One approach use of public transport is to improve the quality of the travel experience. It is difficult to determine what passengers and drivers define as being comfortable and emotionally satisfactory. TNO has developed methods to study end-user opinion more objectively. The literature relating to discomfort and health, comfort, and emotions in relation to design is outlined. A case study is presented in which TNO invited end-users to participate in the design of seats for new commuter trains in New York. A second case study is presented in which TNO was commissioned to create the driver's cab in a tram as a work place that enabled optimal driver performance. The project consisted of five design steps: test first design; test first mock-up; test improved mock-up and emergency handle; dynamic test of seats; and final evaluation.
Abstract