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Introduction
Introduction
The relationship between ergonomics and people is fundamentally interconnected. Ergonomics focuses on designing products and systems that fit the human body and its capabilities. It aims to minimize discomfort, fatigue, and injury while maximizing efficiency and productivity.
Guiding Question
Guiding Question
How do ergonomic considerations influence the design of a product?
How do ergonomic considerations influence the design of a product?
Ergonomics, the study of the interaction between people and products, plays a crucial role in designing products that are efficient, usable, functional, effective, and safe. By considering human physical dimensions, capabilities, and sensory perceptions, designers can create products that better fit the needs and abilities of their users.
Anthropometrics provides data on human physical dimensions, allowing designers to create products that accommodate a range of body sizes. Percentiles help determine which dimensions to focus on, such as the 5th percentile for minimum reach or the 5th-95th percentile for a wide range of users. To accommodate different body sizes, designers often use adjustability or offer products in a range of sizes.
Work envelopes, reach, clearance, and adjustability are essential factors to consider when designing products. These elements ensure that users can comfortably and safely interact with the product. For example, a chair with adjustable height and armrests can accommodate users of different heights and provide optimal comfort.
Physiology and psychology also influence product design. By understanding human limitations and capabilities, designers can create products that are less likely to cause fatigue or discomfort. Additionally, considering human senses such as vision, hearing, touch, and smell can enhance the user experience and make products more engaging.
Ergonomic considerations are essential for designing products that are both functional and user-friendly.
Korean
Korean
인간공학은 사람과 제품 간의 상호 작용을 연구하는 학문으로, 효율적이고 사용하기 쉽고, 기능적이며, 효과적이고 안전한 제품을 설계하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 디자이너는 인간의 신체적 차원, 능력 및 감각적 인식을 고려하여 사용자의 요구와 능력에 더 잘 맞는 제품을 만들 수 있습니다.
인체 측정학은 인간의 신체적 차원에 대한 데이터를 제공하여 디자이너가 다양한 체형에 맞는 제품을 만들 수 있도록 합니다. 백분위수는 최소 도달 거리에 대한 5번째 백분위수 또는 광범위한 사용자를 위한 5번째-95번째 백분위수와 같이 중점을 두어야 할 치수를 결정하는 데 도움이 됩니다. 다양한 체형에 맞게 디자이너는 종종 조절 기능을 사용하거나 다양한 크기의 제품을 제공합니다.
작업 범위, 도달 거리, 간섭 여유 및 조절 기능은 제품 설계 시 고려해야 할 필수적인 요소입니다. 이러한 요소는 사용자가 제품과 편안하고 안전하게 상호 작용할 수 있도록 보장합니다. 예를 들어, 높이와 팔걸이가 조절되는 의자는 다양한 신장의 사용자에게 적합하고 최적의 편안함을 제공할 수 있습니다.
생리학과 심리학도 제품 디자인에 영향을 미칩니다. 디자이너는 인간의 한계와 능력을 이해함으로써 피로나 불편을 덜 유발할 수 있는 제품을 만들 수 있습니다. 또한 시각, 청각, 촉각, 후각과 같은 인간의 감각을 고려하면 사용자 경험을 향상시키고 제품을 더욱 매력적으로 만들 수 있습니다.
인간공학적 고려 사항은 기능적이고 사용자 친화적인 제품을 설계하는 데 필수적입니다.
