Ergonomics Theory Research Articles

Emphasizing the Roll of Ergonomics in Industrial Design and its Wide Application in the Media Industry

Today’s industrial design has gone beyond the traditional product design. China is in the transfer process from the world's manufacturing plant to the world's manufacturing center. Chinese manufacturing industry is transiting from mass production and mass marketing to brand competition and design competition; China’s industrial design is moving from design for products and design for industrial enterprises to design for the market and users, and from basic industries- and technology-oriented model to sales- and marketing-oriented and brand- and user-oriented model. The importance of implementing user-friendly design principles and applying ergonomic principles to sustainable design in Industrial design is increasingly becoming the consensus of the industries. In today's information society, the media industry is charged with an irreplaceable task of information manufacture and dissemination. A variety of devices (including electronic, optical, mechanical equipment and instruments, and even household facilities and equipment, etc.) used by the modern media industry need the direct contact, operation or use of the operator. Design and manufacture of these devices need to apply modern ergonomic design theory and research results. In this paper, the importance of ergonomics, the features and research aspects of modern ergonomics, developing trends of ergonomics, and the application of ergonomics in the media industry are described.

Green Design Concept of Ergonomics in Industrial Design and its Wide Application in the Graphic Communications Industry

Today’s industrial design has gone beyond the traditional product design. China is in the transfer process from the world's manufacturing plant to the world's manufacturing center. Green design is the basis of access to green products, and has become one of the hot researches in design areas. The results show that the design phase determines the 70% to 80% of manufacturing cost, while the design itself accounts for only 10% of the total cost. The importance of the roll of design to product is still increasing if considering the environmental factors. Because the level of ecological damage caused by the product design is far greater than the level of ecological damage caused by the design process itself, only in the design stage should the "green level" of products be taken as a design target, the desired design result could be achieved, which is one of the goal of ergonomics. In today's information society, the graphic communications industry is charged with an irreplaceable task of information manufacture and dissemination. A variety of devices (including electronic, optical, mechanical equipment and instruments, and even household facilities and equipment, etc.) used by the modern graphic communications industry need the direct contact, operation or use of the operator. Design and manufacture of these devices need to apply modern ergonomic design theory and research results. In this paper, the importance of ergonomics, the features and research aspects of green design, developing trends of ergonomics, and the application of ergonomics in the graphic communications industry are described.

Misoperation Study on Samsung VP－101 Digital Video Camcorder

Digital video camcorder is a kind of mechanical and electrical product that is easy to make misoperation. Chose green hand users as subjects.Then applied experiment method to study their misoperation manner in using Sangsumg VP－101 digital video camcorder. According to industrial design psychology and ergonomics theory , analysed experimental result. Firstly, through F testing of psychology statistics method, found that the major effective reason of misoperation was task difference which was relevant to interface and interacting means design factors, and individual difference of each subject had little effect on misoperation. Secondly, in terms of analysis on the relevance of interacting means design details and misoperation manner, found rational design reasons of misoperation. They were mismatching attribute of perception, mismatching attribute of touching size, lack of visuality. Thirdly, On the basis of statistics on subjects mood research, found that nervous and whiny mood were irrational factors affecting misoperation. The conclusion could be summarized as the three results mentioned above. Specific to this conclusion, discussed methods to deduce misoperation by building user task model, user mental model and green hand user mood model.

The Reliability of Ergonomics in the Ventilation System of an Underground Metal Mine

With the using of reliability-engineering and ergonomics theory, the various factors which can impact the reliability of a mine ventilation system have been approached in detail in this paper. It indicates that the main factors which will impact the reliability of the mine ventilation network are the mine ventilation system, the harmful diagonal structure of the network and changes in ventilation network. The main factors which will impact the normal operation of the fan are the types of the fan, its inherent quality, installation, use and maintenance management, the placement environment of equipment, equipment operators, and the method of operation of the main fan. The effectiveness of mine ventilation control equipment changes the resistance in the network branch roadway, which will have a major impact on the system's reliability; the main mining process underground will cause a serious disturbance of air-flow to the mine ventilation system. In addition, ventilation management has also a significant effect on the reliability of a mine ventilation system.

