Human Geometries as Key Starting Point in Sports Performance – Designing Equipment for Individual Performance in Paralympic Sit-Ski

DS 116: Proceedings of the DESIGN2022 17th International Design Conference

Year: 2022
Editor: Mario Štorga, Stanko Škec, Tomislav Martinec, Dorian Marjanović
Author: Ole S. Nesheim, Dag H
Series: DESIGN
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Section: Industrial Design
Page(s): 2137-2146
DOI number: https://doi.org/10.1017/pds.2022.216
ISSN: 2732-527X (Online)

Abstract

This article investigates human geometry in design, allowing exploration of unknown geometries in Paralympic sports equipment. By creating a configuration map exploring the solution-space, optimal sit-ski seating positions–in the sense of performance and ergonomics–can efficiently be found for individual athletes. A physical prototype was developed, and an experiment was designed to identify changes in performance due to different geometries. The design method and application make it possible to translate critical angles onto geometries, and test individuals for optimal work ergonomics.

Keywords: prototyping, user-centred design, design methods, paralympic cross-country skiing, ergonomics