User-centred design to promote the effective use of rear-mounted foldable roll-over protective structures (FROPSs): prototype evaluation among novice and expert farmers

Aim of study: We tested the perceived quality in use a prototype handling supporting device, developed through user-centred design process intended for rear-mounted foldable rollover protective-structures (FROPSs).Area The study was performed Province Cuneo, which has largest number farms and highest share utilized agricultural area (UAA) Piedmont Region, NW Italy.Material methods: Three groups users, novice-novice (NN), novice-expert (NE) expert-expert (EE) were asked to raise two FROPSs: traditional one second equipped with device consisted gas spring rod. A questionnaire been used record both FROPSs (effort, physical discomfort, temporal demand ease use) usefulness attitudes toward adoption device.Main results: All reported less effort, more stable postures, higher FROPS device; NN particular, declared be willing adopt future on their tractors when commercially available.Research highlights: Previous studies discomfort operating as main cause its improper use. solution improve reachability users. Benefits by novice users expert