An Ergonomic Investigation of Multipurpose Chairs

Abstract

Twelve types of chairs were investigated using a sample of 50 men and women. Each chair was compared with every other chair for comfort. A questionnaire concerning comfort in different parts of the body was also administered. Analysis of the paired comparisons allowed a rank ordering of the 12 chairs. The questionnaire revealed advantages as well as disadvantages of specific parts of the chairs. Comparison of the judgments with the shape characteristics of the seats gave clues to the design of a chair for multiple uses.