The Broad Discipline Of Ergonomics From Chairs To Chopsticks

Designing equipment to comfortably accommodate the natural shape and movement of the body is a fundamental aspect of ergonomics.

In situations where humans live and work without the need to move significantly then there is an increased importance for the right fit of equipment to suit well being. It is a two pronged issue, with health being a very important factor in ergonomic design. Repetition of use in a non-ergonomically designed piece of equipment can lead to long term disadvantages in health over time. This can include posture problems, repetitive strain injuries, back problems and even carpal tunnel syndrome.

This first prong of ergonomics, if we may term it as such, is clearly beneficial to the user of such equipment. However, this does lead to a second prong, which is productivity. Equipment that is designed to promote health and well being leads to a more productive period of use, thus ergonomics directly relates to the usefulness of the product - that is the period in which a user can comfortably use it without becoming uncomfortable and distracted from their task.

Assessing the level of effectiveness that an ergonomically designed piece of equipment exhibits is a straightforward but crucial

It is determined by analysing the demands of the activity the piece of equipment is to be used in, for example an office chair or keyboard for typing or computer interaction, and concluding how appropriate it is for the activity. This is done by considering the size and shape of the equipment and judging how helpful it is to a user in terms of wellbeing and productivity. 

Plantronics headsets are increasingly popular as business tools, to help people work more efficiently. Studies have shown that using a headset instead of holding the phone frees up the hands and can improve productivity by up to 43%. Multi-tasking without a headset often leads people to cradle the phone on their shoulder, however, doing this daily can increase back pain and fatigue. Switching to headsets will improve both productivity and posture. 

The application of ergonomics in a practical setting is varied.

It can feature in many products or pieces of equipment, including phones and remote controls but also things like chairs, chopsticks or even bicycles and an entire house can be ergonomically designed too. It’s a very broad term, but nowhere is there a need for ergonomic equipment than in sedentary situations, which has led to a particular rise in the awareness of ergonomic office chairs and other equipment such as keyboards. With office work employing a significant segment of the population it is perhaps natural to consider the importance of health and productivity in such a setting, with a significant amount of time being spent in such settings.

In the workplace, ergonomics is largely physical concerns for the safety of a workforce in both the short and long term. Although it is fair to say that aesthetics plays a role, the rolling out of ergonomic equipment is essentially the physical equipment used. It is a broad discipline, but takes on an increasingly significant role in our working and home lives.

What do you think about ergonomics? Please feel free to leave me a comment below.