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ERGONOMIC CABIN REDESIGN
A NEW CHANGE IN GODREJ FORKLIFT DRIVERS CABIN
OVERVIEW -
To conduct a thorough research on forklift driver, cabin and their general behaviour while driving the forklift. The results of research should be applied on the Godrej forklifts. The process involves research, observation, interviews, ergonomic anthropometry and application of required outcomes at the end. The project took nine months to complete. It was a beautiful design journey.
TYPE OF PROJECT : RESEARCH, ERGONOMIC STUDY AND PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT
CLIENT : GODREJ AND BOYCE MFG PVT LTD
YEAR : 2018
STATUS : DELIVERED TO R & D TEAM
Activity mapping
Drivers are observed while doing their normal activities. The observations lead to understand their behaviour, points of contact and style of working inside the forklift cabin. Various activities were noted down to enhance the driver's experience inside the cabin.

Jugaad / Make shift arrangements
Drivers have customised the forklift as per their taste. Various changes were observed during the field trial. There are couple of design related issues inside the drivers cabin. These jugaads or make shift arrangements lead to requirements and wishes of the drivers. These arrangements help them to focus on the work and later to enjoy it. These make shift arrangements were also considered while delivering the final design.

Interviews with stakeholder
Various drivers as well as contractors were interviewed during the field trip. It helps us to get better understanding of their daily routine, their like / dislikes, their aspirations and wishes. Conversations with them lead to new possibilities that help to bring a better design experience in forklift cabin.






Research Analysis : 4 A's and 5 Human Factors
Various challenges, pain-points, aspirations and attitude of the drivers were analysed. For better understanding and clarity, we apply the design research method 4A's and 5 Human Factors. This method allows us to find the pattern and later on held to deduce the design principles for ergonomic cabin.

Brain storming / Ideation / Concepts / Soft Models
After brainstorming sessions, the team ideate based on research outcomes. Various concepts were showcased in front of business heads. Soft models were made for better understanding. The outcomes were then 3D printed and fixed-tried later on finally.


Soft models were made for better experience, minimised
pain-regions and firm-intuitive response.


Tape Drawing
Tape drawing was done to understand the scale of the cabin and the forklift. Later on the dummy was used according to different percentile to see the requirement as per ergonomic standard. Any changes can be visualised easily using tape drawing scale 1:1.
Prototype : Ergonomic Anthropometry
An ergonomic tool was made to find out the best anthropometric range for Indian customer. Later on the outcomes were compiled in a booklet which can be used at any point of designing a new forklift.


Solidworks Model
Anthropometric Measurement using tool and Compilation of outcome
An ergonomic tool was made to find out the best anthropometric range for Indian customer. Later on the outcomes were compiled in a booklet which can be used at any point of designing a new forklift.








Forklift fitted with every possible changes within current architecture.
All data was compiled and turned into an ergonomic guide book. All necessary details are published in this booklet.





Contributors:

Govind Sharma
(me)

Neha Nahata

Vazir Nadaph

Shrirang Powar

Vishal Chandratre

Mitesh Vasa
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