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Human experience at
the core of design research

Research-driven

Design for Ergonomics

A research laboratory investigating Ergonomics, Usability and Human-Centred Design to support the assessment and design of spaces, products, services and equipment.

The Ergonomics & Design Laboratory develops and applies ergonomic assessment methodologies across traditional Ergonomics, usability, and Human-Centred Design

These methodologies are applied through research activities conducted for third parties, national and international competitive research projects, workshops and educational activities, and scientific publications.

10+

Award and

Honours

15

Funded Research

Projects

200+

Publications

13

Third-Party
Research

Our approach integrates experimental evaluation, human factors analysis, and iterative prototyping to support evidence-based design and decision-making.

  • User research and needs analysis,

  • Task and activity analysis,

  • Usability evaluation,

  • Safety and risk assessment,

  • User testing in laboratory and real contexts,

  • Expert ergonomic assessment,

  • Anthropometric and biomechanical analysis,

  • Simulation and virtual modelling,

  • Physical and digital prototyping,

  • Standards-linked evaluation and best practices (UNI / ISO).

Where Research Shapes Design

We apply ergonomics, human factors, and scientific research to the design of products, systems, and environments.
Each project combines rigorous evaluation, user-centred methodologies, and prototyping to deliver safe, functional, and evidence-based solutions.

The methodologies developed by LED are applied through different research and knowledge-transfer activities:

  • Third-Party and Contract Research
    Applied research commissioned by public institutions and private organizations, focusing on ergonomic assessment

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  • Competitive Research Projects
    National and international research projects addressing complex design challenges through validated methods

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  • Scientific Publications

Books, peer-reviewed articles, and research outputs disseminating methods, results, and best practices

  • Workshops and Educational Activities
    Hands-on workshops and teaching activities supporting the application and experimentation of HCD methodologies.

Led's People

The methodologies developed by LED are applied through different research and knowledge-transfer activities.

We apply ergonomics, human factors, and scientific research to the design of products, systems, and environments.​​​​

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An Italian research lab recognized by international design awards

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Conference Incoming

22nd May 2026

L’Ergonomia che cambia le Relazioni: prospettive operative nel tempo della complessità


An opportunity for interdisciplinary reflection on ergonomics as a framework for understanding the relationships between people, environments, tools and organisations.

The conference brings together knowledge, practices and experiences to address the complexities of the present day in the contexts of daily life, work and care.


The event is organised by SIE – Italian Society of Ergonomics and Human Factors – Tuscany Branch, under the patronage of the Department of Architecture (DiDA).

Some of our partners

The laboratory works closely with companies, public institutions, and associations to develop research projects, share knowledge, and create innovative design solutions with real social impact.

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Ergonomics & Design Lab

hosted by the Department of Architecture

as part of the Università degli Studi di Firenze

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