Ergonomics and human factors

Fundamentals of Ergonomics

Definition of ergonomics: This is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding the interactions among human beings and various system elements, aiming to optimise human well-being and overall system performance.
Human factors: These refer to environmental, organisational and job factors, including human and system capacities, which impact behaviour at work in a way which can have an impact on health, safety, and performance.
Harnessing ergonomics: In design engineering, ergonomics is applied to ensure that a product is safe, comfortable, and efficient to use.

Human Body and Ergonomics

Anthropometrics: This is the practice of measuring the human body’s physical dimensions and capabilities, which designers use when developing products to ensure compatibility with the user’s body.
Biomechanics: It’s the study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms, playing an essential role in understanding physical user-product interaction.
Physiology and psychology: Both the physical and mental capabilities and limitations of humans should be considered in product design, such as strength, sensitivity and response times.

Designing with Ergonomics

User-friendly designs: Ergonomics assists in developing user-friendly products and design spaces by taking into account the users’ needs, abilities, limitations, and preferences.
User experience: Ergonomic designs improve user experience by increasing product utility, effectiveness, and reliability, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and product success.
Design for all: It focuses on developing products that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible without the need for adaptation or specialised design.

Ergonomics and Efficiency

Workplace ergonomics: Applies to designing an efficient and safe work environment by adjusting the operating settings to meet the user’s capabilities.
Usability evaluation: Involves determining how well users can accomplish tasks using a product, which gives important feedback to engineers for product improvement.
Risk analysis: Used to identify and mitigate potential hazards related to poor ergonomic design. Covers everything from slips, trips and falls to repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

Ethical Considerations in Ergonomics

User safety: Ensuring product safety is a key element of ethical design principles, one which ergonomics contributes to substantially.
Inclusivity in design: Ethical principles require the designers to create inclusive products that cater to the needs of all users, including those with unique physical or psychological requirements.
Sustainability and ergonomics: A sustainable product means considering the environmental impact, but also designing a product that won’t break or become uncomfortable quickly - this leads to more thoughtful consumption habits and less wastage.