Ergonomics: Where People Meet Design
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the relationship and interaction between people (aspects of the human body) and the products, systems, and environments they use.
Ergonomics is not just about making products more comfortable, it's about creating solutions that enhance human interaction.
How Ergonomics Improves Design
- Efficiency: Reducing physical and cognitive effort.
- Usability: Ensuring intuitive and accessible interactions.
- Functionality: Aligning design with user tasks and goals.
- Effectiveness: Achieving desired outcomes with minimal error.
- Safety: Minimising the risk of injury or harm.
The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Lid Lifter is a very good ergonomic design as it has a high degree of:
- Efficiency: Ergonomic knob and handle require minimal hand force to operate.
- Usability: Automatically latches onto the lid; no need to squeeze or hold tight.
- Functionality: Removes the lid without sharp edges, safe for all users.
- Effectiveness: Leaves no jagged edges on the can or lid.
- Safety: The cutting mechanism never touches the food or creates sharp metal.
Key Aspects of Ergonomics
Designers often consider different types of ergonomics:
- Physical ergonomics: deals with posture, movement, and body fit. (explored in more detail in 1.1.2)
- Cognitive ergonomics focuses on mental processes like memory, attention, and perception. (explored in more detail in 1.1.7)
Identify one ergonomic feature of the Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse and explain how it improves the design. (3 marks)
Solution
1 mark for identifying a valid ergonomic feature. Up to 2 marks for explaining how this feature improves the design:
- Efficiency (e.g. reduced effort)
- Usability (e.g. more intuitive)
- Functionality (e.g. better alignment with user needs)
- Effectiveness (e.g. more accurate or consistent outcomes)
- Safety (e.g. reduces risk of injury)
Modal Answer:
The vertical grip design places the user’s hand in a handshake position. (1 mark). This reduces the physical strain on the wrist and forearm (1 mark), making the mouse more comfortable to use for long periods, improving usability (1 mark).
Reflection and Application
- Consider a product you use regularly. How does its design reflect ergonomic principles? What improvements could be made?
- Think about a time when a poorly designed product caused frustration or discomfort. How could ergonomics have improved the experience?
- When analysing a product's ergonomics, consider both physical (e.g., size, shape) and cognitive(e.g., interface design) aspects.
- This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation.
