ERGONOMICS originated at the end of World War II. Upon analyzing military objectives, their successes and failures, scientists finally realized human beings needed to be taken into account in the design process of machinery and equipment, to increase their effectiveness. Ergonomics has since developed into a science concerning itself with human beings and how we function in conjunction with a variety of equipment, products, methods and circumstances.
Professional ergonomists consider a wide range of factors when offering guidance to insure products or services are safe, easy to use, and efficient. Physical attributes such as size, weight, height, strength, skill, speed, and sensory abilities, along with thermal comfort, motion, vibration, posture and workload are analyzed, in an effort to increase performance, prolong endurance and reduce accidents. Ergonomics encompasses all human activity and relies on research and data of a wide variety of disciplines including Anthropometry, Engineering, Biomechanics, Environmental Physics, Body Systems, Physiology, Applied Psychology and Social Psychology.
Work-related injuries and workplace activities involve lifting, carrying, pulling or pushing and bending. Static, unnatural positions and repetitive motions can also be detrimental. Equipment and system designs are often the cause. Ergonomists work to improve the quality of our lives, increase our safety and enhance performance by providing solutions for workstations, tools, equipment, protective wear, cleanliness and worker well-being. Ergonomic programs help management identify hazardous conditions, provide training, analyze data, establish prevention control measures and evaluate progress. Specialties have developed in the field to include Physical Ergonomics, Cognitive Ergonomics and Organizational Ergonomics.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY rose out of the needs of thousands of injured Veterans wanting to return to active, independent and fulfilling lives at the end of World War II. Governmental agencies and research centers were established to help. Rehabilitation engineering became a specialty of scientific principles and procedures to address their problems. Assistive technology refers to equipment designed and created specifically to aid people with disabilities by providing them with the means to function as independently as possible.
BARRIER-FREE DESIGN developed during the Civil Rights and Disability Rights Movements by those trying to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. Physical barriers were recognized as a hindrance to a persons freedom. Barrier-free design now influence policies, design practices and law through the standardization of codes for access to the built environment, but workplace injuries continue to increase.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN strives to integrate all people, including those with disabilities, the elderly and children into our society. Changes required to accommodate the disabled actually benefit the whole population. And, they can be achieved relatively inexpensively with a little forethought.
The "Principles of Universal Design" established by the Center for Universal Design were developed to insure products, systems or environments are designed to be usable by everyone. These principals include:
Principle 1 Equitable Use
Principle 2 Flexibility in Use
Principle 3 Simple and Intuitive
Principle 4 Perceptible Information
Principle 5 Tolerance for Error
Principle 6 Low Physical Effort
Principle 7 Size and Space for Approach and Use.
Interior designers often utilize these in a variety of ways including the proper layout of furniture and equipment, handicap accessibility in commercial or public facilities, special equipment needs in healthcare, retail, and other commercial venues, as well as, custom lighting, custom furnishings, ergonomic workstations, proper flooring and more. We will see an increase in an older and disabled individuals.
Data and solutions are needed to provide design solutions for individuals with varying levels of abilities. This creates a strong need to adopt assistive · barrier-free · universal · ergonomic methods/procedures to provide the most cost-effective solutions for the greatest number of people. The benefits include improved efficiency, higher quality workmanship, greater job satisfaction and safer working environments to enhance the quality of our lives.
- Dezignaré
Additional Resources:
All-Ukraine Association
American Psychological Association: Searching PsycINFO for Ergonomics Topics
Applying Ergonomic Techniques in the Workplace
Association of Canadian Ergonomists ACE
The Board of Certified Professional Ergonomists BCPE
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety CCOHS
Center for Universal Design
Chairs, Posture and The Alexander Technique
Department of Defense Ergonomics Working Group
Ergonomics Society of Australia
Ergonomics Society of the United Kingdom
ErgoWeb
Human Factors & Ergonomics Society
Institute for Perception Research
International Ergonomics Association IEA
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
Norwegian Ergonomics Society
Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute IRSST
Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics
The Campaign for Better Seating
The Somatics Health Center
Usability Professionals Association
Usernomics: Human Factors and Ergonomics
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