Ergonomic study of visitors in red cultural venues from a biomechanical perspective: A case study of students from Sichuan University of Arts and Science

Red cultural venues are pivotal in preserving China’s revolutionary heritage and fostering national identity. However, these venues often encounter difficulties in engaging contemporary audiences, particularly younger visitors who seek more interactive and technologically enriched experiences. This study investigates the ergonomic and biomechanical challenges faced by young visitors, using students from the ideological and political education program and the cultural industry management program at Sichuan University of Arts and Science as a representative case study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys with 200 participants and qualitative interviews with 30 participants to assess physical discomfort and engagement levels. Statistical analysis reveals that prolonged standing significantly increases discomfort (β = 0.04, p < 0.001), while higher levels of interactive engagement (β = −0.30, p = 0.002) and overall satisfaction (β = −0.20, p = 0.013) are associated with reduced discomfort. Thematic analysis identifies key issues such as leg fatigue, back pain, limited interactivity, and restrictive venue layouts. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing interactive exhibits, optimizing spatial layouts, providing additional seating, and expanding venue spaces to improve visitor comfort and engagement. These evidence-based recommendations aim to inform the redesign of red cultural venues, making them more accessible and enjoyable for young visitors, thereby enhancing their educational and cultural impact. This research contributes to the limited literature on ergonomics in cultural venue settings and offers practical implications for improving the accessibility and user-friendliness of heritage sites.