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Influence of Furniture Ergonomics on User Comfort in Office Interiors

Abstract

The study examines the influence of furniture ergonomics on user comfort in office interiors, with emphasis on how the design, dimensions, adjustability, and functional characteristics of office furniture affect the physical comfort and usability experienced by occupants. Office furniture forms an important part of the interior environment because workers spend extended periods using chairs, desks, workstations, and other furniture elements. Poorly designed or unsuitable furniture may contribute to discomfort, restricted movement, awkward postures, fatigue, and difficulty in performing routine office activities. The study will assess the ergonomic characteristics of furniture used in selected office interiors and examine their relationship with user comfort. Attention will be given to chair dimensions, seat height, seat depth, backrest support, armrests, desk height, workstation dimensions, legroom, adjustability, furniture arrangement, and compatibility with users’ body dimensions. User comfort will be assessed based on posture, ease of movement, physical discomfort, fatigue, ease of task performance, perceived support, and overall satisfaction with the furniture provided. A descriptive cross-sectional research design will be adopted for the study. An appropriate sample of office workers and selected office interiors will be selected using a suitable sampling technique. Data will be collected through physical measurements of furniture, ergonomic assessment checklists, observation of furniture use, photographs, and structured questionnaires administered to office users. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate correlation and comparative techniques will be applied to determine the relationship between furniture ergonomics and user comfort. The study is expected to reveal that ergonomically suitable office furniture is associated with improved user comfort. Furniture with appropriate dimensions, adequate back and lumbar support, suitable seat height, sufficient legroom, adjustable features, and proper workstation relationships is expected to support comfortable postures and ease of use. In contrast, furniture with unsuitable dimensions, limited adjustability, inadequate support, or poor workstation compatibility may be associated with discomfort, fatigue, restricted movement, and reduced satisfaction. User characteristics, duration of furniture use, work activities, and interior layout may also influence perceived comfort. The findings will be useful to architects, interior designers, furniture designers, facility managers, employers, office administrators, and other professionals involved in workplace planning and design. The study may provide useful information for selecting and arranging office furniture according to ergonomic requirements and user needs. It may also contribute to improved office interior design by highlighting the importance of integrating furniture dimensions, adjustability, spatial arrangement, and user characteristics into workplace planning. The study will conclude by establishing the influence of furniture ergonomics on user comfort in office interiors and emphasizing the need for furniture that supports appropriate posture, movement, and task performance. It is recommended that ergonomic principles and user requirements be considered during the selection, design, and arrangement of office furniture, with adjustable and appropriately dimensioned furniture provided where possible. Further studies should examine furniture ergonomics across different office types, occupational activities, and user groups.

Keywords: Furniture ergonomics, user comfort, office interiors, office furniture, ergonomic design, workplace design, office workers, furniture dimensions, workstation design, seating comfort, posture, adjustability, interior design, workplace environment, architectural design.