The effect of different heights of vitreous China products used for defecation on comfort and usage

Defecation is one of the basic human needs since humanity exists. While early on in the past this need could be fulfilled at any place in the nature, different solutions have been developed with the change of the living space. Basically two main product groups are used, one for squatting and the other for sitting. Within the literature review of this thesis study, the historical development of the toilet and toilet culture have been examined. The products used for defecation have been examined, while the change in these products have been scrutinized, considering the academic search conducted with respect to health. The preferred products for defecation have been evaluated in four different groups and tested with 80 people from different age groups using prototypes. During the test period, relevant data were collected by enquiring the participants about their usage comfort. Through the analysis of the data, it is examined what kind of difficulties are encountered in which product height and accordingly the optimum height is sought to be identified. User comfort has been enquired in detail by examining what kind of problems the participants faced while sitting down and standing up as well as during their sit. As a result of the conducted analyses, it is concluded that the squat pan was the most uncomfortable product while the standard WC (WC Pan) was the most comfortable product. Certain difficulties were identified in the use of a standard toilet seat with a stool and a toilet seat with a height of 250mm.