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Ergonomics
derives from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural
laws, to create a word that means the science of work and a person’s
relationship to that work. The International Ergonomics
Association has adopted this technical definition: ergonomics is the
scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among
humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory,
principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being
and overall system performance. Ergonomics
is the science of making things comfy. It also makes things efficient. But
when you think about it, efficiency is just another way of making things
comfortable. However for simplicity, ergonomics makes things comfortable and
efficient. It is the attempt to make work
better that ergonomics becomes so useful. And that is also where making things
comfortable and efficient comes into play. Ergonomics is commonly thought
of in terms of products. But it can be equally useful in the design of
services or processes. Ergonomics is used in design
in many complex ways. However, what you, or the user, is most concerned with
is, “How can I use the product or service, will it meet my needs, and will I
like using it?” Ergonomics helps define how it is used, how it meets you
needs, and most importantly if you like it. It makes things comfy and
efficient. What is comfort? Comfort is much more than a
soft handle. Comfort is one of the greatest aspects of a design’s
effectiveness. Comfort in the human-machine interface and the mental aspects
of the product or service is a primary ergonomic design concern. Comfort in the human-machine
interface is usually noticed first. Physical comfort in how an item feels is
pleasing to the user. If you do not like to touch it you won't. If you do not
touch it you will not operate it. If you do not operate it, then it is
useless. The utility of an item is the
only true measure of the quality of its design. The job of any designer is to
find innovative ways to increase the utility of a product. Making an item
intuitive and comfortable to use will ensure its success in the marketplace.
Physical comfort while using an item increases its utility. The mental aspect of comfort
in the human-machine interface is found in feedback. You have preconceived
notions of certain things. A quality product should feel like it is made out
of quality materials. If it is light weight and flimsy you will not feel that
comfortable using it. The look, feel, use and
durability of a product help you make a mental determination about a product
or service. Basically it lets you evaluate the quality of the item and compare
that to the cost. Better ergonomics mean better quality which means you will
be more comfortable with the value of the item. What is Efficiency?
Efficiency is quite simply
making something easier to do. Efficiency comes in many forms however. Reducing the strength required
makes a process more physically efficient. Reducing the number of steps
in a task makes it quicker (i.e. efficient) to complete. Reducing the number of parts
makes repairs more efficient. Reducing the amount of
training needed, i.e. making it more intuitive, gives you a larger number of
people who are qualified to perform the task. Imagine how in-efficient trash
disposal would be if your teenage child wasn't capable of taking out the
garbage. What? They're not? Have you tried an ergonomic trash bag? Efficiency can be found almost
everywhere. If something is easier to do you are more likely to do it. If you
do it more, then it is more useful. Again, utility is the only true measure of
the quality of a design. And if you willingly do
something more often you have a greater chance of liking it. If you like doing
it you will be more comfortable doing it.
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