Knowt
Human Factors and Ergonomics
Introduction to Ergonomics
Definition: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline studying interactions among humans and system elements.
Purpose: To design for optimal human well-being and system performance.
Contributions: Ergonomists design tasks, jobs, products, environments, and systems for human needs and abilities.
Diagram of the Ergonomics Model showing the interaction between humans, tasks, and environments.
Key Concepts in Ergonomics
Anthropometrics
Definition: Study of human body measurements focusing on strength and size.
Importance: Ensures user comfort and productivity in environments and products.
Data Types: Static data (fixed body position) and dynamic data (body in motion).
Examples of body measurement illustrations.
Psychological Factors
Definition: User psychology influences design.
Factors: Perception, memory, reasoning, emotional responses.
Challenges: Addressing various psychological needs and preferences.
Infographic about psychological factors in design (e.g., perception, memory).
Physiological Factors
Definition: Physical user characteristics affecting safety, comfort, performance.
Examples: Adjustability, alertness influencing efficiency.
Illustration showing adjustable chair or workstation designs.
Types of Ergonomic Data
Functional Data
Definition: Data related to tasks and interactions.
Examples: Reaching, navigating, space considerations.
Diagram of workspaces showing functional data considerations (e.g., reach zones).
Psychological Factor Data
Definition: Details on taste, smell, touch sensations.
Types: Qualitative and quantitative data.
Visual of sensory experiences or user feedback mechanisms.
Physiological Factor Data
Definition: Data on physical dimensions and needs.
Types: Static, dynamic, structural data.
Environmental Factors in Ergonomics
Types: Management policies, physical environment, equipment design, job nature, social environment, worker factors.
Examples: Desk height, ambient noise, monitor height, seat types affecting ergonomics.
Infographic showing different environmental factors affecting ergonomics.
7 Ergonomic Risk Factors Assessed in Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment
Resources and Reserves
Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable Resources: Solar, wind, hydro.
Non-Renewable Resources: Fossil fuels, minerals.
Energy Sources that are Renewable AND/OR Non-renewable
Economic and Political Importance of Resources
Issues: Resource security, international treaties, environmental impacts.
Human Error
Definition: Mistakes by users with severe repercussions.
Examples: Design flaws leading to accidents.
Case Study: Three Mile Island accident due to human error and equipment malfunction.
E.g. A severe accident occurred at the Pennsylvania nuclear power plant Three Mile Island in 1979 as a result of a mix of human error and malfunctioning equipment. The reactor core overheated as a result of a cooling system malfunction at the plant. A partial meltdown was caused by design flaws and operator error even though safety systems were activated.
Human Errors:
Confusing Control Room: Too many alarms and poorly placed indicators.
Inadequate Training: Operators didn't know how to handle the situation.
Poor Communication: Delayed emergency response.
Lesson: Better design and training can help to prevent such accidents.
International Mindedness
Definition and Scope:
In design technology, being internationally minded means knowing how various nations and areas are impacted by international issues, policies, and practices pertaining to resources and reserves. It necessitates taking into account the global ethical, social, and environmental effects of resource management and extraction. This idea highlights how important it is for engineers and designers to be aware of global resource management opportunities and challenges, as well as to respond to them.Emerging Topics in Ergonomics
Technology and Ergonomics
Definition: The use of advanced technology in ergonomic design.
Examples:
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that simulates environments in order to test ergonomic designs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhancing ergonomic assessments and designs.
Ergonomic Design of a Workplace Using Virtual Reality and a Motion Capture Suit
Ergonomics in Future Workplaces
Definition: The future of ergonomic design in evolving work environments.
Examples:
Remote Work: Ergonomic home office setups.
Automation: Designing for human-machine interactions.
Flashcards: https://knowt.com/flashcards/465e19f2-c5c8-4da3-a8c3-f131ee8f32fe?isNew=true
Human Factors and Ergonomics
Introduction to Ergonomics
Definition: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline studying interactions among humans and system elements.
Purpose: To design for optimal human well-being and system performance.
Contributions: Ergonomists design tasks, jobs, products, environments, and systems for human needs and abilities.
Diagram of the Ergonomics Model showing the interaction between humans, tasks, and environments.
Key Concepts in Ergonomics
Anthropometrics
Definition: Study of human body measurements focusing on strength and size.
Importance: Ensures user comfort and productivity in environments and products.
Data Types: Static data (fixed body position) and dynamic data (body in motion).
Examples of body measurement illustrations.
Psychological Factors
Definition: User psychology influences design.
Factors: Perception, memory, reasoning, emotional responses.
Challenges: Addressing various psychological needs and preferences.
Infographic about psychological factors in design (e.g., perception, memory).
Physiological Factors
Definition: Physical user characteristics affecting safety, comfort, performance.
Examples: Adjustability, alertness influencing efficiency.
Illustration showing adjustable chair or workstation designs.
Types of Ergonomic Data
Functional Data
Definition: Data related to tasks and interactions.
Examples: Reaching, navigating, space considerations.
Diagram of workspaces showing functional data considerations (e.g., reach zones).
Psychological Factor Data
Definition: Details on taste, smell, touch sensations.
Types: Qualitative and quantitative data.
Visual of sensory experiences or user feedback mechanisms.
Physiological Factor Data
Definition: Data on physical dimensions and needs.
Types: Static, dynamic, structural data.
Environmental Factors in Ergonomics
Types: Management policies, physical environment, equipment design, job nature, social environment, worker factors.
Examples: Desk height, ambient noise, monitor height, seat types affecting ergonomics.
Infographic showing different environmental factors affecting ergonomics.
7 Ergonomic Risk Factors Assessed in Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment
Resources and Reserves
Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable Resources: Solar, wind, hydro.
Non-Renewable Resources: Fossil fuels, minerals.
Energy Sources that are Renewable AND/OR Non-renewable
Economic and Political Importance of Resources
Issues: Resource security, international treaties, environmental impacts.
Human Error
Definition: Mistakes by users with severe repercussions.
Examples: Design flaws leading to accidents.
Case Study: Three Mile Island accident due to human error and equipment malfunction.
E.g. A severe accident occurred at the Pennsylvania nuclear power plant Three Mile Island in 1979 as a result of a mix of human error and malfunctioning equipment. The reactor core overheated as a result of a cooling system malfunction at the plant. A partial meltdown was caused by design flaws and operator error even though safety systems were activated.
Human Errors:
Confusing Control Room: Too many alarms and poorly placed indicators.
Inadequate Training: Operators didn't know how to handle the situation.
Poor Communication: Delayed emergency response.
Lesson: Better design and training can help to prevent such accidents.
International Mindedness
Definition and Scope:
In design technology, being internationally minded means knowing how various nations and areas are impacted by international issues, policies, and practices pertaining to resources and reserves. It necessitates taking into account the global ethical, social, and environmental effects of resource management and extraction. This idea highlights how important it is for engineers and designers to be aware of global resource management opportunities and challenges, as well as to respond to them.Emerging Topics in Ergonomics
Technology and Ergonomics
Definition: The use of advanced technology in ergonomic design.
Examples:
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that simulates environments in order to test ergonomic designs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhancing ergonomic assessments and designs.
Ergonomic Design of a Workplace Using Virtual Reality and a Motion Capture Suit
Ergonomics in Future Workplaces
Definition: The future of ergonomic design in evolving work environments.
Examples:
Remote Work: Ergonomic home office setups.
Automation: Designing for human-machine interactions.
Flashcards: https://knowt.com/flashcards/465e19f2-c5c8-4da3-a8c3-f131ee8f32fe?isNew=true
