Most research on product comfort focuses exclusively on the use of the evaluated product (e.g., Kyung, Nussbaum, & Babski-Reeves, 2008; Harih & Dolšak (2013). We sought to investigate the influence of a sitting precondition on ratings for first impression of comfort, short-term comfort, and discomfort of a product. The aim was to assess if and how sensations experienced prior to product use affected product evaluation. Therefore, a vehicle seat was evaluated with two preconditions in a within-subjects design. The comfort model of Vink and Hallbeck was extended according to the findings of this study.

The range-of-motion is defined as -1° to +1° for the seat pan and 0° to +1.5° for the backrest based on the results of experiment 2 because of the restraints of the driving task.

Static sitting when travelling by car is known to cause physical fatigue. It is generally encouraged to periodically engage in non-sedentary activities, but this is not possible when traveling by car. The present study aims to investigate the influence of moving the vehicle occupant's body passively. This posture variation is realized by continuously varying the seat configuration, i.e., the seat pan and backrest inclination. For the experiment, 21 participants sat twice on the same seat for 45 minutes: Once in a static and once in a dynamic configuration. The measurements obtained were the observation of body movements and questionnaires on perceived discomfort, seating comfort and experiential feelings. The results show that participants move significantly more in the static configuration and that they perceive more discomfort. The seat's comfort and support are evaluated significantly better in the dynamic configuration. The dynamic configuration results in participants feeling significantly more active, energetic, stimulated, pleasantly surprised, pleased, comfortable, accepting and calm. The static configuration results in the participants feeling marginally more tired and significantly more bored. Further research should investigate the effects in the context of driving on the road and an actual driving task. However, it can be concluded that the continuous movements of the seat have a beneficial effect on objective and subjective indicators of well-being.

Before fatigue caused by the driving task becomes a safety threat, it already has a negative effect on well-being. Therefore, it is desirable to intervene in an early stage of the fatiguing process to decrease the perceived load from a monotonous driving task and to create a more pleasurable driving experience. Enhancing driver vigilance could also create a competitive advantage for the car manufacturer. This paper reviews the existing body of knowledge concerning driver fatigue theories and countermeasures against driver fatigue. Current (automotive) features concerning fatigue are also evaluated. A fatigue countermeasure system should measure and/or predict fatigue, intervene with a stimulus and subsequently restore performance and alertness. A distinction can be made between physical and cognitive fatigue. Physical fatigue results mainly from static sitting issues. This type of fatigue can be countered with micro-movements and the stimulation of postural change. Cognitive fatigue can be further divided into task-related and sleep-related fatigue. Fatigue resulting from task overload can be countered with automation and assist systems. Fatigue from task underload can be countered with a variety of stimulation. Sleep-related fatigue is considered intervention resistant by some researchers, although it also seems to be possible to manipulate the circadian rhythm with blue light.