1.1 Flashcards
what does ergonomics do
it makes sure that a product is good for people. it is the relationship of humans w the design of objects
anthropometrics
aspect of ergonomics that deals w body measurements
when did ergonomics begin to be included into the industry
when people realised that work will be done quicker if the equipment is safe and easy to use
understandability
when a product considers the way people think and interpret info so it requires no detailed instruction for use
why does a designer need to understand biomechanics
we constantly use force when handling objects and the amount of it that we exert in diff situations should be understood
why do we need to do testing
it develops a product as it helps identify the ergonomic issues it may have
adjustability + what it is used for
the ability of a product to be changed in size etc to fit the user. used to increase the range of percentiles a product is suitable for. often used when a range of sizes is expensive to produce
primary data
gathered w a specific purpose in mind. tailored to the specific needs of a researcher
secondary data
was collected by someone other than the researcher for a diff purpose. already exists, is good for providing a broader context
examples of primary research
experiments, interviews, surveys
examples of secondary research
existing resources like journals, publications etc
secular trend
observable changes in physical characteristics of a population over generations
what is the secular trend most commonly
increase in average height due to better nutrition etc
what are observable changes in physical characteristics of a population over generations
secular trend
diversities of humans that impact anthropometric data (6)
sex differences – body size, muscle mass
ethnic differences – body size, facial features, height
growth and development – we change since birth
secular trend – our understanding of “average” shifts
social class, occupation – nutrition, physical demands for jobs, access to healthcare
ageing – our stature shrinks at some point
what is dynamic data also called
functional
dynamic data
body measurements taken when subject is in motion which provides insight into various scenarios
examples of dynamic data
grip strength, reaction time…
what is static data also called
structural
static data
body measurements taken when subject is still and measurements aren’t influenced by external factors
examples of static data
height, joint to joint measurements…
percentile range
the proportion of a population w a dimension at or less than a given value
25th percentile
value which 25% of the population are at or below
clearance
the physical space between 2 objects, like the space in the aisle of a plane
reach + example
range that a person can stretch to touch/grasp and object from a certain position (like a pilot reaching all the buttons from the seat)
what is reach also known as
workspace envelope
types of reach
maximal reach – max distance which is accessible but requires some effort
normal reach – distance to which the user can comfortably extend their arm w min physical stress
workspace envelope
the 3 dimensional space within which you carry out physical work activities from a fixed location
the limits are determined by your arm reach
what percentile should a workspace envelope be designed for
5th percentile
costs involved in adjustability for aircrafts
maintenance – mechanisms can break
weight – the mechanisms add up quickly and u waste more fuel
disruption – stiff like seat reclining
range of sizes
a selection of sizes a product is made in that fits the majority of the market
human factors are what 2 fields of study
ergonomics + anthropometrics
what do human factors aim to do
reduce errors
increase safety
increase ease of use
comfort
improve system performance
3 types of ergonomics
physical, cognitive, organisational
physical ergonomics
to do with bodies fitting products. body size, physical capacity
cognitive ergonomics examples
mental processes such as perception, memory etca
what does organisational ergonomics do
optimises organisational processes to improve safety and well being in workplace
ergonome
2d scaled model based on a certain percentile, scaled from data taken from standard human form
manikin
anatomical 3d model of a human body which is useful for assessing the relationship of body parts to spatial arrangements (like a chair to a desk)
what is the 3d alternative of an ergonome
manikin
what is adjustability
the ability of a product to be changed in size, usually to increase the range of percentiles it fits
why is adjustability not always available
adds to cost + complexity; u should consider maintenance, weight
when is adjustability usually used
when a range of sizes is too expensive/difficult to produce
what is human factors basically
an understanding of what affects out performance, ergonomics + anthropometrics
