Abstract
<jats:p>This research addresses ergonomic deficiencies in postgraduate classrooms that negatively affect students’ physical well-being and academic performance. The study aims to develop a conceptual ergonomic classroom design adapted to the Mexican higher education context. A participatory systemic approach based on Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was applied, integrating ergonomic regulatory criteria from ISO 9241-5 (International Organization for Standardization, 1998; Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social, 2008) and NOM-025-STPS-2008 Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (2008). The methodology included problem diagnosis through observation, interviews, surveys, and documentary analysis; construction of conceptual models considering anthropometric, lighting, acoustic, accessibility, and technological variables; comparison between the current classroom and the proposed model; and refinement based on cultural and technical feasibility. The results show a significant improvement in ergonomic compliance levels, increasing from low to high performance across all evaluated criteria. The proposed model provides a replicable framework for designing ergonomic learning environments that promote physical well-being and support academic performance in postgraduate education.</jats:p>