Ergonomic Product Research Articles

A Study of Model Iterations of Fitts’ Law and Its Application to Human–Computer Interactions

Fitts’ law, a predictive model for motor task completion time, is widely utilized in human–computer interaction (HCI) research. While its formulas in two dimensions have achieved consensus over the decades, research diverges on its application in three dimensions. This paper synthesizes practical applications across touchscreens, virtual reality (VR), pedals, handheld devices, etc., with a specific emphasis on enhancing interaction experiences for vulnerable populations. This review studies Fitts’ law’s applicability in diverse interaction scenarios, highlighting design considerations for touchscreens and handheld/foot-held devices. This article underscores the need for future research to explore three-dimensional applications and consider user age, with potential expansions into medical and sports domains. This systematic review aims to empower designers in crafting more ergonomic products and improving HCI experiences.

Critical success factors of service learning in tertiary education: Challenge of online learning approach in Ergonomics Product Design Course

This study intent to investigate critical success factors of implementing online learning approach in ergonomics product design course embedding SULAM Project during COVID-19 pandemic. The first objectives are to interrogate suitable teaching approach implemented for PDET. Next is to assess students' satisfaction with the course in comparison to their grades after SULAM was embedded in SULAM in PBL component, as well as the impact of the pandemic on satisfaction levels. The third aims are to evaluate student perceived and experiences, as well as to discover relevant student recommendations that may be integrated into the next course offering. To achieve the study aims, a systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the current teaching and learning implementation in PDET course. OMR Forms and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) were distributed to access students’ satisfaction and perceive experiencing in online learning approach. As a results, the course has been identified commonly deploys an inclusive design approach and integrating an interdisciplinary approach. However online learning and team cognition approach has been a significant change during COVID- 19 pandemic outbreak. This study extends significantly to the preparation of teaching and assessment techniques for future students, especially in unpredictable conditions such as pandemic and endemic scenarios, when lectures and students confronting various problems.

Требования и методы испытаний средств индивидуальной защиты органов дыхания и зрения пожарных в российских и европейских стандартах

Due to the specifics of firefighting work, a significant amount of requirements is applied for compressed air breathing apparatuses. Many various test methodologies included in Russian national and European standards were developed to assess breathing apparatuses and their components. Such requirements and test methodologies in the abovementioned standards are, to a certain extent, similar; e.g., the requirement for technical variables, their values, and verification methods as the variables are based on the physiology of human breathing. Requirements and test methods for the ergonomics of products are similar as well. However, there are some differences in requirements and test methods stipulated in the Russian and European standards. It is primarily the climatic design of compressed air-breathing apparatuses and their components, for instance, the front parts. The requirements for the values of subzero temperatures at which climatic tests for breathing apparatuses are conducted are stricter in Russian standards, which is primarily caused by the climatic conditions on the territory of the Russian Federation. At the same time, European standards apply stricter requirements for the resistance of compressed air breathing apparatuses and their front parts to the impact of hazardous factors of fire, mainly thermal factors (exposure to open flame). The flame temperature during tests under the European standard is 100 °С higher. However, European standards contain no requirements for resistance to certain mechanical impacts, e.g., vibration. There is a difference in the structural design of the test equipment applied. It can be concluded that most of the requirements and test methods for compressed air breathing apparatuses contained in Russian and European standards are similar. A more thorough analysis to make conclusions regarding the applicability of European requirements and methods for compressed air breathing apparatuses produced in Russia is possible on the basis of comparative tests.

Redesign of Green Coffee Processing Machine using Value Engineering with Ergonomic approach

Green Coffee (Coffea Canephore Var. Robusta) is coffee made from unroasted coffee beans (Coffea spa). Green coffee extract contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to roasted coffee. The current issue is the variability in the quality of green coffee produced, mainly due to manual processing methods. To enhance the economic value of coffee, its quality must be maintained, especially during the production process. Based on this issue, this research is conducted to design a coffee processing machine to improve the quality of the produced coffee. Although coffee machines already exist, their design process often overlooks user comfort. Hence, this research employs anthropometric approaches to produce ergonomic product designs. Additionally, utility engineering is utilized to identify costs. This research results in innovative product designs considering ergonomic aspects and offering economically viable prices compared to similar products currently available in the market.

