Ergonomics I - Group Summary

Consolidated points:

State your observations

Left:

• Chair not adjustable to lean back (discomfort)
• Computer too far away (strain eyes)
• Lighting too bright & Conducts heat from the bulb easily (lamp cannot be moved or adjusted)
• Too much things on the table (untidy)
• Cannot move around or rest comfortably
• Angle of view from the laptop is too low (strains his neck, need to find something extra to suit his comfort)
• Things on the table are left untidily (occupies unneeded space and cannot find the things that he needs)
• Cramp seat (harder to move around on the seat)
• Puts the keyboard on the table (takes up unnecessary space)
• Armrests are high, which does not provide the use of an armrest.

Right:

• Chair goes along with the person when he leans back or goes in front (saving the hassle and comfort)
• Chair adjustable to height and depth.
• Chair is easy to move forward and lift it higher (suitable for the eye view)
• Lamp is adjustable and has a small platform (easier to move towards a suitable place)
• Not too bright (does not generate as much heat and based on the video, probably does not generate heat on the outer layer of the whole lamp)
• Little things on the table (neat and can relax comfortably)
• Special laptop holder to adjust height of the laptop holder and can connect a keyboard to type)
• There is an “Access Rail” where many things can be kept on that rail (neat and tidy)
• Wide seat (easier to move around in the seat)
• Has a sliding platform below the table to put the keyboard (saves space on the table)
• Armrests are adjustable (fulfill its uses and makes it more convenient)

Work place preferred and why:

Teoh Yun:

The man on the right has a neat, comforting and more space environment compared to the man on the left which has a messy table and an uncomfortable chair.

Benz:

Workplace 2 is much better than workplace 1. Some considerations are the body, whether it has a 90 degrees angle of the knees, wrists and back straight when typing and no neck strain. It is better to have a learning environment to work or study.

Jurvis:

The second workplace is definitely better. The reasons are that they provide much better desk instruments that provide comfort and easy working. It gives a very good workflow that improves productivity of any staff using that work desk. e.g the chair has adjustable armrests so when you need to take a sip of drink from your mug, it can be lifted up and the best part is that you can lean down.

Su En:

The 2nd workplace is better as the chair can lean backwards, there is enough space on the chair, the armrests can be adjusted makes it very comfortable compared to the 1st workplace’s lousy chair. The 1st workplace’s armrests are too high and is unable to adjust the height well. plus the seat is camp and he can barely do his work well. Plus the lightings at the 2nd’s work place are too bright and are pointing in the wrong direction making it hard to work well and at the 2nd work place, the direction of the light and computer can be adjusted in terms of height and distance while the 1st workplace cant.

Considerations that should be taken:

• Take note of the item’s function
• The user’s comfort
• Feasible to use at a certain place
• 90 degrees angle of the knees, wrists and back straight when typing
• No neck strain
• Comfort and Simplicity
• Incorrect Height and Depth
• Task Lighting
• Freedom of Movement
• Prolonged Laptop use
• easy to use
• Durable
• More convenient

Why is Ergonomics important when designing:

Su En:

Compare various workplaces and find out the differences and how it benefits the user and how it creates some inconvenience to them. This way you can design your product to be better and create the selling points to the companies.

Benz:

It is important to have a better learning environment to work or study.

Teoh Yun:

The efficiency of the worker also depends on the comfort of the workplace.

Jurvis:

It is important because the Ergonomics of a product can determine the safety of a person because a person can get injured if proper ergonomics are not in place in the office etc. it can also provide a proper posture for whoever is using the product.