Ergonomic School Chair Design Requirements for Children with Special Needs: Focus Group Interview

Introduction: This study aimed to determine ergonomic school chair design requirements for children with special needs between the ages of 6–12 while studying in a pilot school.
Methods: School chair design requirements were obtained through focus group discussions by ensuring the participation of experts in the field. An expert group consisting of physicians, teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and academicians working in the field of design participated in the study. The opinions of experts who agreed to participate in the study were obtained during a semi-structured interview consisting of four questions.
Results: Four themes emerged from the responses. In the adjustability theme, it was stated that the chair's length and tilt angle, seat width and depth, material, armrests, and foot supports should be adjustable according to the size of the child. In the add-on supports theme, the need for attachable materials for the child's head, trunk, back, arms, and legs was emphasized. In the suitability for school use theme, it was stated that chairs should be clean, take up little space, and be accessible. In the benefits of proper design theme, it was stated that child development can be supported in many areas.
Discussion and Conclusion: In future studies, school chair production can be carried out in the short term by considering the relevant requirements. In the long term, the expected benefits for the child can be investigated using objective measurements.

Keywords: Chair; Ergonomics; Pupil; Students