Novel learning approach for ERGOnomic principles for deSIGNers working in the upholstery and sleep sectors by using Virtual Reality. Erasmus Project

Project Title

Novel learning approach for ERGOnomic principles for deSIGNers working in the upholstery and sleep sectors by using Virtual Reality.

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2015

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Open and distance learning; Enterprise, industry and SMEs (incl. entrepreneurship)

Project Summary

The European furniture and sleep sectors are key drivers of sustainable growth with a significant contribution to economic health, competitiveness, creativity, innovation, employment and export. ERGOSIGN proposed the creation of a flexible learning pathway and learning programme in line with the needs of learners and companies in the furniture, sleep and related sectors that will improve enterprise’s innovation, expertise and added value.
ERGOSIGN created online training materials on ergonomics applied to the upholstery and sleep industry developed by VET providers, who run their own specialized training according to the needs of these sectors, and universities, which respective departments are EU experts the field of ergonomics. From this main objective, several specific objectives were defined:
– To identify and understand skills gaps and needs of EU designers, trainers, and professionals in developing functional furniture and sleeping products that ergonomically comply with their specific use.
– To define joint curricula that define and analyse the most suitable training paths addressing the skills gaps and needs identified.
– To develop learning, teaching and training materials focused on basic principles on ergonomics and specific ergonomic considerations and materials that contribute to the ergonomics of the final product (flexible polyurethane foams, TPU gels, fabrics, etc).
– To enhance the integration of Virtual Reality in learning, teaching and training and support learners and educational staff in improving the use of ICT and digital competences.
-To promote open access to teaching and learning content addressing traditional sectors in line with individual’s needs and expectations, reducing skills mismatches.
-Capacity Building in these Sectors: Establishing a stable Strategic Partnership that will further promote active cooperation among enterprises, professional organisations and local/Regional Bodies in order to support high quality VET with a strong work based learning component.
ERGOSIGN brought together two HE institutions and three VET providers addressing the furniture and woodworking industry from Romania, Spain, Poland and Slovenia. These countries represent 20% of the total EU furniture production [1]. Partners complemented each other and brought added value due to their international approach while developing all planned activities:

-Surveys, comparative analysis and evidence-gathering, real cases studies in order to have a real idea of the needs of skills and competences in the European furniture and sleep industry.
– The creation of a joint curriculum and learning/training materials with methods, pedagogical approaches and tools.
– The development of a virtual learning tool and virtual content.
– Capacity building and networking activities.
This Strategic Partnership developed a Report on Ergonomics for upholstery and sleep products (current skills and qualifications needs), a training path and a joint curriculum, training material and a virtual tool which the learning content will be delivered and will help learners assimilate the learning content with the help of real cases. The content is presented by means of an e-learning platform and together with the virtual tool are freely available.
ERGOSIGN triggers modernization and reinforces work based education aligned to the needs and opportunities offered by traditional industries. The project provides and assess basic and transversal skills, such as entrepreneurship and digital competences. The open access training content and virtual tool will contribute to a more strategic and integrated use of ICTs and OER. This learning approach provides a better understanding and recognition of new skills and transversal competences. Target groups (staff from the furniture and sleep industry and VET staff, students and unemployed willing to focus their careers on these sectors) have the chance of increasing their knowledge on electronic platforms and ICT tools that will improve their competences in their working lives and furthermore, will offer more opportunities for professional development. Their skills and competences will improve for employability and new business creation: Sense of initiative, entrepreneurship and digital competences.
In the long run:
– ERGOSIGN will increase the labour market relevance of VET provision and will reduce skill mismatches and shortages among the identified target groups.

-Results will strengthen the education and training paths of youth workers, equipping them with all necessary competences and skill to develop a high quality job in the target sector.

-The use of virtual reality as a learning tool will enhance digital integration in learning, teaching, training and youth work and will support educational staff and youth workers in acquiring or improving the use of ICT for learning and related digital competences.

[1] The EU furniture market situation and a possible products initiative, CSIL, Dec.2014.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 124130,86 Eur

Project Coordinator

ASOCIATIA PRODUCATORILOR DE MOBILA DIN ROMANIA & Country: RO

Project Partners

• UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA DIN BRASOV
• UNIVERZA NA PRIMORSKEM UNIVERSITA DEL LITORALE
• Ogólnopolska Izba Gospodarcza Producentów Mebli
• ASOCIACION EMPRESARIAL DE INVESTIGACION CENTRO TECNOLOGICO DEL MUEBLEY LA MADERA DE LA REGION DE MURCIA