he prototype of the “dragon bench” has been evaluated with ergonomic methods in order to test its possible commercialisation (2000).

During the International project called “Urban Child” and promoted by UNICEF, elementary school children, in collaboration with some facilitators, have built the prototype of a bench-bike rack, in recycled plastic.

The Local Authority of the City of Milan, Social and Healthcare Services Department, has considered it appropriate to test its usability and safety before its possible production and distribution within the area.

Studio Steffan has conducted a test according to the ergonomical methodology, with the aim to propose the necessary changes for its production, with a particular focus on the aspects connected to hygiene, operation, practicality and safety. Safety has been evaluated according to the features of the prototype, in particular: shape, dimensions, materials, structure.

The test has been conducted through direct observation by the final users and through interviews. Further tests concerned the responsiveness of the prototype to the existing safety rules, through appropriate tools and load tests. Among the adopted criteria: evaluation of the functions in relation to the environment (school yard); evaluation of the features of the prototype, evaluation of the user’s degree of satisfaction.

The study has highlighted the limits of the process of participated planning with regards to the safety requirements, and the perception of the object/function by the final user: the final evaluation will change to possible production of the prototype in terms of: number, materials, location and functions.

The work has been presented at various conferences and publications, including: Ergonomic Design, Case Studies, F. Tosi, published by Il Sole 24 Ore, 2001.