Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

i) Describe the product. (Appearance, Color, Function, etc)
The product has a clump of silver-coloured strings (that are curled like springs) on the end of it. It has a blue handle and body. It is used to scrub things such as dirty dishes.

ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?
- Is it safe?
- How can it help people? (Is it useful?)
- Is the material water-proof?

iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?
There would not be a lot of difficulty faced by the elderly. The clump of silver-coloured strings is circular in shape which makes washing dishes easier (scrub in circular motion), also, the handle is long so that the elderly can use less effort if they hold it at the end. One difficulty they may face (although unlikely) is when the product "flies" out of their hand because they do not have enough strength to hold dishes and the product at the same time.

iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)















I think we can add an elastic band on the handle of the product. The band can be adjusted (movable) to a comfortable length for the elderly. The band can help to fasten the elderly's hand while holding onto the product.

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?
- the study of people's efficiency in their working environment
[Taken from Apple Mac Book Pro Dictionary]

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
- Safety
- Comfort
- Ease of use
- Productivity/performance
- Aesthetics

3. For each aspects of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.

Safety
Hand railings in bathrooms
- it provides hand support for the elderly so that they would not injure themselves in the slippery bathroom













http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?state=VIC&page=1&MC=81&MinC=70

Comfort
Massage chairs for elderly to relax
- it massages the elderly






















http://www.wisecare.com.au/t/Beds/8.aspx


Ease of use
Raised toilet seat
- add a few inches to the height of the toilet (different heights available)
The elderly would not have to lower him/ herself to reach the toilet seat.






















http://www.medimart.com/Medical%20Mart%20Retail%20Website/toiletseats.html


Productivity/performance
Stair Lifts
- helps elderly to go up staircases efficiently






















http://www.4-medical-supplies.com/products/SLsummitac.html


Aesthetics
Playing cards with large prints
- for elderly who have eyesight problems, the playing cards keep them entertained

















http://store.yourspecialneedssolutions.com/Recreational/Large-Print-Playing-Cards-W/Tray/prod_91.html

Ergonomics I

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.
The workplace on the left :
- the workspace is very little and cause the man to experience some difficulties (no freedom)
- the chair is very uncomfortable and the man cannot work properly as he is too busy trying to find the comfortable height
- the lighting is bad and the man has trouble reading and doing his work
- the words on the monitor screen can't be seen and the man went to the extreme to read the words, which is very troublesome and tiring for him
- the laptop screen is very low as such the man has a terrible time straining his neck to type, he also tried different methods to "raise" the laptop but it is very uncomfortable
The workplace on the left is thus a very uncomfortable place to work in.

The workplace on the right:
- the desk is very clean and neat so the man has more space
- the chair can be adjusted according to the man's wishes so he can do his work comfortably
- the lighting is good and the man can do his work properly
- the monitor can be adjusted so that he can read properly
- there is a laptop holder to "raise" the laptop so the man can type at ease
The workplace on the right is a suitable place to work in (can work effectively and efficiently).

2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.
The workplace on the right is preferred as the design of the workplace allow the person to work in comfort without any trouble (eg, too cram, too messy, can't see etc).
Designs include :
- an adjustable chair
- a railing for placing items so as to have more desk space
- an adjustable monitor
- an adjustable lamp
- a laptop holder
All these designs make the workplace on the right a preferred place.

3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?
- comfortable (freedom, space)
- simple
- useful

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?
(Ergonomics : the study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
Taken from Apple Macbook Pro Dictionary)

So that during designing, the designer would know that he/she needs to take into account whether the product is useful for the customer in the aspect of efficiency (customers would buy the product if it helps them in being efficient).

















Ergonomics
-Study/Designing of work place/work environment
-Work place of elderly - home, shopping mall, transport, bus terminals

Considerations
-Comfort
-Safety

Holiday work - Part 3: Tools to be learnt in Semester 2

The bed for the elderly would be inclinable so that when the elderly feel uncomfortable (like backaches), they could adjust the bed angle.
Beside the bed, there would be a hand bar (Hand Bar No. 1) so as to help the elderly get out of bed.
A television is placed in front of the bed so that seniors could sit comfortably in the bed (another use for inclinable beds) and watch shows.
There is a bedside table so that the elderly can put objects (eg, remote control, glass of water, reading spectacles, alarm clock, lamp, small fan etc) for easy reach in bed.
The wardrobe would be made of light but sturdy materials so that the elderly could open it easily.
Hand Bar No. 2 and the stool help the elderly when he/she changes clothes. The hand bar lets the elderly hold on to it and also to hang clothes. He/She could then sit on the stool and change.