ENGD2021:

Design principles

Top down & bottom up design

Aesthetics
Ergonomics
Use of CAD
Design for manufacture
Ergonomics>definitions

Activity:

1. Identify three objects that you would describe as a pleasure to use.

(If the object is unusual please print a picture)

For each object explain three reasons why you believe this.

2. Identify three objects that you would describe as annoying to use.

(If the object is unusual please print a picture)

For each object describe how you could improve its design.
Ergonomics

By the end of this session you will:

Define the term ergonomics

List the components of ergonomics

Review case studies of ergonomic designs

Describe some techniques for improving ergonomic designs

Discuss the relationship between ergonomics and Aesthetics

Discover examples of good and bad ergonomics

Ergonomics>definitions

"Ergonomics is about 'fit': the fit between

people, the things they do, the objects
they use and the environments they work,
travel and play in.

If good fit is achieved, the stresses on

people are reduced. They are more
comfortable, they can do things more
quickly and easily, and they make fewer
mistakes."
Ergonomics Society (Europe)
Ergonomics>definitions

"We bear in mind that the object we are working on is

going to be ridden in, sat upon, looked at, talked into,
activated, operated, or in some other way used by
people.

If the point of contact between the product and the

people becomes a point of friction, then the industrial
designer has failed.

On the other hand, if people are made safer, more

efficient, more comfortable - or just plain happier - by
contact with the product, then the designer has
succeeded."

Source: Henry Dreyfuss

the first President of the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA).
Ergonomics>components

Ergonomics deal with the interaction of technological

and work situations with the human being.

The basic human sciences involved are;

anatomy
physiology
psychology
Ergonomics>components

These sciences are applied by the ergonomist towards

two main objectives:

the most productive use of human

capabilities,

and the maintenance of human health

and well-being.

In a phrase, the job must fit the person in all

respects, and the work situation should not
compromise human capabilities and limitations.
Ergonomics>components>anatomy

The contribution of basic anatomy lies in improving

physical 'fit' between people and the things they use,
ranging from hand tools to aircraft cockpit design.

Achieving good physical fit is no mean feat when one

considers the range in human body sizes across the
population.
Ergonomics>components>anatomy

The science of anthropometrics

provides data on dimensions of
the human body, in various
postures.

Biomechanics considers the

operation of the muscles and
limbs, and ensures that working
postures are beneficial, and that
excessive forces are avoided.
Ergonomics>components>anthropometrics

Henry Dreyfuss
(March 2, 1904 October 5, 1972)
American industrial designer.
born in Brooklyn, New York.
Ergonomics>components>anthropometrics Ido ergonomic 3d modelling
Ergonomics>components>anthropometrics

source: The Measure of Man; Human Factors in Design, by Henry Dreyfuss

Ergonomics>components>physiology

Our knowledge of human physiology

supports two main technical areas;

Work physiology addresses the energy

requirements of the body and sets
standards for acceptable physical
workrate and workload, and for nutrition
requirements.

Environmental physiology analyses the

impact of physical working conditions
thermal, noise and vibration, and lighting
and sets the optimum requirements for
these.
Ergonomics>components>physiology

Psychology is concerned with human information processing

and decision-making capabilities.

In simple terms, this can be seen as aiding the cognitive 'fit'

between people and the things they use.

Relevant topics are sensory processes, perception, long- and

short-term memory, decision making and action. There is
also a strong thread of organizational psychology.
Ergonomics>components>psychology

The importance of psychological

dimensions of ergonomics should
not be underestimated in
todays 'high-tech' world.

The ergonomist advises on the

design of interfaces between
people and computers (Human
Computer Interaction or HCI),
information displays for
industrial processes, the
planning of training materials,
and the design of human tasks
and jobs.
Ergonomics>components>physiology

The concept of
'information overload' is
familiar in many current
jobs.

Paradoxically, increasing
automation, while
dispensing with human
involvement in routine
operations, frequently
increases the mental
demands in terms of
monitoring, supervision
and maintenance.
Ergonomics>components>techniques

Natural mapping: i-phone

The interpretation of controls and interface to match as accurately as

possible the output of the system

Eg: the R class Mercedes Seat control

Feedback:

Sending back to the user information about what action has actually been
done, what result has been accomplished.

Consistency:

Maintaining a consistent approach to interface design building on the learned

environmental rules of interface.

Eg: Switches conventionally DOWN for on

Ergonomics>components>visual issues

The visual position, contrast and

colour of elements such as controls,
interfaces, feedback can directly
impact how the user perceives their
use.

By manipulating the way the brain

sees the object the designer can
prioritise controls and information to
make the product easier to use.
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>visual issues
Ergonomics>components>case studies

Ergonomics: examples

Project: Sky remote control handsets

Client: Sky
Designer: Frazer Design/Davis Associates
Year: 1999

Sky's original remote control handset was a prominent

image in the launch of its service and the latest Sky Plus
handset has accommodated an expanded range of
functions. Both handset designs were developed by Frazer
Design with ergonomics by Davis Associates. The
arrangement of buttons, the form, its weight distribution
and surface finishes are all factors that make these
handsets efficient and pleasurable to use. User
trials, including blindfold tests, were employed
from the early foam-model stage to acquire
qualitative feedback from end user
representatives.
Ergonomics>components>case studies

Ergonomics: examples

Project: Club World Seat

Client: British Airways
Designer: Tangerine/Davis Associates
Year: 1999
The British Airways Club World seat was the first to
provide a horizontal flat bed for business-class
passengers and was awarded the Grand Prix Prize in the
Design Business Association's Design Effectiveness Awards.
A key element in its success was the integration of
ergonomists as part of the product development team.
Tangerine's unique design concept required detailed
ergonomics development and evaluation to provide
the optimum comfort and convenience as well as
a suitable level of privacy. User trials were
conducted on a series of mock-ups, including
overnight tests to assess the quality and
quantity of sleep achieved.