Dipartimento OrganizzazioneSistema DiDALabsLaboratori di ricerca (LARI)Laboratorio Ergonomia DesignErgonomics & Design Laboratory – LED

Ergonomics & Design Laboratory – LED

The Ergonomics & Design Laboratory – LED, part of the Department of Architecture at the University of Florence, conducts research, experimentation and knowledge transfer in Ergonomics, Human Factors, Usability and Human-Centred Design, with particular emphasis on their integration into the design and innovation of products, systems, services and environments.

The Laboratory’s scientific work integrates design culture with ergonomics, placing people’s characteristics, capabilities, needs and patterns of interaction at the centre of the definition, development and evaluation of design solutions.

Within this framework, LED develops and tests human-centred research methods and tools, combining analysis of contexts of use, user research, ergonomic and usability assessments, user testing, physical and digital prototyping, and iterative verification and validation processes.

Particular attention is given to the relationships between people, artefacts, technologies and contexts, and to translating research findings into requirements, criteria and recommendations that inform the design process.

The Laboratory’s activities encompass national and international research projects, applied and commissioned research, and interdisciplinary collaborations with universities, research centres, institutions and businesses. These activities contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge, methods and tools in Design for Ergonomics and Human-Centred Design.

Research Approaches and Methods

The Laboratory adopts an interdisciplinary, human-centred approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse, design and evaluate interactions between people, products, systems and environments.

Its core methodological expertise includes user research and needs analysis; task and activity analysis; ergonomic and usability assessment; anthropometric and biomechanical analysis; the study of safety, risk factors and human error; user testing; physical and digital prototyping; virtual simulation and modelling; and verification and validation.

These methods are applied throughout the design process, from understanding people and contexts of use and defining requirements to developing, verifying and validating solutions.

Research activities also include analysing and evaluating products, systems and environments against national and international standards, technical standards and best practices, with particular reference to UNI and ISO standards.

Research Areas

The Laboratory’s research and experimental activities address a range of sectors and contexts, with particular emphasis on products, systems and services; health and healthcare; living and working environments; education and training; cultural heritage; mobility; robotics and wearable systems; interfaces and digital systems; accessibility, inclusion and design for human diversity.

This breadth of application reflects the cross-cutting nature of Ergonomics and Human-Centred Design and their contribution to innovation through an in-depth understanding of people, activities and the contexts in which products, technologies and services are used.

Research and Knowledge Transfer

The Laboratory collaborates with universities, research centres, public institutions, associations and businesses, conducting scientific, applied and experimental research to advance knowledge and support innovation in products, services, systems and environments.

Activities include competitive national and international research projects, commissioned research and collaborations with organisations and businesses, scientific publications, workshops, training activities and experimental teaching initiatives dedicated to applying and developing Ergonomics and Human-Centred Design methods.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, the Laboratory’s research and design activities have received national and international awards, mentions and recognition. Key examples include:

• ADI Compasso d’Oro 2026 – Honourable Mention – CHORUS EVO, DIESSE Diagnostica Senese S.p.A.
• iF Design Award 2026 – CISA ALPHA panic bars.
• ADI Compasso d’Oro International Award 2025 – International Honourable Mention – VES MATIC 5, DIESSE Diagnostica Senese S.p.A.
• ADI Design Index 2025 – CHORUS EVO and Emotional Design for Children Healthcare.
• UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards 2023 – Honourable Mention, Research Category – Home Care Design for Parkinson’s Disease.
• ADI Design Index 2023 – Home Care Design for Parkinson’s Disease.

Visiting Professors

Through its research, teaching and experimental activities, the Laboratory has hosted Visiting Professors and developed scientific collaborations with scholars and researchers from international universities and institutions.

Adson Eduardo Resende
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
Visiting Professor, 2019–2020

Marialine Pozzatti Amadori
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
Visiting Professor, 2024–2025

Past Scientific Collaborations

Over the years, the following scholars and researchers have contributed to the Laboratory’s research and experimental activities: Claudia Becchimanzi, Nicola Bernardi, Giancarlo Bianchi, Salvo Andrea Denaro, Jacopo Francesco Montalto, Giovanna Nichilò, Alessandra Rinaldi (Scientific Coordinator, 2014–2019), Antonella Serra and Iris Ayame Brunella Verzì.

Location and Contact Details

Design Campus – University of Florence
Via Sandro Pertini, 93
50041 Calenzano (FI), Italy

Email: lab.ergonomia[AT]dida.unifi.it
Tel.: +39 055 2757074