Data underlying the publication "Train Passengers’ Needs for the Seating Environment".

The number of train passengers using smartphones is continuously increasing, which directly influences their comfort on long-distance train journeys. In this study, data are gathered to improve the train passenger’s seating environment. Thirteen experienced train travellers were invited to participate and were separated into a student, employee and elderly group. First, the problem was explored followed by a cocreation session in which ideas were generated to improve smartphone use in the vehicle interior. The results showed that the younger group and the employee group mainly used their smartphones for listening to music, watching videos, reading and chatting, while the elderly group were doing other activities such as gazing out of the window, reading and working on a laptop. The smartphone use was mainly done using the right hand. They held the smartphone in both hands while texting The cocreation showed that passengers need more support for a smartphone use, like an arm support and a holder. This research is useful for the train, car, bus and airplane seat suppliers to create new designs for the passengers’ comfort that fit the performed tasks.