In order to investigate how Human-Centered Design solutions could improve the quality of their products, Embraer (the Brazilian multinational aerospace manufacturer) invited ESDI (the Industrial Design school from Rio de Janeiro State University) for a sponsored partnership. The ERJ-145 are three-abreast seating regional jetliners “focused on speed, comfort and passenger appeal”. According to user feedback, though, flight experience with the original seats was frequently reported as “unpleasant” and “claustrophobic”, due to the aircraft’s narrow cabin section. Optimized by the updated Brazilian anthropometric database, the proposed design for a new ergonomic seat (including new materials) significantly improved this perception.
Authors: Caroline Garas (Ohio State University) and Rico Bacellar (ESDI/UERJ)
Advisor: Professor Freddy van Camp
Advisor: Professor Freddy van Camp
