What Does Ergonomics Mean in Design and Technology?

This article provides a basic introduction to ergonomics for high school students and offers guidance for evaluating products in terms of ergonomics.

Ergonomics refers to the science of designing environments, products, and systems that are well-suited for human use. It focuses on making products, spaces, and equipment comfortable for those who interact with them. Ergonomics takes into account the sizes, proportions, movements, and capabilities of the users, as well as ensuring that the lighting, temperature, textures, noise levels and so on are appropriate and do not aggravate the senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch etc).

Ergonomics is a science focused on the study of human fit, and decreased fatigue and discomfort through product design.

– Scott Openshaw, Erin Taylor, Allsteel, Ergonomics and Design: A Reference Guide (2006)

Ergonomics is an important consideration in a wide range of fields, from workspace design, to housekeeping products, healthcare design, and industrial engineering. Essentially any system in which there is human interaction must consider the relationship between the designed environment and the human body. As an example, when designing a computer mouse, ergonomic considerations might include:

• Shaping it to fit naturally in the hand
• Positioning buttons where fingers naturally rest, to minimise thumb pain from the mouse
• Ensuring smooth movement to reduce wrist pain
• Making it usable for both right and left-handed people

Anthropometric Data and Ergonomics

Anthropometric data is invaluable when it comes to creating ergonomic designs. Anthropometric data refers to measurements of the human body, such as dimensions like height, weight, limb lengths, and reach distances across different populations of people. By analysing anthropometric data sets that include measurements from diverse groups (considering factors like age, gender, and ethnicity), designers can determine appropriate dimensions for a wide range of designed products.

Anthropometric data is typically presented as 5^th and 95^th percentile measurements (allowing designers to ensure their products are comfortable and usable for the majority of users), so extremes can be found either side of these.

Anthropometric data is often displayed as diagrams or table form – however modern digital applications now mean that data can be aggregated into 3D models.

Design and Technology students should be familiar with common anthropometric data measurements and acronyms, including weight, height, knee height, sitting height measurements, body mass index (BMI), body circumference (arm, waist, hip and calf), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Things for students to remember when using anthropometric data

• Make sure the data that is appropriate for the user population – adults, children, specific individuals, or particular segments of the population, such as elderly or disabled populations etc.
• Always check the date of the data collection – anthropometric measurements can change significantly over generations
• Consider the geographical and demographic origin of the data – measurements vary across populations
• Use multiple sources when possible to verify measurements
• Document the source of the data
• Consider whether you need to collect custom measurements for specific user groups or individual users
• Be aware that most databases provide percentile data – consider how to accommodate users outside these ranges if appropriate

Make sure you interpret and apply this data to your project – discuss why this data is useful and how it is relevant.

How to evaluate a product in terms of ergonomics

The following questions are designed to help students carry out an ergonomic assessment of a particular product or design within a coursework project, considering the impact of various human factors upon the design. Not all questions may be appropriate for every design situation.

Posture and Movement

• Does using the product force users into awkward or unnatural positions?
• Are users required to maintain static positions for extended periods?
• Does the design allow for natural movement patterns of the human body?
• Can users maintain a neutral spine position while using the product?
• Is there adequate support for limbs and joints during use?
• Does the product accommodate both right and left-handed users?
• Can users easily reach all controls without overextending?

Force and Effort

• How much physical force is required to operate the product? What kind of effort or strength is required? Does operation require muscular strength or physical aptitude of any kind? Is this appropriate or manageable for the ordinary user?
• Are there any actions that require excessive pushing, pulling, or lifting?
• Does the product’s weight distribution make it comfortable to handle?
• Is the force required sustainable for extended use periods?
• Are mechanical advantages (like levers or gears) used where appropriate to reduce effort?
• Can users with different strength capabilities operate the product effectively?
• Is there risk of muscle fatigue during normal use?

Repetitive Actions

• What movements must be repeated during product use?
• How frequently do these repetitive actions occur?
• Can the same action be accomplished in multiple ways to reduce repetition?
• Are there opportunities to alternate between different muscle groups?
• Does the design minimize the impact of necessary repetitive movements?
• Are there rest periods built into the usage pattern?
• Could long-term use lead to repetitive strain injuries?

Visual Concerns

• Are important controls and features easily identifiable?
• Does the product create any problematic glare or reflections?
• Can the product be used in different lighting conditions?

Auditory Aspects

• What is the noise level during operation?
• Are important audio signals distinguishable from background noise?
• Does the product create any sudden or startling sounds?
• Is hearing protection necessary during use?
• Are audio feedback cues clear and appropriate?
• Can volume levels be adjusted if needed?

Tactile Experience

• How do the materials feel to touch?
• Are surfaces appropriately textured for their function?
• Do any components create uncomfortable vibrations?
• Are there any sharp edges or pinch points?
• Can controls be distinguished by touch alone?
• Is the temperature of touchable surfaces comfortable?

Size and Adjustability

• Does the product accommodate different user sizes?
• What range of anthropometric measurements is considered?
• Do the dimensions of the product align with anthropometric data?
• Are there adjustable features to fit different users?
• Can the product be used by children, adults, and elderly users?

Ease of Use

• How intuitive is the product to use?
• Are controls logically arranged?
• Does the design minimize the chance of user error?
• Is the learning curve appropriate for the product?
• Are instructions clear and easy to follow?
• Does the product provide adequate feedback to users?
• Can users easily understand the product’s operational state?

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Can the product be maintained without awkward positions?
• Are maintenance points easily accessible?
• Can cleaning be done safely and effectively?
• Are maintenance procedures ergonomically sound?
• Can parts be replaced without special tools?
• Is the maintenance process itself designed with ergonomics in mind?

Duration of Use

• How long can the product be used comfortably?
• Are there recommended usage time limits?
• Does extended use create fatigue?
• Are there built-in breaks or rest periods?
• How does comfort change over time?

User Experience Over Time

• Does the ergonomic performance degrade with wear?
• How does user comfort change with familiarity?
• Are there aspects that become more challenging over time?
• Does the product maintain its ergonomic benefits with regular use?
• How does aging of the product affect its ergonomic properties?
• How does it impact user well being over time?

As you carry out an ergonomic assessment, it can be helpful to consider possible ways that you might improve the product in these areas.