Ergonomics is a modern science based on the physiology, engineering, and psychology of how people interact with their work environment and objects. The task of this science is to provide recommendations for improving the efficiency, convenience, and comfort in the arrangement of the working environment.
What is ERGONOMICS – definition and meaning in simple words.
In simple terms, ergonomics is the science that studies:
- how to properly organize the workplace and environment;
- how to design comfortable and practical furniture;
- how to design tools and gadgets in such a way that it is convenient for a person to use them, considering all the characteristics of a person.
In the scientific sense, ergonomics is a field of knowledge that studies the adaptation of the surrounding (often working) space to a person for the most efficient and safe stay in this space.
The best examples of the work of ergonomics specialists are the designs of modern smartphones or gamepads for computer games. All of these devices have a so-called “ergonomic design” that allows you to comfortably hold them in your hand. From this, we can easily conclude that:
Ergonomics is the science of making objects more comfortable, efficient and useful.
What is Ergonomic design of objects.
The word “ergonomic” means human engineering. Ergonomic design, focused on the person, and on the usability of the surrounding objects. Design like this aims to ensure that all human needs are met and supported through the design options of an item.
Why ergonomics is an important step when creating a product.
Mass production often fails to take into account that people come in all shapes and sizes. For example, in the production of an ordinary chair in which ergonomic design is not applied, the creators do not take into account the factor that its height or width may not be suitable for everyone. In addition, such an ordinary chair may be uncomfortable for overweight or too thin people to sit on. This is where ergonomics comes to the rescue. The design of the chair can be added with the possibility of adjusting the height or tilt of the back. Various fixing elements can also be added that will “hug” the human body, fixing its position.
What does it take to create an ergonomic design?
A complete understanding of the specific tasks for which an item is intended is central to achieving an ergonomic design goal. When developers are given a list of all possible manipulations of the item, they proceed to develop a prototype with which various tests will be carried out. Based on these experiments and tests, and after making many changes and edits, the final design of the item is formed.
When did the need for ergonomics and ergonomic design arise?
It is suggested that the need for ergonomic design arose during World War II, when it became apparent that military systems could be more effective if they considered the needs of soldiers. After the inclusion of ergonomic changes in some military systems, the efficiency and safety of their use has been improved. Businessmen and manufacturers quickly picked up on this trend and adopted the principles of ergonomic design, which in turn improved the quality of their products.