Chinese
Chinese
人机工程学是研究人与产品之间相互作用的学科，在设计高效、可用、功能、有效和安全的产品中发挥着至关重要的作用。通过考虑人类的身体尺寸、能力和感官感知，设计师可以创造出更符合用户需求和能力的产品。
人体测量学提供了有关人体物理尺寸的数据，使设计师能够创建适合各种体型的人体尺寸。百分位数有助于确定要关注的尺寸，例如 5% 百分位数用于最小可达距离，或 5%-95% 百分位数用于广泛的用户范围。为了适应不同的体型，设计师通常使用可调节性或提供各种尺寸的产品。
工作范围、可达距离、间隙和可调节性是设计产品时必须考虑的重要因素。这些因素确保用户可以舒适、安全地与产品互动。例如，带有可调节高度和扶手的椅子可以适应不同身高的人并提供最佳舒适度。
生理学和心理学也影响产品设计。通过了解人类的局限性和能力，设计师可以创造出不太可能导致疲劳或不适的产品。此外，考虑人类的感官，如视觉、听觉、触觉和嗅觉，可以增强用户体验并使产品更具吸引力。
人机工程学考虑因素对于设计既功能又用户友好的产品至关重要。
1.1.1 Ergonomics is the relationship and interaction between people (aspects of the human body) and the products, systems and environments they use.
1.1.1 Ergonomics is the relationship and interaction between people (aspects of the human body) and the products, systems and environments they use.
Guidance: You should be able to describe how ergonomics is used to improve the design of a product by making a design more efficient, usable, functional, effective and safe.
Ergonomics emphasizes putting people at the center of the design process. By understanding human capabilities, limitations, and preferences, designers can create products that truly meet user needs.
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Efficiency
Efficiency
Ergonomic designs aim to minimize physical and mental effort required to complete tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced fatigue.
Check out the case study on OXO Good Grips and how these ergonomic grips were developed.
Usability
Usability
A product is considered usable if it can be easily understood and operated by its intended users. Ergonomics ensures that controls are intuitive, information is clear, and layouts are logical.
Check out the case study on the Clear RX bottles and how these prescription bottles focus on usability.
Safety
Safety
Ergonomics helps prevent injuries and accidents by designing products that reduce the risk of hazards. This includes factors like proper posture, strain prevention, and hazard mitigation.
Functionality
Functionality
Ergonomic designs focus on creating products that effectively fulfill their intended purpose. This involves considering factors such as comfort, stability, and durability.
Check out the case study on the TrippTrapp chair and how it has been designed to "grow" with the user.
1.1.2 Anthropometrics involves the measurement of human physical dimensions expressed in the percentile range. This method specifically focuses on determining and presenting the range of individual's physical characteristics.
1.1.2 Anthropometrics involves the measurement of human physical dimensions expressed in the percentile range. This method specifically focuses on determining and presenting the range of individual's physical characteristics.
Guidance: You should be able to explain and use static and dynamic anthropometric data to design for different people and be able to discuss how factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and disability affects the anthropometric data.
Anthropometric data consists of measurements of the human body--height, weight, arm length, etc. Datasets of anthropometric measurements can come in various forms, populations groups, quality, and sample size . Therefore, the designer should use a data set that is best suited to their design goals.
Resources and Databases of anthropometric data
Resources and Databases of anthropometric data
Age-related factors
Age-related factors
Infants and Children: Rapid growth and development lead to significant changes in body proportions and dimensions.
Adolescence: Puberty brings about hormonal changes, affecting height, weight, and body composition.
Adulthood: Gradual physical changes occur, including muscle mass loss and bone density decrease.
Older Adults: Aging is associated with reduced height, increased body fat, and changes in joint structure.
Ethnicity-related factors
Ethnicity-related factors
Genetic Variation: Different ethnic groups have unique genetic makeup, influencing body proportions and dimensions.
Environmental Factors: Diet, lifestyle, and cultural practices can also impact physical development.
Examples: Some ethnic groups may have a higher prevalence of certain body types or height variations.
Gender-related factors
Gender-related factors
Males: Generally taller, heavier, and have broader shoulders than females.
Females: Have wider hips and a higher body fat percentage.
Disability-related factors
Disability-related factors
Physical Impairments: Conditions such as amputations, paralysis, or musculoskeletal disorders can affect body dimensions and proportions.
Visual and Hearing Impairments: May influence posture, balance, and spatial awareness.
Cognitive Impairments: Can impact motor skills and coordination.
Anthropometric data can consists of two types of measurements: Static and Dynamic
Static Measurements: measurements of length between points on a body.
