A Review of Modular Ergonomic Furniture Patents

Abstract

This paper identifies weaknesses in the ergonomics and design advancements of household furniture. This paper suggests recommendations to enhance the satisfaction and support of ergonomic furniture. Furniture and interior wares are the chosen products of interest, and are specifically emphasised in the context of home living. This paper includes an ergonomics focus on the engineering and industrial design of household furniture, but does not include an analysisofbiomechanics, physiology and anthropometry. Based on evaluations of patents from 1980 to 2013, this paper suggests that a user-centred design would be an ideal choice for designers as it potentially promotes customer satisfaction and simultaneously improves the health and well-being of users. The paper synthesises the consensuses of furniture consumers which include data from trends, demands, complexities and preferences.

Keywords

• user-centred design
• ergonomics
• furniture
• design
• modular
• multifunctional
• storage