Organizational Ergonomics Framework and Business Educators’ Job Commitment in Universities in Rivers State

The study investigated the organisational ergonomics framework and Business Educators’ job commitment in universities in Rivers State. Two research questions were answered, while two hypotheses were tested. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 47 business educators from three universities in Rivers State. The census sampling technique was adopted due to its manageable size. Two structured instruments (OEFQ and BEJCQ) validated by experts in business education and measurement and evaluation were used for data collection. The reliability index of 0.93 and 0.76 was obtained, respectively, using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r). A post-hoc t-transformation test was also carried out to test the significance of the correlation coefficient. Findings from the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between production ergonomics, proactive ergonomics, and Business Educators job commitment in universities in Rivers State. Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that the organisational ergonomics framework is a comprehensive approach that improves workplace ergonomics and further recommended that university management should provide ergonomic tools and equipment that are adjustable and suitable to individual body sizes and capabilities that can help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve overall comfort. Institutions should also establish an ergonomic committee with the responsibility of training faculty members about proper ergonomics as well as conducting regular evaluations of equipment and tools.

Biometric analysis hand parameters in young adults for prosthetic hand and ergonomic product applications.

This study aimed to evaluate the superficial anatomy, kinesiology, and functions of the hand to reveal its morphometry and apply the findings in various fields such as prosthetic hand and protective hand support product design. We examined 51 young adults (32 females, 19 males) aged between 18-30. Hand photographs were taken, and measurements were conducted using ImageJ software. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between personal information and the parameters. The results of the measurements showed the average lengths of finger segments: thumb (49.5±5.5 mm), index finger (63.9±4.1 mm), middle finger (70.7±5.2 mm), ring finger (65.5±4.8 mm), and little finger (53.3±4.3 mm). Both females and males, the left index finger was measured longer than the right index finger. The right ring finger was found to be longer than the left in both sexes. Additionally, length differences between fingers in extended and maximally adducted positions were determined: thumb-index finger (56.1±6.2 mm), index-middle finger (10.7±4.1 mm), middle-ring finger (10.8±1.4 mm), and ring-little finger (25.6±2.7 mm). Other findings included the average radial natural angle (56.4°±10.5°), ulnar natural angle (23.4°±7.1°), radial deviation angle (65.2°±8.2°), ulnar deviation angle (51.2°±9.6°), and grasping/gripping angle (49.1°±5.8°). The average angles between fingers in maximum abduction positions were also measured: thumb-index finger (53.4°±6.5°), index-middle finger (17.2°±2.6°), middle-ring finger (14.3°±2.3°), and ring-little finger (32.1°±7.0°). The study examined the variability in the positioning of proximal interphalangeal joints during maximum metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal flexion, coinciding with maximum distal interphalangeal extension movements. The focal points of our observations were the asymmetrical and symmetrical arches formed by these joints. This study provides valuable hand parameters in young adults, which can be utilized in various applications such as prosthetic design, ergonomic product development, and hand-related research. The results highlight the significance of considering individual factors when assessing hand morphology and function.

