This research study analysed the interaction between people's postures and activities while in semi-public/leisure situations and during transportation (journey by train). In addition, the use of small electronic devices received particular emphasis. Video recordings in German trains and photographs in Dutch semi-public spaces were analysed using a variation of Branton and Grayson's (An evaluation of train seats by observation of sitting behaviour. Ergonomics, 10 (1), (1967), 35-51) postural targeting forms and photos. The analysis suggests a significant relationship between most activities and the position of the head, trunk and arms during transportation situations. The relationship during public situations is less straightforward. Watching, talking/discussing and reading were the most observed activities for the transportation and leisure situations combined. Surprisingly, differences in head, trunk, arm and leg postures were not significant when using small electronic devices. Important issues not considered in this study include the duration of the activities, the gender and age of observed subjects and the influence of the time of day. These are interesting issues to consider and include for future research. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: This study shows what activities people choose to carry out and their related postures when not forced to a specific task (e.g. driving). The results of this study can be used for designing comfortable seating in the transportation industry (car passenger, train, bus and aircraft seats) and semi-public/leisure spaces.

The aim of this study is to develop a light-weight, comfortable seat. The idea is to shape a seat with a minimum of material by using the contour of the seated human. Twenty-five participants were asked to sit in a vacuum mattress placed on a wooden seat frame with similar angles as the car seat construction angles. They were instructed to sit in a comfortable position and perform driving movements. The mattress was then fixed, the contour scanned and digitised. All scans were superimposed giving input for a seat shell design made out of glass fibre laminate. The comfort experience of the shell was tested by 25 participants and compared with a standard BMW seat. The study shows that it is possible to create a rather comfortable seat using the human surface anatomy. However, more research on defining the specific form for the ideal shell is needed.

A user interface can incorporate theoretical and validated 'state of the art' models of comfort. Consequently, this information can reduce extensive testing and lead to more detailed results in a shorter time period.

Evolving multimodal mobility needs influences established human–product relationships and requires a deeper insight into color preferences for car interiors. Hence, a study was conducted in which 204 members of a web contest created 1,265 designs. After a peer‐evaluation process, 53 most‐appreciated and 34 least‐preferred interior color compositions were identified and compared to identify patterns in color choices. Besides, visual lightweight design by layering of large interior components such as the seat, a modest use of color and patterns accompanied by repetition and the framing of the entire interior to create a feeling of spaciousness were found. Additionally, differences in the type of color between most and least favored color designs were found. Brown and beige occur more frequently among the top‐ than the worst‐rated designs. Larger surfaces are favored in lighter hues and smaller components in darker hues.