Human+Factors

Human Factors (US) Ergonomics (Europe)

“Ergonomics” is derived from two Greek words: “ergon”, meaning work and “nomoi”, meaning natural laws. Ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands. Human Factors is another term. Good Design of course needs to address this, with emphasis now not just of product function but also how compatible it is with the human body. Consider a toothbrush for instance. An insufficient design consideration could impact on how well one cleans their teeth in terms of movement. There is already concern now of arthritis with people spending too long TXT MSS and this chair I’m slouching in with my lap computer. All impacts on the environment and us.

In terms specific to design Technology this field has its cross – over. Consider an Interior Designer needing to Design a children’s crèche nursery; this was a Design Consideration that I had to do on one of my assignments at University. We needed to go back to basics, literally!....crawling around with the toddlers to consider their size in relationship to tables, sinks, etc. Ergonomics is after all about the science of relationships in regard to human proportions.

In terms of MAY 2009 Exams which we’ll look at Examiners looked at: 1)  A special type of car which is similar to a go-cart and students had to interpret data showing various sizes. Questions were to do with relating this to body shapes, types and sizes.   2)   There was a question concerning sound in a lift system. 3)   Door signage – semiotics.   4)   .Another was on looking at a particular bicycle seat and focused on anthropometric data requesting you to interpret. 5)  Another was to do with thermal comfort. One question with lots of marks 6 required students to consider hazards that faced a long distance lorry driver in order to prevent accidents.   6)   A question with 9 marks weighting was to do with analyzing a picture of a Hifi unit and specific features of where the buttons were. The task was to identify user-product interface (what its like to actually use, ease of assess ability etc)

Essentially, all these questions whilst seemingly ‘unfamiliar contexts’ in fact are all Ergonomic / Human Factors considerations, which of course all good design needs should have identified in the first instance. Many of them embrace logic applicable to sensitivity of the 6 senses I feel.

IBO (2007) states usefully:

"Human factors analyses the interactions between humans and other elements in a system, and then applies principles, information and data to a design to maximize human well-being and system performance.Human factors design ensures that products, organizations, environments and systems are compatible with the needs and limitations of people"..."This option builds upon knowledge gained from studying sub-topic 6.1, "Ergonomics".

It is of paramount importance that students understand above. Not only is it in core exams and Paper 3 Option, but also it must be embedded in your rational for your self-choice major project. This way we can embed many of the topics which we can weave alongside. You are therefore encouraged to find additional links and to read widely around this huge encompassing subject. It is in fact a field in its own right.

I'm adding a site link (see Links) as The Design Museum in London has an up and coming exhibition on Ergonimcs:

"Forthcoming Design Museum exhibition Real World Design – How Egonomics is making Things Better includes the following introductory information:

“From the humble tape measure and the household tap to the office chair and the vast and complex areas of transport systems and patient safety in health, Ergonomics is the study of how we interact with the products, services and the environment around us. Ergonomists gather scientific data which when used by designers during the design process can actively help us find our way more effectively, use a TV remote more effortlessly and administer medicine more safely. This engaging exhibition will shine a critical and thought provoking light at the benefits of ergonomics in the design of so many products and systems that we depend upon and enjoy in our everyday lives. “ Design Museum exhibition Real World Design – How Ergonomics Is Making Things Better opens on 18 Nov 2009. For further information go to [|www.realworlddesign.org/blog/].

References

IBO Diploma Programme (2007) Design Technology Guide - First Examinations 2009,. ,p..143 ,Anthony Rowe Ltd, UK

([] (accessed 26/9/09)

Jonathan Kelly