Show Notes
In this episode, Matthew Chiles is at the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) in Stevenage, home to the iconic ‘BSI standard bum’—a quirky but crucial tool used since the mid-1960s to test the durability of sofas, chairs, and beds.
Alongside this fascinating bit of testing tech, Matthew meets Levent Caglar, FIRA’s Head of Consultancy and Senior Ergonomist, and a legendary figure in ergonomics and standards-making. Levent has spent over 40 years shaping the design and safety of furniture we all use daily. From office chairs to children's furniture, his influence is everywhere.
The episode explores Levent’s extensive work developing British, European, and international standards, including ISO 9241 on ergonomics and human-centred design. Discover how standards shape the furniture world and the career of one of its most influential figures.
Find out more about the issues raised in this episode
BSI 9241-5 – Ergonomics of human-system interaction - workstation layout
Get in touch with The Standards Show
Find and follow on social media
Comments & Upvotes