Ergonomic Design Process Research Articles

Applying ergonomics for beyond the earth: Integrating participatory ergonomic design for sending a human to space.

The aviation industry is a complex socio-technical system that has various parts which can be optimized by human factors and ergonomics. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the collaborative ergonomic design process for an astronaut workstation within a small spaceship. Having defined the project goals and other quantitative information such as anthropometric dimensions, the Catia software was then used for 3D modeling. Following the initial modeling, the RULA method was used to conduct the initial ergonomic analysis. Following the creation of a simple product prototype, other ergonomic analyses such as mental workload, perceived physical exertion, and usability were carried out. The results of the preliminary ergonomic analysis indicated that the RULA score was acceptable (the final scores were 2 and 3 for the nearest and the farthest controls). Furthermore, the secondary ergonomic analyses were all satisfactory. The mental workload, SUS, and Borg scores for Bedford were, respectively, 2.2, 85.1, and 11.4. The proposed product initially received an acceptable ergonomic store; nevertheless, in order to continue producing this product, ergonomic concerns must be taken into consideration.

An Ergonomic Design Process of the Functional Clothing for Yoga Sports

Abstract Reports attribute many physical, psychological and mental benefits to yoga sports. However, when it comes to actual research, yoga clothing has not attracted the same level of attention. The aim of this study, which involved a questionnaire survey, clothing development and clothing performance evaluation, is to propose an ergonomic design process for the design of yoga functional clothing. Results showed that textile material was rated as the most important factor for yoga clothing. The shoulder and the waist-belly regions were considered as the most important areas for yoga clothing. The newly designed clothing prototype was observed to subject significantly lower pressure to the waist under the forward bending pose (p<0.05), but with significantly higher pressure on the buttocks at the posture of the deep knee bending pose (p<0.05). It also resulted in a lower change rate of clothing vertical displacement, especially at the shoulder and waist regions. The newly designed prototype was rated with a significantly lower tightening sensation and pulling sensation during the deep knee bending posture (p<0.05). Results indicate that proper design of yoga clothing structure and selection of fabric material could reduce clothing deformation, pressure on the skin and improve subjective wearing sensations.

Ergonomics Design Issues: Innovation and Ethics

Ergonomics has extended its application to look into Issues of universality and value-added design development. Design is aninnovative, practical, reproducible problem-solving process that converts ideas into reality, keeping in mind the user’s characteristicsand limitations, aesthetic perception, material and process, and new technology to conceive various aids to human needs. Pleasurebeyond functionality is an immerging issue; design features are not only to divulge ease of use and safety but the pleasure of use andenjoyment of the experience. Emphasis must be on trustworthy-look and feel for functional reliability. The innovation aims at newness.Users’ acceptance of a design depends on how it matches the perception of need with the product features. If it could provide a mentalimage of total trust embedded in its appearance, were not only the functional reliability, several humane issues play respective roles.Inclusiveness elements implanted in a design widen the users’ acceptance of varied requirements and confirm the benefit of properutilization of context-specific user information while conceiving design ideas. It has become an integral part of the ergonomic designprocess. This deliberation focuses on applying ergonomics in design to support productive living, health, and well-being and creatingcontext-specific user-friendly living environments.

Development of an ergonomic design process for smartphone hard key locations

Smartphone hard key locations need to be ergonomically determined to improve grip stability and operational efficiency for users' convenience. The present study proposed an ergonomic design process that determines smartphone hard key locations by statistically analyzing the preferred hard key control areas of users with various hand sizes based on users’ preferred grip postures and hard key control areas. The proposed design process analyzes the characteristics of product design, user, task, and use context, the types of preferred grip posture, the preference distribution of grip posture, and the preference distribution of hard-key area, and then recommends the locations of hard keys by considering the preference distribution of hard-key area and design constraints. The proposed design process was applied to a smartphone with a 5-inch screen, resulting in 77–96 mm from the bottom of the device for a volume key to 20 mm on the left side and 88–97 mm for a power key to 10 mm on the right side. The proposed design process for the determination of smartphone hard-key locations would be of use to determine the locations of various portable product interfaces.

