Exploración de la cognición y la experiencia del usuario de los pasajeros en escenarios de atrapamiento en ascensores = Exploring the cognition and user experience of passengers in elevator entrapment scenarios

Abstract

This thesis aims to gather knowledge about the cognitive side of elevator entrapments. Entrapments consist of an elevator car suddenly stopping and entrapping its contents inside. This research is motivated by the lack of existing literature on the human side of this phenomenon. Elevator design has been improving over the years in terms of safety and accessibility, but fundamental design choices still differ between geographical areas. This study and its methods follow the principles of user-centered design to focus on user experience while involving real users. UX knowledge is organized following the Atomic UX Research framework, alongside with deliverables to analyze the entrapment process. The most important conclusions are the following: 1) shortest rescue time is best, 2) communication is fundamental, 3) myths are a common source of anxiety and 4) automation brings disruptive improvements.