Legal Protection for Registered Trademark Holders Against Trademark Infringement

In the era of development aligned with international conventions, the role of brands has become crucial in maintaining business competition and must comply with existing trademark regulations. Legislation regarding trademarks in Indonesia has undergone numerous changes to adapt to the needs and developments of the times, starting with Law No. 14 of 1997 concerning Trademarks, amended by Law No. 15 of 2001 concerning Trademarks, and most recently, Law No. 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications. For consumers, a brand not only facilitates identification but also serves as a symbol of self-esteem. Individuals accustomed to choosing products from a particular brand tend to continue using that brand for various reasons, such as familiarity, trustworthiness, product quality, and more. Thus, the function of a brand as a guarantee of quality becomes increasingly evident, especially concerning reputable products. This research adopts a normative juridical research approach. The findings of this study indicate that legal protection for trademarks is granted, whether foreign or local, famous or not, only to registered trademarks. Therefore, every brand owner is encouraged to register their trademark with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights to obtain legal protection for their brand. Legal protection based on the first-to-file principle is provided to registered trademark holders with ‘good faith’ both in a preventive and repressive manner. Considerations by the judge in deciding trademark infringement cases, as in Decision Number: 1349 K/Pdt.Sus-HKI/2022, are as follows: The plaintiff alleges ownership of the ERG trademark (ERG logo) with Registration Number IDM000540156, dated March 8, 2014, in class 25 to protect footwear and apparel products. The naming of ERG is based on the plaintiff’s idea to design and develop ergonomic products. Therefore, the translation information in the intellectual property database for the ERG trademark is ergonomic fashion products. The plaintiff claims that the defendants have infringed the trademark by using the ERG mark, which is substantially or entirely identical to the plaintiff’s ERG mark, Registration Number IDM000540156 owned by Mr. Muhamad Adi Mulya Pranata without rights and unlawfully

Ergonomic Product Design: An Empirical Study on The Influencing Factors to Use and to Buy

Ergonomic design in various types of products has been introduced in many countries. This study is aimed at observing the intention to use and to buy ergonomic products. A conceptual model of intention to use and to buy ergonomic product design is developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model. Dimensions and construction of the model are developed based on the literature and an experiment. Eight hundred and three respondents were involved by filling out the questionnaire, consisting of 7 dimensions and 23 statements. The result shows that perceived design, perceived comfort, perceived social image, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness influence the intention to use ergonomic product design. The intention to use will influence the intention to buy, which finally influences the continuance to use. Implications of the result are discussed.

Developing the competitive advantage of small and medium enterprises through an ergo-iconic value approach in Indonesia

The present study seeks to examine the effects of ergo-iconic positional advantages on the competitive performance and innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the province of West Java. By analysing these impacts, the study aims to contribute to the understanding of strategies that can enhance the competitive benefits of SMEs. The study involves three dimensions of ergo-iconic positional advantages involving iconic service marketing, ergonomic product value, and positional advantages to analyse their impact on achieving small and medium enterprises' performance in West Java Province. The group of respondents for this study consisted of 186 commercial establishments. The participants were selected using a process known as proportionate stratified random sampling. The data will be analysed using AMOS and path analysis in order to examine the study hypotheses. The results showed that iconic service marketing, ergonomic product value, and positional advantages positively and significantly affect SMEs' performance in West Java Province. The study resoundingly supports the idea that the presence of ergo-iconic positions in SMEs buildings may boost competition and innovation in SMEs goods and customer service standards.

Solar Corn Sheller Machine Design Based on Ergonomics Principles

The existing sheller machine on the market still uses diesel fuel and electricity, even though diesel fuel has increased. Solar is a non-renewable energy. In addition, there is a new modification of the corn sheller machine with solar power to replace diesel fuel. The fuel replacement is focused on the utilization of sunlight. This corn sheller machine can replace the use of fossil raw materials and electricity with solar power and obtain faster, more ergonomic product results. The data required in this study are body dimension data or shoulder height anthropometry in an upright standing position to determine the height of the corn sheller that will be done standing when the farmer does the corn shelling process. With the existence of a solar-powered corn sheller machine, it is expected to be more productive than before. The transition to the use of environmentally friendly (pollution-free) corn sheller machines so as to reduce air pollution that previously used motor engines with fossil fuels, namely diesel, corn farmers can understand about work comfort, are able to operate environmentally friendly corn sheller machines and can carry out maintenance procedures for solar corn sheller machines.