Dynamic Measurements: measurements of reach, movement, or strength. These measurement would be used to determine how a person moves in a space (i.e. reaching for a lever from a seated position, turning a wheelchair around, etc.) or how much force is required to complete an action (i.e. opening a lid, turning a wheel, etc.).
1.1.3 Percentiles aid in the selection of appropriate anthropometric data to satisfy the majority of a user population.
1.1.3 Percentiles aid in the selection of appropriate anthropometric data to satisfy the majority of a user population.
Guidance: You should be able to identify where the 5th, 50th and 5th-95th percentiles are appropriate for a design scenario.
Percentiles are statistical values that indicate the percentage of a population falling below a certain measurement. In anthropometrics, percentiles help designers select appropriate dimensions to accommodate the majority of users.
5th Percentile: Represents the smallest 5% of the population.
50th Percentile: Represents the median value, or the middle point of the population.
95th Percentile: Represents the largest 5% of the population.
Using percentiles ensures that designs are inclusive and can accommodate a wide range of body sizes. By considering different percentiles, designers can avoid creating products that exclude a significant portion of the user population.
Application of Percentiles in Design
Application of Percentiles in Design
Consider these different design contexts and how height would play an important role in the design considerations:
An opening for an elevator:
The height of a shelf on a wall
Height of a safety railing
The location and height of an elevator button
In each of these situations, the designer would need to identify which percentile would provide them with the data to meet the design goal. Ideally, they are developing a solution that is the most inclusive. Do they need to consider the tallest or the shortest user in their design context?
5th percentile contexts and considerations
5th percentile contexts and considerations
The 5th percentile is often used when designing for minimum requirements or accommodating smaller users:
Minimum seat height for chairs to accommodate shorter users
Reach distances for controls or items on shelves to ensure accessibility for those with shorter arm lengths
Grip size for hand tools to fit users with smaller hands
50th percentile contexts and considerations
50th percentile contexts and considerations
The 50th percentile represents the average user and is often used for general-purpose designs:
Height of kitchen countertops
Dimensions of office desks
Seat depth for public transportation seating
95th percentile contexts and considerations
95th percentile contexts and considerations
The 95th percentile is used when designing for maximum requirements or accommodating larger users:
Doorway heights to ensure taller individuals can pass through comfortably
Maximum seat adjustability range for vehicle seats
Clearance space in walkways or aisles
Percentile range contexts and considerations
Percentile range contexts and considerations
Designers often use percentile ranges to accommodate a wider range of users:
Adjustable office chairs (5th-95th percentile range) to fit most users
Airplane overhead bin dimensions (2.5th-97.5th percentile range) to accommodate luggage sizes for nearly all passengers
Exercise equipment adjustability (5th-95th percentile range) to fit a broad range of body types
1.1.4 To ensure products are appropriate to a range of percentiles, designers can choose to design products to be adjustable and/or to be produced in a range of sizes.
1.1.4 To ensure products are appropriate to a range of percentiles, designers can choose to design products to be adjustable and/or to be produced in a range of sizes.
Guidance: You should be able to explain the reasons why designers choose adjustability and/or range of sizes for a product and identify products that use one or both strategies.
To accommodate a wider range of users, designers often choose to make products adjustable or offer them in a range of sizes.
Adjustability provides flexibility for users - they are able customize the product to fit their specific needs. This can be important is a precise fit or adjustment is essential. Adjustable chairs, desks, or tools are good examples.
Producing a product in a range of sizes can provide more options for users with different body types. A range of sizes might also be used in a context where fine, precise, adjustment is not required or not practical. Products available in a range of sizes include clothing, bicycle frames, and shoes.
Choosing to make a product adjustable or available in a range of sizes
Choosing to make a product adjustable or available in a range of sizes
Designers need to consider several factors when deciding which approach to take. These might include:
User Experience: Consider how adjustability or a range of sizes will impact the user experience.
Target User Population: The diversity of the target audience will influence the need for adjustability or a range of sizes.
Product Use: The specific context in which the product will be used will determine the most suitable approach.
