Mattia Pistolesi

The product falls within the research area Ergonomics in Design. In particular, the methodological approach of Human-centred Design and User Experience are here applied to demonstrate its efficacy in defining the current levels of usability and experience of use of rowing “Skillirow”. To this aim, a workshop “UX Skillrow Evaluation” was organized by Laboratory of Ergonomics for Design (LED) in collaboration with Technogym Spa, a leading-edge company that develops fitness equipment for any physical activity. In the initial testing phase usability and user experience (phase 1: UX evaluation) of rowing Skillrow and its user interfaces were assessed. Afterwards, to identify the potential of the Skillrow, project proposals, brainstorming and focus group activities were conducted. During testing twenty-one users participated, aged between 22 and 30. The research goals were: measurements of current usability level and user experience of product system interfaces, and definition of critical issues and implementation of the current user interfaces. The results from the evaluation phases allowed to get qualitative data on the levels of effective usability of the product, the components, and its graphic interface. In the form of scenario-based design, solutions to improve the current high levels of usability of the user interface were also developed. Lastly, it was possible to define a protocol for evaluating usability and user experience, which will make it possible to replicate the analysis model on similar product categories.

Anthropometry is the most applicable, economical and non-invasive method for determining the size, proportions and composition of the human body. Furthermore, since body size at any age reflects the general state of health and well-being of individuals and populations, anthropometry can be used to estimate functionality, health status and survival.

Today’s aging phenomena is bringing about important changes in the make-up of our population with consequential need for assistance and cures, thus substantially increasing the costs sustained by society. The policies of the European Community aim to maintain general health and to promote lifestyles capable of sustaining a level of self-sufficiency and at the same time an “intelligent” process of aging, where one remains active and healthy for as long as possibile. The education to physical activity and to sports is a very important objective, which require the development of a conscious attitude of citizens towards their own health. With emphasis on the ergonomics of design and on methods of innovation, Human Centered Design designates likely scenarios in the near future and proposes possibile solutions which concentrate on needs and expectations, allowing one to maintain an active life, through wellness and prevention. This paper presents the results of the “Smart Running” workshop, promoted by the Laboratory of Ergonomics and Design (LED) of the University of Florence in collaboration with Technogym, a leading-edge company that develops fitness equipment for any physical activity. The projects represent innovative solutions for indoor running, particularly intent on involving an increasing number of participants.

The collective Italian identity is the result of a way of life and culture so unique that it has spread a truly 'all-Italian' modus of living and inhabiting space. In our country, alongside the great cities of art that represent the central and pulsating hub of cultural heritage, there are a large number of small and medium-sized urban centres that deserve credit for contributing to the 'coherence' and cohesive strength of our territory's identity. It is true, however, that despite their precious past and their connection to a wider context, many small Italian towns today find themselves isolated and destined to be swallowed up by larger entities. The preservation of a historic centre cannot be achieved solely through the conservation of the surrounding architectural core, but must also take into account the balance between public and private space, work activities and the needs of individuals as citizens. This type of approach is the basis of the research presented in this article, which focuses on the project to enhance the historic centre of the town of Figline Valdarno, a small municipality in the province of Florence.

Italian companies that base their value on excellence in craftsmanship and traditional skills consider human resources to be a valuable asset that must be protected. This is the case with Brunello Cucinelli, a well-known manufacturer operating in the high-end clothing sector, for which the research project described in this article was developed. The project focused on the ergonomic assessment and redesign of workstations in the prototyping department, with the aim of optimising the well-being and mental and physical health of operators by optimising workstations and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. The research was based on the scientific and methodological approach of Ergonomics for Design and its theoretical and operational tools, aimed at assessing the levels of usability and safety of the workstations, and the conditions of well-being or discomfort actually perceived by the operators, and the subsequent redesign of both the workstations and the organisation of the work activities related to their use. The results that emerged during the assessment phase highlighted critical issues relating to both the postural aspects and the usability aspects of the workstations analysed, as well as the overall quality of the interaction between the operator and the machine and between the operator and the accessories necessary to perform the task. The results of the analysis phase formed the starting point for the development of the design phase.

The medical sector is a highly complex and advanced field where human beings and their psychological and physical needs take centre stage. Today, the scientific community is extremely interested in issues relating to risks and damage in healthcare environments, in relation to the increased complexity of hospital care, home care and the population's greater expectations regarding the effectiveness of medical care. Design, as a practice created to respond to people's needs through the creation of products, systems and services, is an innovative and strategic factor capable of enhancing the quality and usability of products, proposing new behaviours and suggesting new lifestyles. Putting users at the centre of innovation processes is an essential part of design and Human-Centred Design (HCD) methods, with the aim and necessity of satisfying the needs of end users and taking into account their physiological, cultural and social characteristics, aesthetic preferences and technical and operational skills in determining the form of the products they use. Today, the design sector is called upon to contribute, using its own strategies and methods of innovation, to identify and envisage possible future scenarios and possible solutions for innovative products, services and systems, with the aim of finding solutions that facilitate and improve healthcare and home care. Medical devices (MDs) with design flaws can cause errors in use and generate adverse events. The current trend towards treating patients in 'home care' involves the use of MDs by lay operators (such as carers) or inexperienced operators. However, even experienced professionals make mistakes. An optimised design must allow for the safe and effective use of the device by providing immediate and correct interaction. These ideas were taken up and enriched in the development of the Aura home ventilator, which proved to be a unique opportunity to create a new relationship between the user and the MD itself. The project stems from the need to make this MD modern, intelligent and simple compared to what is currently available on the market. Observing user requirements in relation to different equipment during actual operation, human factors were considered during the "design and development" phase in order to relate them to the requirements of the different stages of the life cycle. This is obviously a complex task and, in some respects, still presents critical issues. This specific case study presents the methodology followed and the results achieved in the design process of the lung ventilator thanks to the inherently multidisciplinary approach adopted. It is an escalation that starts with regulatory review and then moves on to the preparation/collection/analysis of feedback questionnaires, audits at healthcare facilities and in the community, and the consideration and drafting of the project brief. The task analysis and the questionnaire submitted to healthcare personnel, patients and caregivers highlighted the strengths of the medical devices on the market but also their limitations, thus determining the areas for intervention. Specifically, five key points were addressed: morphology, human-machine interface, transportability, monitoring and safety requirements. Aura intrinsically promotes correct use, reduces the likelihood of errors and offers a high level of usability. The design choices made aim to improve the impact on the patient's emotional and functional well-being and the working conditions of healthcare personnel/caregivers. Finally, we will show how it has been possible to increase the efficiency of the Aura home ventilator and user satisfaction by providing the possibility of correcting any errors and mitigating the negative consequences when errors cannot be avoided.

Aura is a home lung ventilator for paediatric and adult use, for patients suffering from acute or chronic respiratory failure. The need to improve working conditions for medical staff in order to reduce accidental errors, and the need to improve the impact on the patient's 'living conditions', have been translated into design choices that aim to satisfy four fundamental points: morphology, digital interface and alarms, transportability and telemonitoring.