The objective of this assignment was “to learn how to take proper account of the interaction between products, systems, or processes you design and the people who use them.”
The video taught me the larger themes of ergonomics as well as details that need to be well thought out in order for the object, system or process to be efficient for the user. The purpose of ergonomics is to make life simpler, more productive and more comfortable. Its main aim is to match products and tasks with people. At the time of early industrialisation, priority was given to the work rather that the efficiency provided for the worker. However ergonomics has made a change in that mindset.
Many a times features of technology are wasted because the user sticks to the simplest task and is unable to figure out the rest of the functions. Thus in ergonomics, it is essential for the designer to understand how the user will interpret the information. Over time, it was understood that layout is an important factor specially on items such as stoves and hot plates
Secondly, there needs to be a physical fit between the user and the manmade environment. A can opener is designed for the hand size of only a particular set of people as well a the strength they possess to use the opener. If used by a child or an elderly person, the can opener can be ineffective and unsuccessful. Just like kitchen objects, the fitting of garments and comfort of furniture is also under the perview of ergonomics.
‘Anthromopetry’ refers to the measurement of humans. Its classification includes the 5th, 50th and 95th percentile. When designing chairs for public spaces not only does the lower leg length of shorter people need to be looked at for the height of the chair but also the hip length of larger people for width. This measurement then needs to be balanced with the table height and sitting height of each individual. Lastly the age, sex and ethnic origin need to be kept in mind. Thus, there are multiple criteria that go into something as simple as the size of a chair.
Biomechanics of a human body allows us to see how much force needs to be applied in order to perform a certain task. The human body can’t perform repetitive tasks or maintain fixed postures for long periods of times. Thus despite the design, the user is advised to take breaks and relieve off the tension. Therefore, ergonomics depends not only on the skills of the designer but also on the method of the user.
Adjustability of office chairs solves several problems however when replicated in cars it comes with a hefty price tag. Specialised designs however become crucial in certain areas such as the sporting arena. The design can be difference between winning and losing. The shoes stuck to pedals while cycling during a triathlon need to be well thought out in order to reduce the time taken to wear the shoe. Velcro fit can make the shoe too tight or too loose. Thus this is when ergonomics comes in, considers all aspects, and designs a product that is efficient as well as visually appealing.
Today, there are many objects, systems and processes that need an ergonomic intervention. These include, the tangling of earphones, getting lint transfer from winter sweaters onto the rest of your clothing as well as the need to constantly re-tie your shoelaces. Other examples could include the invention of an object that removes the chance of getting blisters or corns from new shoes or something that prevents long nails from chipping off.
