Designing an ergonomics backpack for student aged 7-9 with user centred design approach

Researches explored that backpacks are the most common means of carrying school supplies for students. Carrying heavy backpacks causes a wide range of disorders such as musculoskeletal disorders and postural malfunction. User Centered Design has proven its suitability to produce high efficient products with the most adaptability to consumer demands. This approach combined with consideration of normal standards and ergonomics features, with the recognition of children's needs and requirements, has been used in this research to prepare an initial design of a backpack. After that, its prototype was manufactured. The backpack was tested by 120 elementary students in three steps of form, ergonomics and load sense. A redesign was performed that has applied the results of the test run. Results showed that this new backpack can considerably reduce the effective loads on the shoulders, back and neck.