I sat down in my comfortable ergonomic chair and prepared for some quick catch-up time. Then I raised my stand-up desk to the standing position as I got ready for a round of three half-our meetings. Having the option to stand for these meetings and still be able to type on my keyboard and look things up in my computer is really beneficial. You probably use some form of ergonomically-designed product or process in your daily life, whether you’re aware of it or not, even in your home.
Today I’m going to do an exploratory to really look into all the ergonomics we engage every day – not just the products, but the process as well. I’m going to look into the background and development of the field, I’ll talk about the three key principles, and then I’ll give some examples. Let’s dive in!
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things that people use, like furniture, tools, and work environments, so that the interactions between humans and these things are efficient and safe. In simpler terms, it’s about making sure everything fits well and feels comfortable for users. The word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek words “ergos” (meaning “work”) and “nomos” (meaning “natural laws of” or “study of”). So, it’s all about optimizing our surroundings to enhance productivity, reduce injuries, and improve overall well-being.
The field of ergonomics emerged in the 1940s due to the realization that complex technical equipment wouldn’t deliver expected benefits if people couldn’t understand and use it effectively. Early evidence of ergonomic principles dates back to ancient Egyptian tools and 5th-century BCE Greece. During World War II, cockpit redesigns improved pilot control placement, and post-war innovations extended ergonomics to evolving technologies. Today, nearly every aspect of modern life incorporates ergonomic design, from car interiors to office chairs and beyond.
Key principles of ergonomics
Ergonomics consists of three key principles: Anthropometry, Workstation Design, and Task-Specific Design. As we look at each one of them try to see how they apply to the things you have and the things you do.
Anthropometry focuses on designing products and work areas that fit the human body. It takes into consideration things like a person’s height, how far they normally reach, and their posture. The typical office chair is adjustable at least for height. (Mine is failing and often starts sinking while I’m sitting in it.) Some chairs also have armrests that adjust up and down, to accommodate different heights and arm lengths.
Workstation Design optimize comfort and productivity. We look at getting your chair at the proper height for your body, placing your monitor(s) at the right position and level, and getting your keyboard in the right spot. These adjustments serve the purpose of reducing physical strain. In general, your hips, knees, and ankles should each be at a 90-degree angle for comfort and efficiency.
Task-Specific Design means that ergonomics is not a one-size-fits-all approach to optimization. For example, using tools that have non-slip grips can reduce hand fatigue, but those grips aren’t necessary and don’t work for every situation. Anti-glare screens can reduce eye strain, but not everyone requires them. If a situation requires an ergonomic adjustment, we can make it, but we don’t have to make that adjustment where it’s not needed.
Areas Where Ergonomics is Used
We’ve touched a bit on where ergonomics is used, but let’s get a bit deeper. In addition to adjustable chairs, we have adjustable desks that raise and lower to suit the user. Some of these can also use slide-out keyboard trays so that the user has diskspace for other uses. I have a really cool ergonomic keyboard that is raised in the middle and slopes down on each side, allowing for a more comfortable and natural position of my hands while typing, and I have a wonderful ergonomic mouse that allows my hand to hold it in a more natural position. But there are also tools for industrial applications that are more fit-friendly, and anti-fatigue mats. Using these products can help reduce the likelihood of repetitive stress and fatigue injuries.
Task analysis and workspace design can help in the design of workstations and processes that fit workers, rather than forcing workers to adjust to the workspace and the process. Footrests, risers, and adjustable lines have made automated assembly safer and more comfortable. Placing materials and components close to where they’re applied is another application.
What About Your Home?
Ergonomics isn’t just for workplaces, and you’re probably already putting some of the principles into practice around the house. In your home office, you’ll be much more comfortable – and productive – if your chair and monitor position are comfortable, along with having a good keyboard and mouse. But how about just standard household stuff? You probably have your kitchen arranged so that you don’t have to do walk from one end of the kitchen to the other just to get a saucepan. I have my cleaning stuff grouped according to where it’s used, rather than by kind of cleaner. That means I have some duplicates, but I can grab a container of bathroom cleaning stuff and get through all the bathrooms without having to go back to the closet. You probably keep your laundry products in the place where you do your laundry – that’s ergonomics in action! Over time you’ve probably developed methods and motions that make your household tasks easier.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a home built for you, you can get your counters at the height that reduces fatigue. My mother-in-law has to stand on a stool to use my counters comfortably, and I have to bend over to use hers, but we’re both comfortable at our own counters. There are always going to be some limitations to how ergonomic your environment can be and still be aesthetically pleasing to you, but by paying attention, you can probably find ways to improve your comfort and productivity without a complete overhaul.
Your Turn
I know I’ve missed something, I’d love to hear from you how you’ve implemented ergonomics to improve your life. I’m also interested if you’ve heard of new technologies or discoveries that can help us improve our safety and comfort even further.