The role of auxiliary assumptions in the falsification of ergonomics theories

Based on the accusations that some important ergonomics theories are not falsifiable, the present article reflects on the issue in a different way than has been previously presented by ergonomics researchers. This discussion highlights the importance of auxiliary assumptions in deriving testable predictions and emphasises the complications that result from understanding falsification. These arguments are made more concrete by considering them in the context of an important ergonomics theory that has been the target of falsification-related accusations – Multiple Resource Theory. Finally, the implications of this specific discussion for larger philosophical issues relevant to the falsification of ergonomics theories are explicated.

The ideology of ergonomics

This paper examines the positivist and empiricist philosophical ideas that underpin mainstream ergonomics and argues that they undermine the discipline's ability to properly theorise the nature of the social world. Instead and as a consequence of these largely implicit philosophical beliefs ergonomics is an ideological discipline whose social use is largely shaped to reflect the interests of dominant social institutions, whether public or private, that tend to control the workplace. Arguing from the perspective of critical social science the paper says that questions of design are central to debates about the good society (how people should live) as indeed some ergonomic researchers have recently begun to argue. The task of the paper is to help encourage such debate within the discipline by clarifying what it sees as the ideological role that ergonomics plays in society and how this ideology is, in turn, reflected in its philosophical assumptions. The importance of the paper for ergonomic theory is that it highlights the need for the discipline to engage in a critical manner with its philosophical assumptions. It does this by exposing the problematic nature of its positivist philosophy, arguing that as a consequence of the latter ergonomics in practice is an ideological discipline.

21st Century Ergonomics: A Lean Approach to Ergonomics Process Design and Management

Ergonomics strategies are becoming more common in the workplace for a variety of different reasons. These include productivity and efficiency gains, reducing the risk of work injuries, improving workstation design and layout, enhancing tool design or all of the above. One such strategy that generates significant results by addressing multiple reasons is the development and integration of an Ergonomics Process (EP) into the organization. The EP is a lean, pro-active and participative approach that is designed to prevent and manage work injuries quickly and effectively. The EP is based on the theory of Macro ergonomics, continuous improvement, participatory ergonomics and modern day lean system thinking. The EP described in this paper demonstrates a practical and efficient approach to the design of work systems that engages employees, management and administrators to impact the organization at the macro and micro ergonomics level, resulting in a powerful return on investment through increased productivity, employee work health satisfaction, and significant cost savings.

A review of sociotechnical systems theory: a classic concept for new command and control paradigms

Command and control is the management infrastructure for any large, complex, dynamic resource system (Harris, C.J. and White, I., 1987. Advances in command, control and communication systems. London: Peregrinus). Traditional military command and control is increasingly challenged by a host of modern problems, namely, environmental complexity, dynamism, new technology and competition that is able to exploit the weaknesses of an organisational paradigm that has been dominant since the industrial revolution. The conceptual response to these challenges is a new type of command and control organisation called Network Enabled Capability (NEC). Although developed independently, NEC exhibits a high degree of overlap with concepts derived from sociotechnical systems theory, a fact that this paper aims to explore more fully. Uniquely, what sociotechnical theory brings to NEC research is a successful 50 year legacy in the application of open systems principles to commercial organisations. This track record is something that NEC research currently lacks. The paper reviews the twin concepts of NEC and sociotechnical systems theory, the underlying motivation behind the adoption of open systems thinking, a review of classic sociotechnical studies and the current state of the art. It is argued that ‘classic’ sociotechnical systems theory has much to offer ‘new’ command and control paradigms. The principles of sociotechnical systems theory align it exceptionally well with the challenges of modern organisational design. It is also reflective of a wider paradigm shift in ergonomics theory away from ‘industrial age’ modes of thought to systems-based ‘information age’ thinking.

