Physical Design

Question 1

Can the physical design of elements in the workplace affect health satisfaction and performance

Answer 1

• yes; to an extent

- those that are satisfied with the environment were more satisfied as a whole

Question 2

differentiate horizontal vs vertical workspace layouts

Answer 2

• horizontal = more collaborative

Question 3

How is research on physical design carried out

Answer 3

• 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….

Question 4

What are the cons of a traditional office space

Answer 4

• do not support collaboration, expensive, reflect hierarchal processes, poor adaptability

Question 5

What are the benefits of an open-plan office space

Answer 5

• greater communication
• better collaboration/teamwork
• flexibility/adaptability
• equality - flattened heirarchy

Question 6

What are some challenges associated with an open floor plan

Answer 6

• noise/distractions
• privacy
• stressors
• increased risk of communicable illnesses

Question 7

What does the allen curve represent

Answer 7

• the level of communication based on the physical distance between people

Question 8

Define collision space

Answer 8

• places that allow for organic opportunities to run into each other and collaborate

Question 9

Define third space design

Answer 9

• Have task-specific areas

Question 10

What type of office space would you want to have if you’re trying to promote: Individual productivity, rapid prototyping, cross-pollination, group efficiency

Answer 10

• individual productivity: Assigned seating, private offices
• rapid prototyping: private offices, flexible seating
• cross-pollination: flexible seating, open plan
• group efficiency: open plan, assigned seating

Question 11

What is hoteling/hot desking

Answer 11

• work spaces aren’t allocated to anyone, allows for movability and autonomy
• Requires mobile equipment, people are often territorial

Question 12

How does work equipment relate to musculoskeletal injuries

Answer 12

• force, repetition, awkward postures

- ipad neck, laptop wrist

Question 13

how is chair design linked to satisfaction & performance

Answer 13

• control over your work station increases satisfaction & perceived performance
• therefore chairs with greater adjustability are ideal

Question 14

what metabolic disorders does sitting increase

Answer 14

• CVD
• diabetes
• obesity

Question 15

What happens to caloric expenditure as time spent sitting increases

Answer 15

• NEAT decreases

Question 16

What changes in metabolism are associated with an increase in time spent sitting

Answer 16

• increase in triglycerides, decrease in HDL and insulin sensitivity

Question 17

How does inflammation relate to sitting time

Answer 17

• increase in fasting insulin, C-reactive protein and adiposkines linked to adiposity
• insulin resistance
• chronic low grade inflammation in women

Question 18

What challenges are associated with interpreting data on sitting

Answer 18

• the data is epidemiological, self reported and old
• its hard to control for all variables
• association isn’t causation

Question 19

What risks are associated with standing

Answer 19

• carotid atherosclerosis, varicose veins

Question 20

Does standing increase cognition

Answer 20

• increase in cognitive processing and arousal but no change in productivity
• increased oxygenated Hb to the frontal cortex

Question 21

If there are risks with standing and sitting for long periods of time, what should we do?

Answer 21

• Alternate between the two
• ratio of 3:1
• limit standing to 15 min

Question 22

How do physical interventions in the workplace improve productivity

Answer 22

• increased comfort, better biomechanics, better workflow, better communication

Question 23

What is the minimum amount of light that is needed for people to be satisfied

Answer 23

• 400 lux

- task dependent; more light is needed for tasks with large visual components & older adults

Question 24

What is circadian lighting

Answer 24

• attempts to phase shift workers; uses blue/white light to increase alertness, light dims over the shift

Question 25

Does color affect productivity, satisfaction and fatigue

Answer 25

• no scientific evidence showing this

- however color can affect mood and aid in safety practices

Question 26

What are health effects of lighting

Answer 26

• lasers and direct sunlight = eye damage
• low levels of light = fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, irritability
• seasonal affective disorder

Question 27

what are the health effects of noise

Answer 27

• 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

Question 28

how does noise affect performance

Answer 28

• increased fatigue (over 70 db)
• Increased irritability
• interferes with communication; distractions

Question 29

How does noise affect satisfaction

Answer 29

• context dependent

- also depends on the content of the “noise”

Question 30

How does music affect productivity

Answer 30

• Increases productivity of monotonous work
• regulates moods in dental offices, hospitals…
• decreases stress

Question 31

health effects of hot environments

Answer 31

• discomfort >20 degrees
• dehydration
• hyperventilation
• syncope
• exhaustion
• heat stroke

Question 32

health effects of cold

Answer 32

• decreased sensation
• frostbite
• tissue damage
• hypothermia

Question 33

How does cold temperatures affect performance

Answer 33

• reduced rate of physical work

- decreased dexterity