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