1.3 Physiological Factors

What is physical ergonomics?

Concerned with human anatomy + of some of the anthropometric characteristics as they relate to physical activity.

• Designers study physical characteristics to optimise comfort, safety, health and performance of the user

Physiological Factors

bodily tolerances; like comfort and fatigue

Types of physiological factor data available:

• bodily tolerances such as fatigue and comfort.

• muscle strength in different body positions

• endurance in different body positions

• visual acuity

• tolerance to extremes of temperature

• frequency range of human hearing,

• size

• eye/hand coordination

• etc

How is physiological factor data collected?

using a wide range of methods, such as performance testing, user trials and observations, collection of anthropometric data, etc

Comfort and fatigue

• When users interact with products, they may put stress on their bodies which leads to comfort and fatigue.

• Fatigue: errors can creep in that can be dangerous, designers must understand peoples tolerances and design products and environments that help to reduce fatigue.

• Comfort: varies- customisation + adjustability

Biomechanics

research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms

• important when designing products considering muscle strength, age, handle size etc

Examples of designs needing biomechanics

• In a kitchen: viewing distances, pulling strength, lifting strength and turning strength.

• In a can opener, valve wheel, corkscrew, door handle, jam jar lid – torque becomes important.