Why Do We Need This Solution? (Ayah & Arianna)

A closer examination of the details surrounding the design of cozy and suitable-sized seats in college classrooms is necessary, given data highlighting the critical role that seating plays in both student well-being and academic achievement. Students’ physical characteristics and preferences vary widely, making the implementation of adaptable seats necessary. Research by Koskelo et al. (2007) and Thariq et al. (2010) indicates that adjustable workstations offer significant advantages in terms of improving good sitting posture and lowering muscle tension, especially during the extended periods students spend in classrooms. It is crucial that educational institutions prioritize students’ physical comfort to create an atmosphere that supports concentrated and immersed learning experiences. Collaboration with educational institutions and ergonomic furniture designers is essential to operationalize these research findings properly. Working together will make it possible to create seats with characteristics that can be customized to fit different body types, heights, and positions, leading to an even more comfortable and health-conscious seating experience through the incorporation of materials that offer strong support and efficient ventilation. To properly apply these study findings, the spatial component of seating configurations needs critical consideration. Tight or cramped areas not only restrict natural motions but also cause discomfort, running counter to the main objective of promoting an immersive and interactive learning environment. Redesigning classrooms to accommodate more roomy seats ensures that every student has enough room to walk around, and addresses physical comfort. In summary, a thorough approach to classroom furniture is necessary due to the complex interactions among seating design, student welfare, and academic achievement. Educational institutions can take a proactive approach to promoting the physical and academic well-being of their students by making investments in ergonomic, spacious, and adjustable seating. This dedication fits in perfectly with the larger goal of education, supporting a setting where children are encouraged to realize their full potential and learning can thrive without being hampered by unpleasant seating arrangements.

The health and wellbeing of students would be enhanced if there were more ergonomic chairs available that could support the backs of those who spend a lot of time sitting still. “Desk chair may have received such significant comfort ratings is its potential to accommodate a variety of body sizes. Because the ischial tuberosities alone cannot provide full stabilization to the body, contact with other body surfaces and muscle activity in the legs, feet, and back is necessary (Parcells et al., 1999)”.The classroom provides an environment in which students work. It can also affect how tired users feel.  We require this answer since the students require a certain kind of comprehension. For students who spend a lot of time in study rooms and or lecture halls, having comfortable seating is essential since it may reduce the strain and tenderness from extended sitting. With the right seating arrangement, they can focus and pay attention in class.

Based on our survey the overwhelming response from students was that school chairs were uncomfortable and didn’t foster a modern learning environment. The current chairs were designed to be based on cost and quantity instead of comfort and convenience. Modern school chairs should be designed for prolonged sitting and should consist of soft, durable, and cushy material instead of the hard wood and rigid plastic used today. Modern chairs should also be designed for proper posture and ergonomics to ensure students are comfortable instead of feeling like having sat on concrete for hours. Also, modern chairs should include the latest technology such as integrated smart screens for interactive learning and even power adapters that can be used for charging a notebook or tablet. These are some of the minor changes we would suggest in taking an old design and making it more modern for a classroom environment today. These design changes would also make chairs more comfortable and encourage students to focus and learn instead of being eager to leave class because of discomfort. These design recommendations are also solutions implemented by corporations for employee comfort and to encourage productivity. Productivity is something that is relevant for education and would just enhance the learning experience.