what do ergonomists do?

Ergonomists use information about people, for example, their size (height, weight etc.), their ability to handle information and make decisions, their ability to see and hear and their ability to work in extremes of temperature. An ergonomist studies the way that these things vary in a group of people. With this information, the ergonomist, working with designers and engineers, ensures that a product or service will be able to be used comfortably, efficiently and safely. This must be so not only for 'average' people, but also for the whole range of people who use the product - including perhaps, children, the elderly and the disabled. An ergonomist can also assess existing products and services, showing where they fail to 'fit' the user (in every sense of the word) and suggesting how this fit may be improved.

age-related design

The number of people in the UK aged 75 and over is forecast to double over the next 50 years. As such, there is a need to extend the range of application of equipment, services and systems designed for the general population.

Design for all

Data needs to be available on relevant aspects of the capability of the whole population including older and disabled people. The aspects include the physiological (for instance, range of limb movement, strength, vision, hearing) and the psychological (for example, cognitive, reaction time, memory). Anthropometric data is also required (size and shape ranges of people). With data such as this available, a knowledge base can be generated for access by conscientious designers.

The built environment

Quality of life for older and disabled people may also be enhanced by improvements in the built environment. This includes design of the home, design of public access buildings and public spaces, and design and operation of transport systems. Physical aspects of design that need to be considered include stairs and ramps, hygrothermal conditions (cold, damp, heat), security and accessibility. Sensory aspects include acoustics, lighting, comfort, communication systems, signage and navigation.

 

 

 

This information is from

The Ergonomics Society,
Devonshire House, Devonshire Square,
Loughborough LE11 3DW, UK
tel & fax +44 1509 234904
email [email protected]