American Journal of Applied Science and Technology
121
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajast
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue 05 2025
PAGE NO.
121-123
10.37547/ajast/Volume05Issue05-23
Main Requirements for Designing School Backpacks for
Students in Uzbekistan
Ilkhamova Malohat Utkurovna
Associate Professor, Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Design and Technology of Leather Products, Tashkent Institute of Textile and
Light Industry, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Makhmudov Khusniddin Yusuf Ugli
Postgraduate student of the Department of Design and Technology of Leather Products, Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry,
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Received:
29 March 2025;
Accepted:
25 April 2025;
Published:
27 May 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the key requirements for designing school backpacks for students attending
educational institutions in Uzbekistan. It highlights essential ergonomic, hygienic, aesthetic, safety, and
psychological considerations. Furthermore, it examines modern examples of backpack designs based on
technological advancements, analyzes international practices, and discusses how they can be adapted to the needs
of Uzbek students. In addition, research conducted by the author to determine the proportion between school
backpack weight and student div weight in schools has also been highlighted. The article serves as a practical
guide for manufacturers, designers, and educators involved in the design of school equipment.
Keywords:
Backpack, ergonomics, student, design, load, health, safety, hygiene, aesthetics.
Introduction:
Alongside educational reforms in Uzbekistan,
increasing attention is being paid to student safety,
physical well-being, and comfort. One of the most
essential daily-use items for students is the school
backpack since they can distribute the load
symmetrically. Currently, the number and types of
personal belongings of schoolchildren, such as
electronic gadgets, lunch boxes, and modern stationery
and other items are increasing. In accordance with this
process, the weight of students' loaded backpacks is
also increasing. The results of Mackie H.W and his
team`s investigation on four different backpack
structures showed that backpack weight has great on
stress and pressure on shoulders. Poorly designed
backpacks can lead to spinal issues, shoulder strain,
muscle pain, fatigue, and hygiene problems.
Backpacks, especially those intended for elementary
school students, must be lightweight, ergonomically
shaped, and adapted to the students' physical
development. In Uzbekistan, approaches to this issue
are still important. Therefore, when designing school
backpacks, it is crucial to adhere to international
standards, health and safety norms, and psycho-
pedagogical requirements.
Main div
1. Ergonomic Requirements
Ergonomics is the science of designing products by
taking into account the human div
’s structure,
movement, and health. For a backpack to be
ergonomic, it must meet the following criteria:
- Weight: Weight is controversial issue, although
according to medical studies 10% of divweight has
been recommended. The optimal weight of the school
backpack depends on several factors. The most
important factors are: 1) weight and physical fitness of
the child; 2) time and distance bag is carried; 3) quality
and design of the backpack and 4) type of transport.
The empty backpack weight should be: Grades
1
–
4: 500
–
800g; Grades 5
–
9: 800
–
1000g; Grades 10
–
11: 1000
–
1200g. According to the recommendations
provided by the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and
Public Health Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
'Schoolbags chosen for students should be lightweight
American Journal of Applied Science and Technology
122
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
and have an orthopedic design. The weight of the bag
should not exceed 10
–15% of the child’s div weight
- Shoulder Straps: They should be at least 4 cm wide,
made of soft materials, and have adjustable lengths.
- Back Panel: It should be anatomically shaped to
support the spine and provide proper posture.
- Waist Belt: A waist strap helps distribute the weight
evenly and reduces shoulder strain.
Uzbek scholar Tuxtayev A.X. (2021) conducted a
medical-ergonomic study showing that poorly designed
backpacks contributed to spinal misalignment in
children under 10. Observations revealed that 1 in 3
students reported back pain linked to backpack use. In
another 2022 study by the Department of Hygiene at
Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute, 42% of 150
elementary students were found to carry backpacks
exceeding recommended weight standards.
2. Hygienic Requirements
Backpacks are in daily contact with the student's div
and clothing. Thus, the following points are essential:
- Ventilation: The back should allow airflow to prevent
overheating and sweating.
- Materials: Backpacks must be made of eco-friendly,
hypoallergenic, and easily cleanable materials. The
materials should also be lightweight and not easily
absorb various contaminants.
- Interior Hygiene: The lining should be smooth, dust-
resistant, and not designed to store food or other
contaminating items.
In 2020, hygiene specialist Kholmatova D.S. found that
backpacks with poor ventilation caused skin rashes,
especially on the back. She concluded that natural
materials offer better hygiene outcomes compared to
synthetic ones.
