P-Arm: Diseño y Validación de un Wearable Ergonómico para Evaluar la Productividad en Ambientes Industriales

Abstract

The “Development of a wearable device for monitoring workplace productivity within a company in the city of Ambato” arises from the empirical monitoring of productivity in business environments, which can lead to errors. Additionally, it addresses the importance of productivity and work-related stress in the industrial sector. The main objective was to design an ergonomic wearable device capable of collecting relevant data to assess productivity. The Double Diamond methodology from the British Design Council was applied, integrated with Donald Norman’s Emotional Design principles. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach and included surveys of company staff, revealing that both administrative and production groups experience work-related stress, although in different forms (mental versus physical). Administrative personnel showed greater familiarity with and acceptance of wearables, while production workers, despite having less knowledge, acknowledged their potential. Identified challenges included possible distractions and data privacy concerns.

The outcome of the study is the P-Arm wearable device, designed as an arm sleeve that integrates sensors and electronic components available in Ecuador to collect accurate data. Materials such as Nylon and TPU270 were used. The P-Arm shows significant potential to enhance efficiency and productivity in business environments with production lines.