Ergonomics + Antropometrics

Question 0

What do ergonomists design?

Answer 0

• products - e.g. Conduct trials with users - check usability of product - operation of games controller etc
• systems - e.g. Layout of restaurant kitchen - to make them more efficient - reduce strain injury risk
• environments - e.g. Interior of car - ensure comfort of user - efficient interface between control systems and driver

Question 1

What does ergonomics concern?

Answer 1

• interaction between the human body and products, systems or environments
• particularly concerned with making products easy to use

Question 2

Ergonomic factors that need to be considered to make products popular with consumers

Answer 2

• easily useable
• easy to set up
• simple instructions
• comfortable to use

Question 3

Name the four main factors that influence ergonomics

Answer 3

Colour , lighting , sound, comfort

Question 4

Describe colour as an ergonomic factor

Answer 4

Factors to consider :

• type of colour used
• How it performs in different levels of light
• E.g. Used in power switches on kettles, warning lights on car dashboard

Question 5

Describe lighting as an ergonomic factor

Answer 5

• correct level of illumination important factor
• Visual displays - bright enough - in sunlight - adjustable at night time - not strain eyes
• e.g. Phones , satellite navigation and car dashboards - daylight and night settings
• Light levels - important in office and workstation situations - special computer grade lighting - minimise reflection from PC monitors

Question 6

Describe sound as an ergonomic factor

Answer 6

• audible instructions and warnings
• e.g. Satellite navigation , in car safety systems, lifts
• sound level and clarity of sound under different conditions to be considered - e.g. Engine noise
• high levels of noise - uncomfortable and serious health and safety issue - e.g. Background machinery

Question 7

Describe comfort as an ergonomic factor

Answer 7

• shaping product to fit part of body e.g. Chair seat
• covering product in soft material - easier to hold
• stretching awkwardly to reach something e.g kitchen
• temperature - comfort - too high or low - car interior or computer room - air conditioning needed
• noise levels and vibration - experienced by machine operators - affect comfort

Question 8

What does anthropometric so involve ?

Answer 8

• using body sizes to improve ergonomics in products , systems or environments
• e.g. Personal stereos - look at data for hand sizes - can be comfortably held - controls positioned to allow easy operation with finger tips

Question 9

Where is anthropometric data taken from?

Answer 9

• taken from measurements of hundreds of volunteers
• recorded as percentile
• average size - 50th percentile
• most design activity - body sizes between 5th and 95th percentile - takes in majority of population