3. Aesthetic and Design Requirements
Students, especially younger ones, care about the
visual appearance of their backpacks. Designers should
consider:
- Age-appropriate colors: Bright, soft-toned colors and
cartoon characters appeal to young children.
- Gender differences: Design features (motifs, colors)
should reflect the interests of boys and girls.
- Minimalism: Avoid excessive decorations or non-
functional components that increase weight.
4. Safety Requirements
Safety-oriented elements in backpacks include:
- Reflective Strips: Especially useful for children walking
to school in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Durability: Seams and zippers must be secure and
resistant to tearing.
- Zippers and Buckles: Should be easy for the child to
operate, but not prone to accidental opening.
In 2023, under the leadership of Professor S.S. Jo‘rayev
at the Bukhara Engineering-Technological Institute, a
project was developed to create ergonomically
designed experimental backpacks. These models,
weighing only 650
–
800 g, were proven to have no
negative effect on children’s posture.
5. Pedagogical and Psychological Approach
Students see their backpacks not just as tools but as
expressions of their personality. Thus:
- Student Involvement: Design processes can involve
surveys or design classes where children participate in
creating their own models.
- Educational Value: Backpacks can help teach hygiene,
organization, and a sense of responsibility.
In their research report, Mackenzie W.G and colleagues
recommend using the User-Centered Design (UCD)
method in designing ergonomically comfortable
backpacks that balance the load on the student's div
and reduce the risk of various harmful factors. The UCD
method involves designing backpacks based on
students’ specific needs—
such as daily load, div
structure, div weight, and required functional
volume. In this method, not only field specialists but
also users themselves participate in the design process,
with particular attention paid to the backpack usage
cycles
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
In order to determine the weight of backpacks carried
by schoolchildren in Uzbekistan, measurement studies
were conducted in three schools in Tashkent. During
the course of one week, the students' backpack
weights were measured based on their class schedules.
From the collected data, the minimum and maximum
backpack weights were identified, and the average
weight and the widest range were calculated based on
the number of students. Additionally, the students'
div weights were measured, and their average weight
and the broadest range were established. Based on
these results, the average percentage of backpack
weight relative to students' div weight was
calculated. The findings showed that the backpack
weight amounted to 13.18% of div weight for 1st-
grade students, 11.6% for 2nd grade, 12.2% for 3rd
grade, and 11.5% for 4th grade. In some cases,
however, 1st-grade students were found to be carrying
backpacks equal to 18.6% of their div weight, 2nd-
grade students 16.5%, 3rd-grade students 16.2%, and
4th-grade students 14.2%. These figures exceed the
10% threshold recommended by experts, and it has
American Journal of Applied Science and Technology
123
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
been scientifically proven that carrying such heavy
backpacks for extended periods can lead to shoulder
pain and changes in the circulatory system.
CONCLUSION
Designing school backpacks is not merely about
producing a bag
—
it is about creating a product that
affects a child’s physical development, mental well
-
being, and academic performance. Manufacturers,
designers, and educators must collaborate to develop
backpacks that are aligned with both international
standards and national needs.School backpacks are an
integral part of the learning environment and serve as
important tools in shaping children's physical
development,
hygienic
habits,
and
aesthetic
awareness. In designing highly ergonomic and safe
backpacks for schoolchildren, the use of the User-
Centered Design method mentioned above is
considered highly effective.
REFERENCES
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan
–
Hygiene Guidelines, 2021
Fundamentals of Ergonomics, Textbook for Higher
Education, Tashkent: “Fan”, 2020
Karimov A., Children’s Health and School Equipment:
Hygienic Approaches, Tashkent, 2021
To‘xtayev A.X., Ergon
omic Backpack Design for
Students: Health Considerations, TashPTI, 2021
Kholmatova D.S., School Equipment Hygiene: Issues
and Solutions, TMA, 2020
Jo‘rayev S.S. et al., Analysis and Development of Local
Backpack
Prototypes,
Bukhara
Engineering-
Technological Institute, 2023
World Health Organization. Guidelines on School
Backpack Safety, Geneva, 2020
European Council. ECE Safety Standards for School
Backpacks, 2019
Canadian Health Institute. Children’s Health and
Backpack Loads, Toronto, 2020
UNESCO. Inclusive and Safe School Environments,
Paris, 2019
Turdiyev M., Design Approach in School Systems,
Tashkent, 2022
Product Catalogs and Technical Specifications of Local
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–
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