The Transformative Impact of Industrial Design on the Adaptation of Migrant Older Adults: A Gerontological Approach

The migration of older adults is a growing phenomenon with implications for the quality of life and well-being of this population. Migrant older adults often face challenges in adapting to new environments due to physical, social, and cultural constraints. Industrial design has the potential to address these challenges by incorporating gerontological principles into creating environments and products that fit the needs of this population. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore how gerontological design can facilitate adaptation and improve the quality of life of older adults who have migrated to new contexts. It seeks to identify specific design strategies that can mitigate the challenges of migration and promote social inclusion and functionality. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative research was conducted that included surveys and interviews with migrant older adults in various settings. Data collection focused on understanding the barriers they face in areas such as accessibility, social interaction, and comfort. Gerontological design principles were applied to develop adaptive solutions through collaboration with industrial designers and gerontologists. RESULTS The results highlight common challenges faced by migrant older adults, including mobility difficulties, language barriers, and social isolation. The proposed design solutions, such as accessible spaces and ergonomic products, demonstrated a positive impact on the adaptation and well-being of this population. CONCLUSIONS The application of gerontological design in migration contexts is essential to improve the quality of life of older adults. The results support the idea that adaptive design can address migration-specific challenges and foster social inclusion. Greater collaboration between industrial designers, gerontologists and migration professionals is recommended to develop more comprehensive solutions. Training designers in gerontological principles and considering cultural diversity in design are key steps for the future. FUTURE WORK: Future research should focus on the implementation and long-term evaluation of gerontological design solutions in diverse migration contexts. In addition, the expansion of this approach at the level of public policies and urban planning is urged to ensure a sustainable impact on the quality of life of migrant older adults.

Customized Design for Ergonomic Products via Additive Manufacturing Considering Joint Biomechanics

This paper presents a customized design method for ergonomic products via additive manufacturing (AM) considering joint biomechanics. An ergonomic customized design model can be built based on kinesiology involving human joint biomechanics. Manifolds of the human bone can be reconstructed from X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and direct 3D scanning. The conceptual and detailed design of customized products were implemented on ergonomic shoes and insoles. A lightweight lattice structure with variable porosity was generated via structural topology optimization for an ergonomic customized design. Notably, the upper surface of the custom-made insole may adhere perfectly to the plantar surface of the patient, resulting in a lower peak plantar pressure. Finite element analysis (FEA) can be employed to simulate the static or dynamic biomechanical characteristics. The conceptual ergonomic products were forwarded to the machine and fabricated via AM, driven by visual digital twin techniques. The experiments proved that a customized design suitability method for wearable ergonomic products via 3D printing is specifically tailored to the rehabilitation needs of individual customers, while consuming the least cost, time, and materials.

Benefits of nanotechnology for occupational ergonomic design: A positive step toward more protection of workers' health

AbstractNowadays, the combination of “Nanotechnology” and “Ergonomics” has been known as “Nano‐ergonomics.” Nano‐ergonomics can help to develop more comfortable conditions in workplaces. So, the aim of this study is to reveal benefits of nanotechnology for occupational health and safety design, especially ergonomic design. The search strategy was provided based on cochrane guidelines with main search terms of “Nanotechnology,” “Nanomaterial,” and “Nanoparticle” combined with “Ergonomics” and “Human Factors.” PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Google Scholar Databases were researched for relevant articles. Also, Google search engine was used to find nano‐ergonomic commercial products and to complete the research with identifying additional information. A total of 32 articles were first achieved. By providing Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis reporting guideline, finally, four studies were regarded as appropriate. The results showed that nanotechnology has developed in three major areas of ergonomics such as physical, environmental, and cognitive ergonomics, which is a positive step toward more protection of workers' health. Although, there are not any original article related to nanotechnology for ergonomic product design, they are offered as the commercial products by the largest companies such as Amazon. Also, workers at the nanotechnology‐related industries have the challenges of exposure to toxic nanomaterials. So, before the application of nanomaterials, we should have proper knowledge of nanomaterials‐caused toxic hazards and how to handle them.

