Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of optimizing the interface between human beings, and the designed objects and environments they interact with.

In strict usage the term is specific to increasing productivity, reducing operator fatigue, and improving work environments. In common usage, though, 'ergonomics' can refer to the study of any man-machine interface, whether physiological or psychological.

Examples

Common examples include chairs designed to prevent the user from sitting in positions that may have a detrimental effect on the spine, and the ergonomic desk which offers an adjustable keyboard tray, a main desktop of variable height, and other adjustable elements. Adjustability is often a key element of ergonomic design as a tactic to fit the product to a variety of body shapes and sizes.

Ergonomics also helps with the design of alternative computer input devices for people who want to avoid repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. A standard computer keyboard tends to force users to keep their hands together, turn their wrists in an "unnatural" position, and hunch their shoulders. To prevent injury, or to give relief to people who already have symptoms, special split keyboards, curved keyboards, and other alternative input devices exist.

Underlying science

Physical ergonomics rests on the underlying scientific field of anthropometrics (human measurement). Although anthropometrics still has unanswered questions, it's still true that human physical characteristics are predictable and objectively measurable.

Psychological ergonomics explores design issues in terms of cognitive psychology, cognitive workload, human error, the way humans perceive their surroundings and, very importantly, the tasks they choose to undertake. These issues of user experience are less predictable and less objectively measurable.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ergonomics"