Chap 1

Introduction to Ergonomics/ Human Factors Engineering

Ergonomics
Ergon Nomus (work) (natural law)

Definition
Ergonomics/Human Factors is a body of knowledge about human abilities, limitations, and other characteristics that are relevant to design.

Definition (cont.)
To apply this knowledge to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs, and environments for safe, comfortable, and effective human use.

Human Characteristics
Physical Aspect Psychological Aspect Environmental Aspect Organizational Aspect

General environment Lighting; thermal conditions; noise; vibration Age; Display(s) (artificial) Task output (real display) Control(s) Sensory mechanisms Central processor Effector mechanisms training; motivation; mental and physical workload Workplace design; controls and display design; posture Immediate environment

Feedback Force

Fig 1.3 Human-Machine System

E H

B E H M

Simple ergosystems C E M H M M M

H H H M H

(a)

Complex ergosystems

Recycling Waste products Rejects Accidents Matter Energy Information Injuries Absenteeism Heat Recycling (b) By-products H M Products Energy (transformation) Knowledge
Outputs

By-products

Fig 1.1 Ergonomics System

Purposes
Health Safety Comfort Ease of learning Ease of use Productivity Quality Satisfaction Pleasant

Top down intervention: Change work organization Change shift system New work roles Job enlargement Task rotation Automate or mechanize process Improve feedback and communication

Same level intervention: Improve the environment Redesign the workspace

Task design/redesign

Same level intervention

Bottom up intervention: Change the tools Lower the loads Provide job aids Redesign the layout Improve the displays

Fig 1.2 Ergonomic Interventions

Scope

Design Principles
Design for easy use Design for comfort Design for safety Design for quality Design for environment friendly Design for assembly Design for serviceability Design for maintenance Design for pleasant feeling

ICT Products
Cell phone Digital camera Web page Software user interface Notebook computer Mouse, trackball Keyboard, keyboard tray

Consumer Products
Cars, motor cycles, bicycles Office furniture-computer table, chairs Home furniture-bed, pillow Appliances-vacuum cleaner Shoes-sport, leisure Personal belongings-tooth brush, pen

Public Facility
Traffic signs MRT Bus Airport Train stations Library Hospital

Generic Tools in Ergonomics

Ergonomics checklists Task analysis

Hungry?

No End task

Yes Make sandwich

Eat sandwich

Fig 1.4 Task Analysis-make cheese sandwich

Yes Begin Prepare work area Wash and dry hands Clean work surface No Work surface clean? Yes Get knives Prepare ingredients Make sandwich Serve sandwich Make another? End

Get cheese grater End

Fig 1.5 Task Analysis - prepare work area