze and voice interaction (Group B, n = 8). Ergonomic evaluation included both physical and cognitive aspects, assessed respectively through the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and a composite usability index (UI) based on ISO 9241-11, integrating efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction. Results suggest comparable usability levels between the two interaction modalities (UI_A = 0.683; UI_B = 0.667). Gesture interaction was perceived as slightly more supportive of operational efficiency, whereas voice interaction was associated with lower cybersickness severity (mean TS_A = 331.5; TS_B = 196.1). Overall, the findings suggest that no single interaction modality universally outperforms the other, but rather that ergonomic suitability depends on the balance between physical workload, cognitive demands, and task characteristics. These results highlight the importance of human-centered ergonomic evaluations in the design of sustainable MR assistance systems for industrial environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics)

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20 pages, 9207 KB

Open AccessArticle

UX Assessment Protocol for Automotive HMIs: From Real-Vehicle Evaluation to Digital Simulation Environments

by Marco Cescon, Margherita Peruzzini and Davide Gaglione

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 6921; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16146921 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 351

Abstract

This study presents the development and application of a human-centered assessment protocol for in-vehicle Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs), suitable for real-vehicle evaluation and designed to support future implementation in simulated environments. The objective is to define a structured protocol to assess user experience (UX) in physical testing environments and simulated virtual scenarios. The protocol evaluates user performance and subjective perceptions while interacting with key interface components, including the instrument cluster, central display, steering-wheel controls, and ergonomic adjustment commands, establishing a methodological baseline for future digital and simulation-based evaluations. The work describes the process from requirement analysis to protocol design and user testing, conducted in collaboration with an automotive manufacturer. Participants performed predefined interaction tasks reflecting typical phases of vehicle use. Objective metrics, including task completion times and error rates, were collected alongside subjective evaluations of perceived usability, perceived quality, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed through t-tests and ANOVAs to investigate differences across user groups and interface elements. Beyond the empirical findings, the main contribution of this work lies in delivering a reusable human-centered evaluation framework supporting both current in-vehicle assessments and future simulated environments through automated interaction logging, behavioral tracking, and multimodal data capture while preserving methodological continuity and human-centered validity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics)

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16 pages, 4059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leg Volume Changes During Standing Work: Effects of Posture, Flooring Surface, Insole Use, and Individual Characteristics

by Jonathan Osorio-Vasco, Jessica Rojas-Mora, Carlos Barrera-Causil and Yordán Rodríguez

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6639; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136639 - 2 Jul 2026

Viewed by 401

Abstract

Background: Standing work is common across a wide range of industries and service settings and has been associated with changes in leg volume. Objective: To analyze changes in leg volume across eight experimental scenarios integrating posture, flooring surface, insole use, and individual characteristics associated with standing work. Methods: A controlled (2³) factorial experiment was conducted across eight experimental scenarios. Thirty volunteers participated in a 120 min simulation of standing work while performing a light manual task. Leg measurements were obtained, and leg volume was calculated. Results: Static posture and body weight increase leg volume, whereas greater height is associated with lower leg volume. Conclusions: Leg volume increased across all experimental scenarios during the 120 min exposure period. The results suggest that dynamic posture involving movement greater than 20 cm at least every 5 min, together with reducing uninterrupted standing time, may help reduce increases in leg volume. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics)

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43 pages, 18358 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Smartwatches’ Aesthetic and Ergonomic Features to Perception and Preferences Among Millennials and Generation Zs Using Kansei Engineering and Eye-Tracking Approaches

by Sandra Atef, Islam Ali, Macky Kato and Amr B. Eltawil

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5624; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115624 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 588

Abstract

Wearables design research often evaluates aesthetic and ergonomic features without capturing their emotional and cognitive effects on user experience and buying decisions. This paper investigates both dimensions for smartwatches as screen-based wrist-worn wearable devices (SBWWDs) among Millennials and Generation Z using Kansei Engineering to structure SBWWD design features into users’ emotional perception and affective preferences. The study examines four hypotheses: (H1a) aesthetic perception differs between Millennials and Generation Z, (H1b) aesthetic perception differs across genders within the same generation, (H2a) ergonomic perception and visual needs for smartwatches’ screen interfaces differ between Millennials and Generation Z, and (H2b) ergonomic preferences differ across genders within the same generation. The research adopts a two-phase design methodology. Phase I-A identifies key aesthetic attributes from market-leading smartwatches and develops controlled design stimuli using AI-assisted concept generation. A questionnaire-based survey captures demographic-linked aesthetic preferences and emotional responses, with emphasis on case shape, strap material, and wearable color, to psychological perception and preference in smartwatch product designs. Phase I-B examines ergonomic interface display preferences relevant to smartwatch screens, including contrast and polarity, using Likert scales and bipolar Semantic Differential Scales. Subsequently, participants evaluate the combined interface features’ stimuli through measures of task accuracy and completion, best/worst interface display selections, eye-tracking metrices analysis, as well as emotional and cognitive arousal provoked by psychological intention using the Self-Assessment Manikin. Further, a full factorial design experiment evaluates the effects of participants’ demographic variables, including generation and gender, as well as smartwatch design features, on aesthetics and ergonomics design perception and preference. Phase II applies Kansei Engineering principles by mapping design features to affective responses of Phase I. Findings provide a structured mapping of smartwatch design perception and preferences across generational and gender groups within the Egyptian market, supporting affective principles in SBWWD design guidelines. The study contributes an evidence-based framework that integrates aesthetic and ergonomic features through Kansei Engineering, aiming to enhance online purchasing in smartwatch devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics)

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17 pages, 2083 KB

Open AccessArticle

Human Digital Biomechanical Twin-Driven Ergonomic Optimization of Bass-Guitar Support Systems: Predictive Design and Experimental Validation

by Rosaria Califano, Luigi Riva, Armando Russo, Gessica Campanile, Giovanni Meglio, Michele Guacci, Nicola Laiola and Alessandro Naddeo

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5224; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115224 - 22 May 2026

Viewed by 514

Abstract

Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are highly prevalent among bass-guitar players due to sustained asymmetrical postures, repetitive finger movements, and prolonged support of instrument weight. This study proposes a Human Digital Biomechanical Twin-driven, simulation-based approach to optimize bass-guitar support systems, integrating biomechanical modelling, motion capture, and musculoskeletal simulation. A preliminary survey among 63 Italian bass-guitar players was performed to define the experimental conditions regarding posture, instrument type, and session duration. Fifteen experienced bassists participated in laboratory trials using motion capture and postural assessment tools, including MediaPipe Pose, RULA, and AnyBody Modelling System. Baseline results highlighted significant activation of the trapezius and spinal extensor muscles (19–26% MVC), confirming high ergonomic risk. Three alternative support configurations were digitally simulated, revealing that a three-point harness system (bilateral shoulder straps plus thoracic anchoring) reduced spinal stabilizer activation by 15–25% across four anthropometric percentiles. Experimental validation confirmed enhanced comfort, reduced fatigue, and improved instrument stability, with the majority of participants preferring the ergonomic configuration. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of a simulation-based, prospective, and human-centred ergonomic design framework, offering a scalable methodology to compare and optimize adaptive instrument-support systems before physical prototyping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Design in Ergonomics)

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