Analysis and Study of Ergonomics on Virtual Maintenance of Civil Airplane Based on DELMIA

By virtual reality technology and ergonomics theory, a basic method of ergonomic analysis on virtual maintenance of civil airplane is herein presented based on DELMIA modeling tool. The method is characterized by two steps: (1) establish the appraisal indexes of ergonomics on virtual maintenance of civil airplane; (2) give a quite complete ergonomic analysis and confirmation system flow chart. By defining maintenance cases and simulating the virtual maintenance process under the DELMIA platform, it is possible to accomplish the ergonomic analysis and evaluation with respect to the ergonomics indexes. The strengths of this method are in its ability to provide the available data and experience for further ergonomic design research and in its broadly applicable 3-D digital human model well suited for computer simulation. Furthermore, because the ergonomic analysis problem in maintainability design is indeed a simulation and confirmation process, the use of simulation techniques and confirmation techniques in this work lends itself to maintainability concurrent design of civil airplane. The ergonomic analysis method is demonstrated using vision analysis as an example.

Assessment of patient safety research from an organizational ergonomics and structural perspective

The aim of this study is to review patient safety improvement initiatives within a conceptual framework that builds upon principles of organizational ergonomics and emphasizes structural factors that influence patient safety. The literature review included 131 English language published studies of patient safety improvement strategies extracted using Medline, Ovid Healthstar, PubMed and CINAHL searches. Keywords for the search included: ‘patient safety’; ‘medical errors’; ‘adverse event’; ‘iatrogenic’; and truncated options for ‘improve’. The multilevel, hierarchical framework offered in this paper integrates quality management principles and organizational ergonomics theory and organizes patient safety initiatives according to sociotechnical system elements within three structural levels: health policies and associated health care organizations; health care delivery organizations; and health care microsystems. Utilizing the conceptual framework, this review of patient safety improvement initiatives highlights the need for consideration of the impact of all improvement proposals on each structural component within health care systems. The review also supports the need for patient safety research to evolve from exploratory, 1-D reporting to multi-level, integrated research.

Introducción del Operario Humano en el Ciclo de Automatización de Procesos Mediante la Guía GEMMA

The use of the design guide to start and stop modes, GEMMA guide, is known as a good approach to deal with the task of solving complex automation problems. Even not widely used, it constitutes a really good methodological approach that allows to smooth the transition from academical examples to industrial settings. The purpose of this paper is to show an additional advantage of the GEMMA guide that should motivate its use as well as introduce the consideration of the human operator as an integral part of the automation procedure. The inclusion of the human operator as well as his communication with the automation device needs some guidelines that can be drawn from joining the GEMMA structured approach with some concepts borrowed from cognitive ergonomic theory and human-computer interaction.

A combined field and laboratory investigation for the effective application of ergonomics in situ

Despite extensive research on musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual labour, the enormity of the problems experienced in industry remains. Recognizing the importance of applying the science of ergonomics, the focus of this paper was to highlight the substantial difference between conducting rigorous controlled research in the laboratory and the less controlled, but more realistic research within the working environment. Our proposal is not to use one or the other methodology, but rather to combine basic assessments made in situ with rigorous laboratory experimentation investigating human responses both pre- and post-intervention, and finally to go back into the field to test the efficacy of the proposed ergonomics intervention. The combined ‘field–lab–field’ format presented in this paper is based on research conducted in an industrially developing country, and it is argued that this is the most likely means of assuring that the application of rigorous ergonomics theory will improve the poor working conditions so evident in developing regions.

GEMMA GUIDE APPROACH FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HUMAN OPERATOR INTO THE AUTOMATION CYCLE

The use of the design guide for start and stop modes, GEMMA guide, is known as a good approach to deal with the task of solving complex automation problems. Even not widely used, constitutes a really nice methodological approach that allows to smooth the transition from academicals examples to industrial settings. The purpose of this communication is to show an additional advantage of the GEMMA guide that should motivate its use as well as to introduce the consideration of the human operator as an integral part of the automation procedure. The inclusion of the human operator as well as his communication with the automation device needs some guidelines that can be drawn from joining the GEMMA structured approach and some concepts borrowed from cognitive ergonomic theory and human-computer interaction

Manual handling the deceased child in a children's hospice.

