Although the term ergonomics was first used in the late eighteenth century, it wasn't until after World War II that the field known today as ergonomics really began to shape product design and human interaction with surrounding elements.
What Is Ergonomics? Today, ergonomics is something frequently touted by an array of professionals, from marketing and IT experts to those in the health care field.
The problem is that some have a very specific and straightforward idea of what the term ergonomics means and others try to make anything and everything fit the term. The result is many that are seeking information on ergonomics walk away from the subject more confused than ever.
Evidence of the premise of what's now known as ergonomics can be found by looking at ancient Hellenic civilizations and early Egyptians that used many ergonomic principles in their tool and workplace designs.
The word is derived from two Greek words: ergon and nomoi. Ergon means work and nomoi means natural laws. So, ergonomics is the science of work and the human relationship to work.
According to The International Ergonomics Association, ergonomics is a science discipline concerned with comprehending human interaction with other elements of a system, and a profession that uses data, principles, methods, and theory in design so it can be optimized for system performance and human well-being.
A much simpler way to describe ergonomics is the science of making things around us both comfortable and efficient for our usage. Those that practice within this field are called ergonomists. Ergonomists study work to determine how it's performed and how it can be performed better.
Ergonomics becomes useful to most every profession because it attempts to make improvements to products, processes, and services so work is more comfortable and efficient.
For businesses that handle infrastructure or waste systems, insurers and risk managers may evaluate ergonomic factors; see Sewers and Waste Services Insurance for related industry considerations.
What Does Ergonomics Mean to Me? Now that the definition of ergonomics is clearer, users can better understand what they are most concerned with: how they use a service or product, how it meets their needs, and if they will like using it.
The answers to these questions can be found by looking at the comfort and efficiency involved with ergonomics.
Comfort and efficiency go hand in hand, as comfort is one of the most important aspects of whether or not a design is effective. Comfort goes far beyond just having something soft.
Mental comfort in the elements of a service or product and during human-to-machine interaction are key concerns in ergonomic design.
Physical comfort in human-machine interaction is often the first thing noticed during usage. Having physical comfort from how a machine or product feels is important to users.
Essentially, users won't continue to touch or operate something that doesn't feel good, and if they don't operate it, the product becomes useless. Any designer will tell you that usage is the only true measure of design quality.
Designers seek inventive ways to increase the usage of their product or service, and comfort has everything to do with how often an item is used.
Comfort also comes from mental aspects: what a product looks and feels like, its durability, and ease of use help us evaluate whether an item's quality matches its cost. The more ergonomically designed a product or service is, the higher the perceived quality and value.
Efficiency can be viewed as making a process easier to perform. This may mean reducing the physical strength required, cutting the number of steps, lowering training needs, or simplifying repairs and upkeep by reducing parts.
For industries that manage hazardous or complex materials, design changes that improve efficiency can also affect ongoing operations; see Liquid Waste Remediation Insurance for related operational considerations in that sector.
Much like comfort, if something is more efficient it is easier to do, more likely to be done, and more likely to be done more often. Comfort adds to ease of use, and ease of use adds to comfort, thereby making products more useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of ergonomic design?
The main goal is to make products, systems, and environments comfortable and efficient so people can perform tasks safely and effectively.
How can I tell if a product is ergonomically designed?
Look for ease of use, adjustable features, low physical strain during use, and positive user feedback as indicators of ergonomic design.
Can ergonomic improvements reduce workplace injuries?
Yes; ergonomic changes that lower repetitive motions, awkward postures, and excessive force can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
When should I consult an ergonomist?
Consult an ergonomist when repetitive tasks, discomfort, or decreased productivity suggest that design or process changes could improve safety and performance.