Cost and Feasibility: Evaluate the cost and technical feasibility of each option.
Environmental Impact: Assess the environmental implications of both options, such as material usage and manufacturing processes.
Considerations for adjustability
Considerations for adjustability
Cost: Can be more expensive to manufacture due to complex mechanisms or materials.
Complexity: May require additional engineering or design resources.
Durability: Can be less durable over time due to wear and tear on adjustable components.
User Experience: Requires users to adjust the product, which might not always be convenient or intuitive.
Considerations for range of sizes
Considerations for range of sizes
Inventory Management: Can be more challenging to manage a variety of sizes, especially for smaller quantities.
Storage: Requires more storage space to accommodate different sizes.
Customer Choice: May limit customer choice if the desired size is not available.
Production Efficiency: Can be less efficient to produce multiple sizes, especially for small-scale production.
1.1.5 In design, consideration must be given to work envelopes, reach, clearance, adjustability and range of sizes.
1.1.5 In design, consideration must be given to work envelopes, reach, clearance, adjustability and range of sizes.
Guidance: You should be able to explain the importance of workspace envelopes, adjustability, reach, and range of sizes clearance in relation to percentiles and how they are used when designing products.
Work envelopes, reach, clearance, adjustability, and range of sizes are essential considerations in product design to ensure that products are suitable for a wide range of users.
Key Concepts:
Key Concepts:
Work Envelopes: The area within which a user can comfortably reach and work.
Reach: The distance a user can extend their arms to reach objects.
Clearance: The space required for movement or objects.
Adjustability: The ability to customize a product to fit different users.
Range of Sizes: Offering multiple size options to accommodate various body types.
1.1.6 Physiology is the study of systems and biomechanics within the human body, their responses, limitations, and capabilities.
1.1.6 Physiology is the study of systems and biomechanics within the human body, their responses, limitations, and capabilities.
Guidance: You should be able to explain limiting aspects of user capabilities including user’s visual accuracy, colour perception, strengths, fatigue, muscle control and hearing thresholds.
Fatigue
Fatigue
a feeling of tiredness or weakness; happens over time.
Because fatigue happens over time, it is important for designers to consider the impact of prolonged use of their designs on the human body. Fatigue can also lead to Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Risk factors can include:
lifting heavy items
bending
reaching overhead
pushing and pulling heavy loads
working in awkward body postures
performing the same or similar tasks repetitively
Fatigue can also affect decision making and performance. In short, you are simply too tired to perform at your best.
Considerations for designers
Performance: Designs should reduce fatigue as much as possible, and enable the user to perform at an expected level for as long as possible.
Health and Safety: Fatigued users are more likely to injure themselves or other. In addition, injuries can be permanent, or cause chronic (consistent) pain.
Symptoms of MDS
Symptoms of MDS
To address fatigue, designers should focus on the following:
Develop a inclusive design that takes into the physical abilities, strength, and movement of the user; and,
Avoid harming the user through increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
To achieve this, designers should consider these four factors below:
To achieve this, designers should consider these four factors below:
Force
Force
The amount of compression, pushing, twisting, pulling, etc., that a person can exert. It is directly related to muscle strength.
The amount of compression, pushing, twisting, pulling, etc., that a person can exert. It is directly related to muscle strength.
Designers should consider the amount of force required to do an action (turn a knob, tighten a lid, pull a zipper, squeeze a handle, etc.). It is also important to consider the user group and how much force the typical user is able to exert: Young children and the elderly have lower muscle strength than some in their 20's, for example
Repetition
Repetition
How frequently a task is repeated. Task that are repeated at a high frequency can impact the body in a negative way.
How frequently a task is repeated. Task that are repeated at a high frequency can impact the body in a negative way.
Designers should consider how frequently a task needs to be done, and in most cases, reduce the frequency and intensity of the task as much as possible. For example, workers at a workstation may develop musculoskeletal disorders if they are required to repeat a task over and over again. The ergonomics of workstations should reduce this risk as much as possible.
