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Ergonomic Optimization of University Dormitory Furniture: A Digital Human Modeling Approach Using Jack Software

Author

Listed:
  • Yihan Wei

    (College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Yushu Chen

    (College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

Abstract

University dormitories are vital spaces for students’ daily lives and informal learning, and require desks and chairs of utmost comfort. This study evaluates the desks and chairs at F University using Jack 8.01 software to optimize ergonomic design. By simulating three common sitting postures, this research identifies key issues, such as posture-related strain and limited reachability, particularly for female users. The optimized design introduces adjustable desk height (440~840 mm), chair height (250~520 mm), and tilt angle (0~60°), resulting in a 14.3% and 51.9% improvement in hip and knee joint comfort for the 5th percentile of female users, respectively, and effectively avoids the health risks caused by poor sitting posture. At the same time, based on the universal design concept, the design considerations for non-normative people are introduced. From the perspective of environmental sustainability, fewer wood-based panels used in the improved desk can reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint by approximately 135 kg CO 2 e. These enhancements highlight the critical role of digital human modeling (DHM) in developing ergonomic, “people-centered” furniture that promotes healthier and more effective learning environments, as well as the sustainable development of educational facilities. Future work will validate these findings in real-world settings and explore their applications across educational and professional spaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Yihan Wei & Yushu Chen, 2025. "Ergonomic Optimization of University Dormitory Furniture: A Digital Human Modeling Approach Using Jack Software," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:299-:d:1559448
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jo Kuys & Abdullah Al Mahmud & Blair Kuys, 2021. "A Case Study of University–Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Furniture Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Yongbao Zhang & Xiang Wu & Jingqi Gao & Jianwu Chen & Xun Xv, 2019. "Simulation and Ergonomic Evaluation of Welders’ Standing Posture Using Jack Software," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-14, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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