Physical Design Flashcards
Can the physical design of elements in the workplace affect health satisfaction and performance
- yes; to an extent
- those that are satisfied with the environment were more satisfied as a whole
differentiate horizontal vs vertical workspace layouts
- horizontal = more collaborative
How is research on physical design carried out
- make changes and compare to control group within own profession and tasks
- measure results over long period of time (to avoid the hawethorne effect)
- utilize a variety of measures: KPIs….
What are the cons of a traditional office space
- do not support collaboration, expensive, reflect hierarchal processes, poor adaptability
What are the benefits of an open-plan office space
- greater communication
- better collaboration/teamwork
- flexibility/adaptability
- equality - flattened heirarchy
What are some challenges associated with an open floor plan
- noise/distractions
- privacy
- stressors
- increased risk of communicable illnesses
What does the allen curve represent
- the level of communication based on the physical distance between people
Define collision space
- places that allow for organic opportunities to run into each other and collaborate
Define third space design
- Have task-specific areas
What type of office space would you want to have if you’re trying to promote: Individual productivity, rapid prototyping, cross-pollination, group efficiency
- individual productivity: Assigned seating, private offices
- rapid prototyping: private offices, flexible seating
- cross-pollination: flexible seating, open plan
- group efficiency: open plan, assigned seating
What is hoteling/hot desking
- work spaces aren’t allocated to anyone, allows for movability and autonomy
- Requires mobile equipment, people are often territorial
How does work equipment relate to musculoskeletal injuries
- force, repetition, awkward postures
- ipad neck, laptop wrist
how is chair design linked to satisfaction & performance
- control over your work station increases satisfaction & perceived performance
- therefore chairs with greater adjustability are ideal
what metabolic disorders does sitting increase
- CVD
- diabetes
- obesity
What happens to caloric expenditure as time spent sitting increases
- NEAT decreases
What changes in metabolism are associated with an increase in time spent sitting
- increase in triglycerides, decrease in HDL and insulin sensitivity
How does inflammation relate to sitting time
- increase in fasting insulin, C-reactive protein and adiposkines linked to adiposity
- insulin resistance
- chronic low grade inflammation in women
What challenges are associated with interpreting data on sitting
- the data is epidemiological, self reported and old
- its hard to control for all variables
- association isn’t causation
What risks are associated with standing
- carotid atherosclerosis, varicose veins
Does standing increase cognition
- increase in cognitive processing and arousal but no change in productivity
- increased oxygenated Hb to the frontal cortex
If there are risks with standing and sitting for long periods of time, what should we do?
- Alternate between the two
- ratio of 3:1
- limit standing to 15 min
How do physical interventions in the workplace improve productivity
- increased comfort, better biomechanics, better workflow, better communication
What is the minimum amount of light that is needed for people to be satisfied
- 400 lux
- task dependent; more light is needed for tasks with large visual components & older adults
What is circadian lighting
- attempts to phase shift workers; uses blue/white light to increase alertness, light dims over the shift
Does color affect productivity, satisfaction and fatigue
- no scientific evidence showing this
- however color can affect mood and aid in safety practices
What are health effects of lighting
- lasers and direct sunlight = eye damage
- low levels of light = fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, irritability
- seasonal affective disorder
what are the health effects of noise
- exposure above 85 db = hearing loss, 120 = temporay deafness, 130 db = permanent deafness
- leads to increased BP, NE, cortisol, blood clotting, CVD, migraines and ulcers
how does noise affect performance
- increased fatigue (over 70 db)
- Increased irritability
- interferes with communication; distractions
How does noise affect satisfaction
- context dependent
- also depends on the content of the “noise”
How does music affect productivity
- Increases productivity of monotonous work
- regulates moods in dental offices, hospitals…
- decreases stress
health effects of hot environments
- discomfort >20 degrees
- dehydration
- hyperventilation
- syncope
- exhaustion
- heat stroke
health effects of cold
- decreased sensation
- frostbite
- tissue damage
- hypothermia
How does cold temperatures affect performance
- reduced rate of physical work
- decreased dexterity
