Human needs and human factors

Question 1

What does ergonomic mean?

Answer 1

The study if the interaction between the human body, products and the environment.

Question 2

What is anthropometrics?

Answer 2

It involves using body sizes to improve the ergonomics in products, systems or environments.

Question 3

Give some examples of adapted products for disables people.

Answer 3

• kettles with tipping devices for one-handed operation (to assist amputees or stroke victims).
• tap lever attachments to aid opening and closing taps (helpful for arthritis sufferers or stroke victims who may find it difficult to grip).
• hand controls: retrofitted to cars to enable acceleration and braking instead of using foot pedal controls.
• stair and bath lifts.
• lightweight and manoeuvrable sports wheelchairs.
• clothing using velcro fastenings (much easier for arthritis sufferers to use than buttons.

Question 4

How has designing for disabled people affect the designing for buildings?

Answer 4

Legisltaion has been introduced that now require architects to plan for disabled people to use their buildings.