Presentation
Thermal Comfort and Preferred Seat Temperatures Among Drivers
DescriptionHeated car seats are designed to improve comfort in cold conditions, but individual preferences for seat temperatures can vary widely. This study explored how factors like age, gender, body size, and environmental conditions influence drivers’ thermal comfort and preferred seat temperatures. A total of 102 participants representing diverse ethnic backgrounds tested a custom-heated seat in a simulated cold vehicle environment. Each person adjusted six independent seat zones to their preferred temperatures using a tablet interface.
Findings showed that people generally preferred warmer temperatures for the seatback compared to the cushion, and certain preset seat temperatures may not meet many users’ needs—especially for the cushion. The study also found that personal characteristics, like body mass index (BMI) and age, combined with in-car humidity, significantly improved predictions of preferred seat temperatures.
These results suggest current heated seat systems may not adequately serve all users and highlight the need for more personalized solutions. Future vehicle designs could benefit from adaptive heating systems that automatically adjust to individual preferences using sensors and machine learning. This research lays the groundwork for more comfortable and inclusive automotive climate control technologies.
Findings showed that people generally preferred warmer temperatures for the seatback compared to the cushion, and certain preset seat temperatures may not meet many users’ needs—especially for the cushion. The study also found that personal characteristics, like body mass index (BMI) and age, combined with in-car humidity, significantly improved predictions of preferred seat temperatures.
These results suggest current heated seat systems may not adequately serve all users and highlight the need for more personalized solutions. Future vehicle designs could benefit from adaptive heating systems that automatically adjust to individual preferences using sensors and machine learning. This research lays the groundwork for more comfortable and inclusive automotive climate control technologies.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeWednesday, October 15th1:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
LocationGrand Hall L
Surface Transportation
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