Finite element human hand model: Validation and ergonomic considerations

Established ergonomic practices incorporate only limited user data while designing new handheld products and hand tools. Design of handheld products and their handles relies mostly on ergonomic recommendations and designer experiences. Measurements of quantitative variables such as contact area, pressure, stresses, strains, etc. on hands using traditional methods are not possible or are time consuming, require a product prototype and expensive measurement systems. Therefore, companies do not incorporate these data in the product development, which could improve ergonomics further. To overcome this, we present a viable option of development and utilization of a finite element human hand model which allows grasping of products inside a virtual environment and provides quantitative results. The finite element human hand model is constructed based on medical images of a real human hand, with boundary conditions resembling the actual anatomical and topological features, which makes the model numerically feasible and biomechanically accurate. Results in terms of movement and grasping simulations of the finite element digital human hand model are presented with a discussion of the utilization of these results in the ergonomic design process.

OPTIMAL MILK DISPOSAL EQUIPMENT DESIGN IN BOTTLE WITH ERGONOMICS APPROACH

The results of the observation conducted by the research team at the milk processing company in the waste, the phase of waste destruction through the stage of one of them is the disposal of milk from the bottle is still using the manual tool when the bottle hole and pour the milk fluid into the tub. The milk disposal time in the bottle can be optimised with ergonomic tool design process. The meaning of ergonomic design is the design of a tool that generates a working system using the size of Anthropometri, while the research is focused on ergonomic tool design that can be used by the operator with the effective efficient, safe and comfortable result. With the stage conducted by the research team was conducting surveys, study of literture, data collection, formulating problems, analyzing and outdoor that is targeted is optimal model design tool using size anthropometri with height of shoulders when standing along the 138.5 cm, reach of the fore hands 72cm, the range of the side hand of 71cm, the height of the elbow when standing 104 cm and the knee height when standing 49 cm by saving the discharge time by 37%.

Comparison of Anthropometric Dimensions in Healthy and Disabled Individuals

Background: Anthropometry is a very accurate tool in ergonomic design process; the design of appropriate rehabilitation equipment based on anthropometric data results in disabled empowerment, decreased health expenses, and allows disabled individuals to live and act in the society like other healthy citizens. The purpose of this study was to determine anthropometric dimensions of disabled male and female cases (wheelchair users) and compare this with healthy individuals. Methods: This analytic-descriptive study was performed during year 2012 in Tehran city. The sample population consisted of 314 disabled and healthy individuals, including 150 healthy and 79 disabled males and 50 healthy and 35 disabled females. The age range of samples was 25 to 55 years old. Disabled individuals were manual wheelchair paraplegic users while healthy participants were official staff. The simple probability sampling method was used. In this research, 9 (9) anthropometric dimensions, applied for designing wheelchair and seats, were measured. Results: This research showed that the average sitting height was 78.4 ± 6.75 cm among disabled males and 58.47 ± 4.5 cm among disabled females. Also, the sitting height was 90.97 ± 3.55 among healthy males and 83.72 ± 4.54 among healthy females. Comparison between healthy and disabled male and female subjects showed that 6 out of 9 dimensions had a significant difference between them P < 0.05; also, comparison of two studies from America and Poland, showed that the hip dimension of Iranian wheel chair users was greater. Conclusions: The results indicate significant differences among healthy and disabled individuals in anthropometric dimensions and the highest difference was found in the height dimension and access limits.

Hip Protector Design Process for the Korean Elderly

This research aims to propose an ergonomic design process for hip protector based on previous studies, existing products, multidisciplinary experts opinion, and wearing test. The elderly are more likely to suffer a hip fracture when they fall due to their physical changes in skeletal form, muscle quantity, bone density, and joint movement. A hip protector is an effective product to prevent hip fractures in the elderly but it also has a problem in that it is uncomfortable. Therefore there is a high chance that it won't be able to prevent hip fractures properly. Since the comfort of a hip protector is one of the most critical elements in preventing a hip fracture, we need to keep improving the hip protector for mobility and usability. Based on the previous studies and limitations of current hip protector products, we need to come up with an optimal design for the Korean elderly. First, knowledge has to be built relating to the ergonomic design of the hip protector considering body shape and size analysis using 3D-scan data, and biomechanical analysis on hip fracture. Second, we need to develop a design process including hip protector pattern design, and wearing evaluation with virtual system. Third, we suggest to reevaluate and verify the design procedure from impact evaluation using testing simulator, virtual evaluation of impact, to wearing comfort and usability evaluation. This design process presented in this study would be expected to contribute to the development of ergonomic hip protector which is suitable for the Korean elderly.