Posture
Posture
The position the body is in, whether standing, sitting, or lying down.
The position the body is in, whether standing, sitting, or lying down.
Designers should consider the posture the user takes when performing the task. It is important to minimize physical stress on the body, while also allowing the body to be supported appropriately. when designing a computer workstation chair, the designer would need to consider the seated posture of the user that also allows them to type comfortably.
Duration
Duration
How long the task is performed or repeated.
How long the task is performed or repeated.
Designers should consider duration along with frequency. Even small durations, repeated many times, can damage human tissue.
1.1.7 Psychology is concerned with the study of the human mind and involves the study of all the human senses which may be involved in sending information to the brain.
1.1.7 Psychology is concerned with the study of the human mind and involves the study of all the human senses which may be involved in sending information to the brain.
Guidance: You should be able to discuss how human senses (smell, sound, touch, taste, and vision) are used to influence the design and development of products
Human senses play a crucial role in shaping our perception of the world and influencing our interactions with products. By understanding how these senses work and how they can be engaged, designers can create more effective, engaging, and memorable products.
Linking Questions
Linking Questions
How are user-centred research methods used to collect human factor data? (A2.1)
Which aspects of ergonomics are appropriate for user-centred design (UCD) practice? (B1.1)
How does ergonomics affect modelling and prototyping of potential design solutions? (B2.2)
How important is ergonomics to inform effective inclusive design? (C1.2)
Linking questions are questions that help you connect different parts of your design technology studies. They can show how ideas and skills are related to each other.
Why are linking questions important?
Why are linking questions important?
Linking questions can help you:
Understand the big picture: See how different parts of design technology fit together.
Learn more: Connect new information to what you already know.
Show your knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of design technology in a deeper way.
How can you use linking questions?
How can you use linking questions?
Connect subtopics: Find relationships between different parts of the course
Use your skills: Show how you can apply design technology skills in different areas.
Think about the nature of design technology: Consider the big ideas and principles that guide design technology.
Apply to the real world: See how design technology can be used in real-life situations.
References and resources
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Dillon, Michael. “Ergonomic Packaging Design: What to Keep in Mind.” Meyers, 17 Aug. 2021, meyers.com/meyers-blog/ergonomic-packaging-design-what-to-keep-in-mind/.
“Ergonomics in Medical Devices - Zylog ElastoComp.” Zylog ElastoComp, 22 Dec. 2021, zylogelastocomp.com/articles-casestudies/ergonomics-in-medical-devices/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
Flint Rehab. “The Best Adaptive Equipment for Cerebral Palsy.” Flint Rehab, 19 Aug. 2019, www.flintrehab.com/adaptive-equipment-for-cerebral-palsy/.
Gosnay, Anthony. Ergonomics & Aesthetics in Medical Product Design : An Investigation into the Importance to the User. Saarbrucken, Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011.
Hanington, Bruce, and Bella Martin. Universal Methods of Design. S.L., Rockport Publishers, 2012.
Kat Holmes. MISMATCH : How Inclusion Shapes Design. MIT Press, 2020.
Patkin, Michael. “A Check-List for Handle Design.” Mpatkin.org, mpatkin.org/ergonomics/handle_checklist.htm.
Pešička, Ondřej. “Designing for Color Blindness in UI Design: Best Practices & Tips.” Atmos Style, 4 Feb. 2023, atmos.style/blog/color-blindness-in-ui-design.
Pullin, Graham. Design Meets Disability. Cambridge, Mass. ; London, Mit Press, 2011.
Star Rapid. “Design for Medical Devices, Engineering - Ep20.” YouTube, 9 Dec. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PsBBJKAJM. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.
Tilley, Alvin R, and Henry Dreyfuss Associates. The Measure of Man and Woman : Human Factors in Design. New York, Wiley, 2002.
Tuchkov, Ivan. “Color Blindness: How to Design an Accessible User Interface.” Medium, UX Collective, 22 Aug. 2018, uxdesign.cc/color-blindness-in-user-interfaces-66c27331b858.
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