The introduction of the Manual Handling Operation Regulations 1992 has forced organizations to review all manual handling carried out in the work-place. Safe manual handling is now a legislative requirement to enable the workforce to carry out their jobs in a safe and structured environment. This project looked in detail at the manual handling that was being carried out when caring for a child after they have died. It was undertaken at CHASE Children's Hospice in the period up until December 2002, with a telephone survey investigating practice at six other children's hospices. It aimed to identify incorrect procedures and, by applying the theory of ergonomics, identify changes that needed to occur in practice, making recommendations for environmental changes. The study led to the production of a policy for handling the children, devising child-specific handling guidelines, reducing the number of times the children are moved after they have died and providing appropriate equipment.

Navegabilidade e inclusão digital: usabilidade e competência

Este artigo, de cunho teórico, articula, apoiado no referencial da Ergonomia Cognitiva os critérios de usabilidade, e sua pertinência na avaliação de sistemas informatizados em rede, como uma das perspectivas possíveis para minimizar a exclusão digital. Nesse sentido, aponta novos elementos a serem agregados conceitualmente na construção ou avaliação de websites, tais como o conceito de competência para ação - apreendida pela via das estratégias operatórias e heurísticas adotadas pelos usuários e o processo decisório apoiado nas representações para ação. Ao final, são apresentadas considerações no sentido de articular estas variáveis com os critérios de navegabilidade e com os conceitos subjacentes aos princípios de inclusão digital.

Ergonomic theory and practice: What language learners do in a self-access room

Apres une breve presentation de la mediatheque du centre de langues qui fut l’objet de la recherche, les auteurs detaillent les concepts ergonomiques : la genese instrumentale (Rabardel 1995) et la redefinition de la tâche (Leplat 1997), qui ont servi de cadre theorique aux recherches menees dans la salle en libre acces. Deux recherches empiriques sont alors presentees afin d’illustrer une demarche de type ergonomique. La premiere etude, descriptive et macroscopique, revele que des modeles comportementaux specifiques sont associes a chaque medium : le document imprime, le poste de television, l’ordinateur. La deuxieme etude compare les comportements deployes par les etudiants qui recevaient l’aide d’un enseignant-tuteur a ceux deployes par des etudiants qui ne recevaient pas de guidage pedagogique. Les resultats de ces deux etudes quantitatives ont suscite un programme de recherches qualitatives, d’abord centrees sur l’apprenant puis sur l’enseignant, et qui font l’objet d’un bref expose dans une derniere partie.

Application of Community Ergonomics Theory to International Corporations

This paper reviews the application of Community Ergonomics (CE) theory to the development of principles of operation for corporations with international divisions. These principles derive from macroergonomic and behavioral cybernetic theories.

エルゴノミックスに基づいた中心位の採得法

In recording of the centric relation by the Dawson technique, appropriate leading was ensured by the use of a body guard chair based on the ergonomic theory.

Ergonomics and people with a disability in the workplace

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 provides companies with the opportunity to examine their objectives towards people with disabilities. This article outlines a new approach for the practical application of ergonomic theory to the recruitment, retention and development of staff with a disability to ensure that their work environment is optimized, enabling the employer to benefit fully from their skills, abilities and commitment.

Ergodynamics: theory and applications

Abstract Theory and dynamics in ergonomics (ergodynamics) is being proposed for ergonomic design, improvement, and studies of dynamic work in a dynamic environment. In a more narrow sense, ergodynamics is an application of the transformation dynamics theory in ergonomics. A foundation of ergodynamics is being suggested as the three laws of: (1) mutual adaptation; (2) plurality of work functional structures; and (3) transformations. Practical applications of ergodynamics are discussed with regard to ergonomic design and mutual adaptation in human-machine-environments, professional training, control systems safety, prediction, planning and optimizing efficiency dynamics during implementation of ergonomic and engineering projects, transfer of new technologies, environment, work functions and skills, management structures, software, products, changing economic strategy. Ergodynamics helps to predict and minimize losses in productivity, quality, and safety during all these transformation periods.