Use of Digital Human Model for ultrasound system design: A case study to minimize the risks of musculoskeletal disorders

The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the use of Santos™ Digital Human Model for Ultrasound System (US) Design, in particular for the transducer design. The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among sonographers ranges between 82% and 88%. The most frequent causes of musculoskeletal disorders in sonography include the US equipment design. Diagnostic Ultrasound systems are characterized by real-time examination, which forces to manage the US Probe with one hand (usually the right one in most clinical applications) and the US system User Interface (UI) with the other hand. The transducer design seems to be the best predictor of hand-wrist complaints and it is significantly related to the increasing severity of symptoms in the hand, wrist and forearm area. Sub-optimally designed US systems UI and Probe ergonomics led to a high presence of WRMSD among US system users. Digital Human Models (DHM) have been developed in order to increase the level of quality of the Ergonomic Design Process. In this investigation, the relation between the geometry of a conventional-designed probe model and a new-designed appleprobe transducer (Esaote S.p.A., Firenze, Italy) has been evaluated. Results and Analysis are based on qualitative data produced by the simulations. The new design is well promising to minimize the risk of WRMSD at the wrist and at the hand level. This work discusses how these tools can be reliable in the assessment of the ergonomics of the US transducer, comparing simulated data with qualitative data collected from professional sonographers. Relevance to industryThe interest in Ultrasound Ergonomics is of main importance among the Ultrasound producers worldwide. The capability to design ergonomically valid systems and probes represents a strong market plus of a certain producer with respect to competitors. DHM allows to perform the evaluation of the system and probe design well in advance of the marketing phase, enabling the simulation phase as soon as a CAD model is available.

An ergonomic design process for a US transit bus operator workstation

A bus operator workstation design neglecting ergonomic features can cause undesirable effects, such as overall discomfort and increased injuries. This paper presents a systematic design process for an ergonomic workstation. In the design process, the design scope is clarified by utilising the selection of an appropriate datum point and design criteria, the definition of standard bus driving postures, and the construction of hierarchies of the design and anthropometric variables. The relational attributes between the design and anthropometric variables are evaluated by a relationship analysis, and then utilised for the formulation of functional design relationships in conjunction with the geometrical configuration. These functional design relationships effectively present the interdependency of the workstation elements and enhance the flexibility of the acquired design knowledge. The design guidelines are recommended based on the functional design relationships and compared to results of other similar studies. Finally, the design guidelines are verified by a laboratory–based mockup which is evaluated by 103 jurors.

User-based assessment of website creativity: a review and appraisal

The ever-changing market demand structure galvanises a shift from product-based to value-based competition. Creativity is regarded as one important source adding supplemental value to the consumer's overall product experience. It also plays a pivotal role in achieving the synergy between both instrumental and hedonic qualities via a comprehensive ergonomic design process, which is superior to what is achieved via the traditional ergonomic design process only considering functionality and usability. This article focuses on website creativity, as compared to previous studies that have mainly dealt with issues regarding traditional hardware product creativity. The authors review relevant literature on creativity, product creativity, website development, consumer behaviour, and measurement tools for creativity, and appraise the salient differences between traditional hardware products and websites. The overall conclusion drawn from the review and appraisal is that web technology has potentially more creativity components and opportunities than do traditional hardware products. By addressing both pragmatic and hedonic design requirements, a creative website should become more attractive, appealing, and thus promote positive user experience and be more commercially competitive.

A systems concept for modelling the ergonomics design process within the product conceptualisation and development frame

Product design is a problem-solving task that deals with the design of a complex human–environment system. The design process requires a widely empirical and expert-driven approach due to the inner variations and the limited understanding of the non-linear system behaviour. In a first step, this article proposes an extended human–environment system model that, based on the notion of systems theory, incorporates many existing micro-ergonomics and macro-ergonomics concepts from different disciplinary backgrounds into a comprehensive model. This would allow a more systematic optimisation of the design process by jointly accomplishing the various aspects and theories in a single model frame. In a second step, this concept is extended to model the design process. Using the same formal notion, an integrated modelling of the design process and the design object is suggested that enables studying the interactions of both, for example to model adequate design strategies for different design problems.