A 3D anthropometry-based quantified comfort model for children's eyeglasses design

Modeling the quantified relationships between anthropometric/product parameters and human perceptions provides research-driven guidelines for mass customization and personalization of ergonomic products. In particular, such models are critical for designing children's eyeglasses; however, they are still underexplored. This study examined children's comfort perceptions for eyeglasses with two variables (i.e., nose pads width and temple clamping force), and established quantified linkage models between subjective human perceptions and objective 3D anthropometric/product parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to quantify these relationships for ergonomic eyeglasses design. A psychological experiment with thirty child participants was performed, and our analyses showed that two eyeglasses variables significantly influenced the children's comfort perceptions; static vs. dynamic conditions caused slight differences. The mathematical trendlines and trend surfaces established by our findings can estimate perceived component-specific and overall comfort scores based on 3D anthropometric/product parameters. This also allows for calculation of parameter's allowances for sizing and grading eyeglasses while maintaining satisfactory comfort.

THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF STANDARD ERGONOMIC PRODUCTS INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY

Workers need safety and comfort when using equipment at work. Every human being really does not want accidents in his life. However, not every human being is necessarily able to make or choose ergonomic products, one of which is to result in safety, increased comfort and productivity. Therefore, in order for this to be achieved, it must be designed ergonomically. In scientific writing, the method used is descriptive from the study of literature. The conclusion is that the development of ergonomic products since before the century AD until now the application of ergonomics is growing; with ergonomic products and doing work that is healthy, safe, comfortable or easy, does not cause harm, productivity will improve (increase).

Models and Algorithms for Multimodal Data Processing

Information technologies and computer equipment are used in almost all areas of activity, which is why new areas of their use are emerging, and the level of ICT implementation is deepening, with more and more functions that were the prerogative of humans being assigned to computers. As science and technology develop, new technologies and technical means are emerging that enable a human-centered approach to software development, better adaptation of human-machine interfaces to user needs, and an increase in the ergonomics of software products, etc. These measures contribute to the formation of fundamentally new opportunities for presenting and processing information about real-world objects with which an individual interacts in production, educational and everyday activities in computer systems. The article aims to identify current models and algorithms for processing multimodal data in computer systems based on a survey of company employees and to analyze these models and algorithms to determine the benefits of using models and algorithms for processing multimodal data. Research methods: comparative analysis; systematization; generalization; survey. Results. It has been established that the recommended multimodal data representation models (the mixed model, the spatiotemporal linked model, and the multilevel ontological model) allow for representing the digital twin of the object under study at differentiated levels of abstraction, and these multimodal data processing models can be combined to obtain the most informative way to describe the physical twin. As a result of the study, it was found that the "general judgment of the experience of using models and algorithms for multimodal data processing" was noted by the respondents in the item "Personally, I would say that models and algorithms for multimodal data processing are practical" with an average value of 8.16 (SD = 0 1.70), in the item "Personally, I would say that models and algorithms for multimodal data processing are understandable (not confusing)" with an average value of 7.52. It has been determined that respondents positively evaluate (with scores above 5.0) models and algorithms for processing multimodal data in work environments as practical, understandable, manageable, and original. columns finish at the same distance from the top of the page.

