Metrics of Comfort: Development of Physiological Correlates to Subjective Responses

Abstract

Comfort drives purchasing decisions for the equipment we interact with each day. Though manufacturers would like to claim to provide the most comfort over their competitors, a quantifiable metric based on physiological responses does not exist. The current research project examined the potential relationship of physiological measures with an individual's subjective level of comfort and discomfort. Heart rate variability and skin conductance responses were collected in a controlled laboratory environment along with a behavioral measure, the number of times the seated position was adjusted. During a 20 minute seated trial participants provided periodic responses to their subjective levels of comfort and discomfort. Discomfort was predicted through an interaction of the seat type (padded or rigid) and the number of adjustments made during a trial. Comfort had no significant predictors. Results showed no predictive power of heart rate variability or skin conductance responses. These results point toward use of measures of discomfort, rather than comfort, and observation of behaviors while seated.

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