Ergonomics
...r factors, as well as physical factors. What is the goal of ergonomics? The goal of Ergonomics is to take account of differences such as size, strength and ability to cope with information for a large group of people, in order to design jobs to fit people. Other factors such as tasks, the workplace and different tools are designed around the differences. There are many benefits that come from insuring that the workplace is ergonomically stable, such as improved efficiency and quality, and improved job satisfaction. Making sure the working environment is ergonomically stable, is well worth the time and money, as the costs of failure include not only increased error rates, but also physical fatigue, and can lead to major health problems such as back injury. What do ergonomists do? Ergonomists take into account different information about people, like their physical and mental abilities and restrictions, including: Their size- height, weight etc Their capability with handling information and making decisions Their ability to see and hear Their ability to work in extremes of temperature An ergonomist looks at the way that these things vary in a group of people and the variety of human capabilities is determined. This information will be used not only by the ergonomist, but usually also engineers and designers, who are working with him/her, to ensure that systems, products, places and processes will be able to be used efficiently, safely and comfortably. The initial designs and concept are created, tested and refined through user requirements, analysis and user testing. The final product meets the user’s needs, not as they were estimated by the programmer, designer or any other detached person, but as they actually are. An ergonomist can also consider existing products and services and determine where they fail to “fit” the user,...