Advanced musculoskeletal simulation as an ergonomic design method

In recent years, the advent of new tools for musculoskeletal simulation has increased the potential for significantly improving the ergonomic design process and ergonomic assessment of design. In this paper we investigate the use of one such tool, ‘The AnyBody Modeling System’, applied to solve a one-parameter and yet, complex ergonomic design problem. The aim of this paper is to investigate the potential of computer-aided musculoskeletal modelling in the ergonomic design process, in the same way as CAE technology has been applied to engineering design.

User-centred interior design of a small electric vehicle using RAMSIS

Digital human models are essential for the development of vehicle interiors and driver workplaces. They can be used during the occupant packaging process to develop the seat, steering-wheel and pedals adjustment ranges to ensure optimal posture for occupants of different anthropometric measurements. However, digital human models can also be used to design the display and control concept during the early phases of the product development process. In this article the ergonomic interior design process of the electric vehicle MUTE is shown exemplarily. In addition to a discussion of different design principles of the driver's workplace, the simulation capabilities of RAMSIS and the tool RAMSIS cognitive are explained using the example of the design of a central touchscreen, which acts as the main input device for secondary and tertiary tasks.

The contribution of ergonomics to risk analysis in the design process: the case of a future control room

The aim of this paper is to highlight how ergonomics contributes to risk analysis and risk management in a design project for a new reactor, the French EPR (European Pressurized Reactor). An iterative ergonomics design process has been conducted over the last 10 years through a Human Factors Engineering program at the French energy company EDF. A parallel has been drawn between a risk management process and this ergonomics process based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publications such as ISO/IEC Guide 73, ISO Guide 51, etc. The contribution of ergonomics to risk analysis is illustrated by an example: the automatic diagnosis, which is a very important technical device for safety. Five main types of risk have been identified via ergonomic analyses during the different design stages. Counter-measures have been implemented and their efficacy tested within the scope of new campaigns to assess human factors. However, the management of risks in such a design project requires the participation both of the different design entities involved in the project and of other experts in aspects of risk management, such as human reliability. The organization of collaborative participation remains a challenge to be addressed.

Incorporating organisational safety culture within ergonomics practice

This paper conceptualises organisational safety culture and considers its relevance to ergonomics practice. Issues discussed in the paper include the modest contribution that ergonomists and ergonomics as a discipline have made to this burgeoning field of study and the significance of safety culture to a systems approach. The relevance of safety culture to ergonomics work with regard to the analysis, design, implementation and evaluation process, and implications for participatory ergonomics approaches, are also discussed. A potential user-friendly, qualitative approach to assessing safety culture as part of ergonomics work is presented, based on a recently published conceptual framework that recognises the dynamic and multi-dimensional nature of safety culture. The paper concludes by considering the use of such an approach, where an understanding of different aspects of safety culture within an organisation is seen as important to the success of ergonomics projects. Statement of Relevance: The relevance of safety culture to ergonomics practice is a key focus of this paper, including its relationship with the systems approach, participatory ergonomics and the ergonomics analysis, design, implementation and evaluation process. An approach to assessing safety culture as part of ergonomics work is presented.

The IEA contribution to the transition of Ergonomics from research to practice

The future growth of ergonomics as a scientific discipline will require a greater focus on methods to transition research findings into practice. Whilst the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and the Federated Ergonomics Societies provide opportunities to promote exchange on ergonomics research and collaboration in research programs, the future sustainability of the domain will be dependent on the provision of ongoing educational opportunities in ergonomics and the transitioning of the research findings into practice. This transition will require greater external focus outside the ergonomics profession in working in collaboration and partnership with other professional associations, governments and international agencies. Practical tools that are targeted towards particular user groups within the community, workplace, and governments will enhance the opportunities for the transition of ergonomics research into practice. Focus on extramural initiatives such as Ergonomics Checkpoints, integration of the ergonomics design process into the International Organisation for Standardization Guidelines, and the incorporation of ergonomics into the World Health Organisation research programs will ensure that the positioning of ergonomics will continue at an international level.

