Ergonomics in Design

Have you ever seen Puppet Shows with close observations?

Have you noticed the limb movement of a Puppet?

You love to see their manipulated synchronized movements and effortless actions of puppets made / controlled by puppeteer.

Puppeteers are the first Ergonomists. Although, they don’t bother about exact measurements but their animation skills are superb for replicating.

Such movements, when studied on human body, are felled under Ergonomics.

Designers should consider measurements, limb movements and directions / orientations, capacity & capability of body parts for giving most efficient design.

The Ergonomics is nothing but a designer look to human body for improving all sorts of designs whether product, tools or apparel etc.

When all aspects of Ergonomics are taken care of, products / equipment / machinery / facility features effortless, fatigueless, minimized movement of human body for giving maximum comfort and safety.

Design rules are simple while considering Ergonomics in designing process,

Use lowest limb – If fingertip can perform an action don’t engage wrist for the same
Use mechanics – If mechanics can help to perform an action, use it. A LEVER may reduce efforts used to shift items from here to there
Use minimized movements – If action can be performed without using foot or waist movement, don’t use them. 90% of movements may be reduced by proper positioning.
Use field of view – Each individual eye has a horizontal FOV of about 135 degrees and a vertical FOV of just over 180 degrees. Controls on Panel or Tools are to be placed accordingly.
Economy in efforts & movements – Consider economy in new prospects, in efforts, in body movements, in body parts movements, in eye ball movement etc.
Engagement of mind – Use colours, symbols, shapes, directions etc. to minimize engagement of mind; frequent use will put sequencing in subconscious mind. Fact, mind is less engaged when you rotate your hand in opposite directions, like, left hand clockwise and right hand anticlockwise
Use standardization of measurements – Use average human body measurements while designing common facility or products used by many. But for clothes / shoes etc. where generalization is not possible, use standardization. Best way is to do grouping for measurements to get less variety steps
Consider Safety – Enhancing safety by perfect design through assessing exposure of body parts, while in actions / movements, to various dangers & hazards

Many more tips are there for a flawless design. One can excel in it by experience and exposure but all designers should know what ergonomics is and how to use it.