Ergomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

1) Pictures of the product:

2) (i) Describe the product(Appearance, Colour, Function etc)

-It is green

-It is a brush

-Clean things

-Adjustable handle

ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?

Durability, simplicity.

iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?

Yes. The elderly might now know how to pull out the adjustable handle.

iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post)

Ergonomics II

1) What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment.

source; New Oxford American Dictionary(MacBook Pro Dictionary)

2) What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

The 5 aspects are comfort, safety, easy of use, productivity/performance and aesthetics.

source; S, VS. (2008). Ergonomics automotive. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/vins049/ergonomics-automotive-presentation

3) For each aspect of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.

Comfort: Massage chairs. Nowadays there are many different types of massage chairs. If the elderly has joint problems, they can use them so that it will reduce the pain and also they can do it in their own home.

Safety: Grab bars in the bathroom. If the elderly feels giddy and feels like he/she is going to fall, she/he can quickly grab the bars.

Easy of Use: Lifts. With lifts, the elderly can go up to a high floor easily, especially if they are using a wheelchair. As you can see in the picture below, there is a lift specially made for a wheelchair user so that he/she can go into the house easily.

Performances/Productivity: Cooking pots. If they are made of heavy metals, there is a higher chance of them dropping the pot and causing them to hurt themselves. Therefore, cooking pots should be light but durable.

Aesthetics: Signs. Most elderly would have poor vision and therefore they would not be able to see signs from a far distance. Thus, signs has to be bigger for them. Those signs in the picture below is essential for the elderly to see as it is for their safety.

Ergonomics 1

1) Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.

Ergonomic Issue#1: Comfort and Simplicity

For workplace 1, the man looks very uncomfortable doing his work there as the table is very cluttered and his chair gives him little space for him to move around. Eg, to type etc. For workplace 2, the man looks very comfortable doing his work there as the table is very tidy and his chair gives him ample space for him to move around. He also can lean back which gives him the comfort that he needs.

Ergonomic Issue#2: Incorrect Height and Depth

For workplace 1, the monitor is too far away for the man and it is not adjustable. It is very difficult for the man to do his work as he is unable to see the screen properly. Even after wearing his spectacles, he still is unable to see the screen. For workplace 2, the monitor is attached to an "arm" so the man is able to adjust the distance of the monitor from him. This would allow him to see the screen clearly at the proper distance.

Ergonomic Issue#3: Task Lighting

For workplace 1, the place is too brightly lighted up. When the man wants to move away the light, it was too hot for him to touch it. For workplace 2, the light is able to be moved around and will only shine at the place that is needed so it would not be too bright.

Ergonomic Issue#4: Freedom of Movement

For workplace 1, the man has to drag the chair towards the table. The hand rest is also too high thus his hands are unable to move freely. He has difficulty typing. For workplace 2, the hand rest is adjustable. Which means that it can be lowered down when not in use.

Ergonomic Issue#5: Prolonged Laptop Use

For workplace 1, the man has to keep moving the laptop so that he can see the screen. Eg, push up and down the screen,moving it off the table and putting the laptop on top of something etc. For workplace 2, the man uses a laptop holder so that it is easier for him to see his laptop screen without moving so much.

Ergonomic Issue#6: Usable Desk Space

For workplace 1, it is very cluttered so it is very difficult for the man to find his things eg, stationery. When he finally finds it, it is tough for him to take it from where he is sitting due to the mess. Also, he accidentally knocked down his cup of coffee, and that causes his workplace to be messy or destroy import work stuff. Since it is very cluttered, he has no where to put his keyboard and result to putting it on top of his cup. For workplace 2, everything is put on a rail. This makes everything neater and tidier.

2) Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.

Workplace 2 is preferred. It is very tidy and is a very comfortable environment to work in.

3) What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?

The need and want of the client. Eg, comfort. Also, if it is practical or not.

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

You have to suit to the customer's taste/liking so that they will buy it. If it does not meet the want of the client, they will not buy it.