Research on Digital Human Model System Used for Heavy Commercial Vehicle Ergonomic Design

A generic framework of digital human model system is studied by adopting the knowledge of anthropometry,multi-body system kinematics,computer graphics and ergonomics. The problems during the application of current digital human models in vehicle ergonomic design are analyzed,which are taken into account in subsequent research. Theories and corresponding techniques about how to use human data during design process to ensure enough accommodation level are studied. The content,method and performance evaluation of heavy commercial vehicle ergonomic design are studied and summarized. Based on the above mentioned theories and techniques,the system for heavy commercial vehicle ergonomic design (SHOVED),a digital human model system used for ergonomic design of heavy commercial vehicle,is developed,including functions of human modeling,vehicle modeling,scheme design,scheme analysis and optimization. By application of SHOVED,not only heavy commercial vehicle ergonomic design process can be done effectively and perfectly,but also the level of target people accommodation can be held accurately. The profile,constitution,key techniques and application principle of the generic digital human model framework and SHOVED are presented. Prospects for further study are given.

Human Factors in Control-Center Design

This article, written by Technology Editor Dennis Denney, contains highlights of paper IPTC 11762, "Improvement of Human Factors in Control-Center Design - Experiences Using ISO 11064 in The Norwegian Petroleum Industry and Suggestions for Improvements," by Andreas Lumbe Aas, Norges Teknisk- Naturvitenskapelige Universitet, Dept. of Computer Science, and Stig Ole Johnsen, Sintef Technology and Society, prepared for the 2007 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Dubai, 4-6 December. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Managing human factors (HFs) in the design of control centers (CCs) has become increasingly important in large-scale petroleum projects because of the effects on safety and on efficient operations. Integrated operations (IOs) introduce new ways of working, allowing virtual teams, but raise new risk-management issues. In 2006, 22 persons, representing different sectors and professions in the industry, were asked about their experiences with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11064, the standard guide to "ergonomic design of control centers" for handling HFs during design of CCs. This paper summarizes experiences applying ISO 11064 in Norwegian petroleum projects and suggests areas for improvements. Introduction This study mapped experiences in applying ISO 11064 to CC design in full-scale industrial projects [e.g., construction of new offshore installations (oil platforms); floating production, storage, and offloading vessels; and onshore process installations] as well as major CC modifications of the same. Fig. 1 shows the ergonomic-design process for CCs in ISO 11064. This process has five phases, A through E, that perform iteratively. ISO 11064 consists of seven parts, of which Part 5 is still in draft. This paper focuses on Part 1, principles for the design of CCs, because this was the part most commonly used among interviewees. Several interviewees pointed out that Part 3, control-room layout, and Part 7, principles for the evaluation of CCs, also were important. ISO 11064 is a normative reference in the regulations relating to design and outfitting of facilities as published by the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA), the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority, and the Norwegian Social and Health Directorate. ISO 11064 is not designed specifically for IOs, but the principles of the standard can be used for IOs. The systematic consideration of human error in systems designs can lead to improved safety, even improved productivity in many cases. To allow for efficient design of safety-critical systems, it is important to have flexible safety standards that provide a good cost/benefit ratio and contribute to the design of safer systems. Therefore, a goal-based approach is discussed.

The inadequate effect of automobile seating on foot posture and callus development

Driver posture is an important factor to be considered in the ergonomics design process of automobiles. Most decisions during automobile design and manufacture are informed by studying the intricate biomechanical components of human musculoskeletal systems to ensure maximum comfort, safety and well-being during driving. A case study is presented that confirms inappropriate foot position as a causative factor for the development of abnormal lateral/plantar heel callosities when driving a 4 × 4-style vehicle. The driver's foot position was influenced by the seat geometry of the vehicle. Cessation of driving the 4 × 4-style vehicle and driving of an alternative automobile while on holiday for a period of 4 weeks resolved the condition. On return to the 4 × 4-style vehicle, however, the abnormal callus patterns redeveloped while using the same footwear and no change in any other parameters. It is therefore suggested that seat and consequent foot position is an important ergonomic factor that should be addressed in the future design of automobile seating.