Occupant-Initiated Ventilated Seat Adjustment Behavior Under Dynamic Thermal Conditions: Individual Differences and Implications for Seat Design

Understanding occupant-initiated ventilation adjustment behavior is important for designing occupant-centered automotive seats. This study examined ventilation intensity selections under dynamic cooling conditions. Fifty participants independently adjusted seatback and cushion ventilation intensities while the surrounding temperature decreased from approximately 38 °C to 25 °C. Ventilation settings and thermal conditions were continuously recorded to examine adjustment patterns and individual differences. Mean ventilation intensities remained relatively stable at approximately 8 V between 34 °C and 28 °C. Between-participant variability (SD = 2.03 V for seatback and 1.97 V for cushion) exceeded typical within-participant variability (median SD = 0.90 V and 0.71 V, respectively). Although group mean intensities were similar between seat regions, individual participants exhibited different seatback–cushion ventilation selections. These findings highlight substantial individual differences in ventilation intensity selection and suggest that occupant-centered seat designs should accommodate individual preferences and independent control of seat regions under changing thermal conditions.