A neuroergonomic approach to assessing motor performance in stroke patients using fNIRS and behavioral data

Stroke is characterized by high morbidity and disability, and proposing effective methods for assessing and designing rehabilitation products is an attractive topic in current research. In this study, a hand function rehabilitation aid was developed for stroke patients. Ten stroke patients and 20 healthy older people as a control group were recruited to perform a 600 s task after a 600 s resting by gripping a stick while clicking on a flashing light in an electronic insert in sequence according to a pattern. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioral data were collected during their rehabilitation training. Brain function was analyzed using three indicators, namely brain area activation, functional connectivity and effective connectivity, while behavioral performance was analyzed using ten indicators, such as velocity and acceleration, and correlations were made between both. Followed by proposing a quantitative assessment method based on the fusion of multiple data sources. The results showed that the developed rehabilitation tool could effectively stimulate the patient's brain and help recover their cognitive and behavioral capacities. The scientific validity of the proposed assessment approach was further confirmed by contrasting the data results of the stroke group with those of the healthy elderly group. This study has integrated brain function and behavioral data, providing a practical quantitative evaluation method of product ergonomics and data-driven product design concepts for stroke patients.

Ensuring employee well-being: a deep dive into ergonomic product testing

The research's objective is to examine the merits and drawbacks of an ergonomic chairless chair product in a manufacturing environment. The initial section presents the product and a particular project. The subsequent section demonstrates its application in the workplace. The final part is devoted to assessing the utility of chairless chairs in a production setting. There is a need for wider adoption of this product due to its capacity to enhance ergonomic conditions and reduce work-related ailments. Additionally, the article serves as an appraisal of the product's performance in a manufacturing context, scrutinizing both its pros and cons.

인간공학적 제품 설계를 위한 형상 기반 백분위 대표인체모델 생성 방법

Objective: A novel method based on body shape for the generation of representative human models (RHMs) was proposed in the present study for ergonomic product design.BRBRBackground: RHMs of a particular population are required to satisfy the representativeness of a target population under consideration in ergonomic product design. A conventional RHM generation method based on key anthropometric dimensions has limitations in terms of the representativeness of RHMs and consistency between RHMs.BRBRMethod: This study proposed a method of shape-based percentile RHM generation using template-registered 3D body images. A point cluster containing all 3D body images of a particular vertex is projected on a vector passing the origin point and the average location of the point cluster; then, a percentile location of the point cluster is calculated. Then, a percentile RHM is generated by forming a triangular mesh structure based on the percentile locations of all the vertices. Lastly, the generated RHM is adjusted in terms of its size by referring to anthropometric measurements.BRBRResults: The RHMs generated by the proposed method showed better representativeness for ergonomic product design as well as better morphological consistency between RHMs as compared to the conventional method.BRBRConclusion: Compared to the conventional method that chooses a few cases from a large number of 3D body scan images in a database, the proposed method uses all the 3D scan images in a database to generate RHMs.BRBRApplication: The proposed method can be applied for the ergonomic design of wearable products such as facial masks, glass-type or goggle-type products, industrial protective devices, sporting goods for athletes, medical prosthetics, and assistive tools.

Lean Ergonomics—are relevant synergies of digital human models and digital twins defining a new emerging subdiscipline?

Manufacturing companies are facing new kinds of challenges. High cost and time pressure as well as the variety of product variants have added to supply chain issues due to unvorseeable major political, societal or natural events. This requires more than ever load optimization for all agents of a socio-technical system, to enable them to operate competitively and sustainably. Digital tools offer the possibility to proactively plan and analyze diverse processes. Recent developments indicat that human-centric (DHM) and process-centric (DT) tools are diverging rather than converging. The objective of this position paper is to analyze whether the vacuum created by human-centric and process-centric tools can be filled by the new subdiscipline of Lean Ergonomics (LE). LE is defined by synergies of production ergonomics and production management.Practical Relevance: By elaborating a methodological separation of Digital Twin (DT) and Digital Human Modeling (DHM), science and the economy shall be motivated to close the gap. Lean Ergonomics as an intersection of human-centered and system-centered engineering has the potential to incentivize companies to move towards sustainable ergonomics, as the company will directly benefit from this. Ergonomic methods and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the micro level of the individual workstation enable the ergonomic and psychophysiological assessment of the human being in digital and analogue form. This is mirrored on production-organizational methods and KPIs and thereby tested for dependencies and interactions, which enable a holistic optimization of the socio-technical system.