Ergonomics in UX Discipline
The name ergonomics was officially proposed by Prof. Hugh Murrell at a 1949 meeting. Ergo means work, and No-mic means natural law. Cognitive ergonomics is an application of psychological and physiological ideas to customize the environment and its other elements which affect us directly or indirectly. Applied ergonomics helps to maximize human well-being and overall system performance.
So, in this article, we will discuss physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, organizational ergonomics, and their examples and important uses. Let's move forward to the actual part of the report without any further hold-up.
EXAMPLE OF DAILY LIFE ERGONOMICS:
Ergonomics is a realistic science that assists us in accomplishing Safety, health, security, comfortability, and in improving our systems which can enhance overall performance. The experts of ergonomics use different methods like anthropomorphic (body size, shape, etc.), biomechanics (muscles, forces, etc.), environmental physics (noise, heat, light, vision, sensation, etc.), and social psychology (groups, communication, behaviors, etc.).
Few examples of daily life ergonomics which, if followed, can be helpful are mentioned below for better understanding:
1. In organizational ergonomics, different types of research and practices are controlled such that advancement of work design, remodeling of Safety-related tools and measures against excessive workloads, re-engineering of safe and healthy work environments, proper measures against heat, noise, vibration, and hazardous substances, proper maintaining of working and resting time and comfort shift work schedules.
2. Lifting Technique: It is important to note that motion, flexibility, and strength play an important role in lifting objects. To halt any bodily injury, your body needs flexibility in muscles, joints, and strength. Points to be noted before lifting are to keep your back straight, bend your knees to lift up, and use your leg's power for lifting weight.
3. Driving Posture: It is scientifically proved that a bad driving pose can result in severe back pain, which leads to permanent dislocation of spinal nerves. Always sit up with the head close to the headrest, keep an angle of 90 with the back seat, position your arms at 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock angel on the steering wheel.
4. Computer Work Technique: According to the ergonomics, you must rest your elbows on the armrest at a 90-degree angle, adjust chair height with your body, in an ergonomic desk, sit on a high back chair to support your shoulder blades, and keep your screen at eye level.
5. Studies suggested that exposure to vibration can lead the way to long-lasting adverse health issues—hand-arm vibration syndrome HAVS is one of the reasons for this effect. Numbness, pain, and finger turning pale are side effects of this vibration exposure.
6. In a recent survey, it is noted that a worker's level of comfortability and performance can be enhanced by a proper lighting plan. Low lighting causes eye fatigue and other eye-related issues.
If you put your wallet in your back pocket, then you have to be aware of its consequences as this creates minor back pains due to unequal surfaces while sitting.
COMMON USES FOR ERGONOMICS:
According to the Association of International Ergonomics, Physical, cognitive, and organizational are three major domains of ergonomics. There are five characteristics of ergonomics which include Safety, comfort level, ease of use, productivity, and aesthetics. Engineering controls, workplace controls, and personal protective equipment can be improved by using physical ergonomics. In practice, it can be applied to a number of fields. A few of them are discussed below:
Ergonomics in Safety and health: Employers are bound to provide a secure, safe and healthy work area for their workers. By applying ergonomics principles in the workplace, the number and severity of MSDs which cause physical overexertion and its costs can be effectively decreased.
Ergonomics in Dentistry: Ergonomics in the dental application helps in assuring high productivity, injury avoidance, and higher patient satisfaction. Four-handed dentistry, if practiced regularly, can maximize efficiency and ease of work. Dental professionals should follow an erect posture instead of letting patients lean or stand for their clinical procedures.
Ergonomics in Agriculture: A recent advancement in the field of agriculture and the use of ergonomics made it easier to build tools that can be easier to use and trouble-free for a wider range of use, such as lifting tools, weed stands, and harvest carts. Many agricultural tasks like harvesting foods/vegetables, handling animal feeds, use of machinery in plant nurseries. The introduction of equipment for material handling that protects workers from risky movements is playing a significant role in the sector.
Ergonomics in Textile Industry: The five M's of productivity are man, machine, material, money, and management. The primary role of ergonomics in the textile industry is to enhance productivity. Sewing activities in the textile industry caused workers to face lower back pain issues. All these problems can be resolved if ergonomics are applied in an effective way like better posture, hand motions exercises, and sitting comfortably level.
Employee morale and retention level are influenced heavily by the cultural boost of an organization. The use of ergonomics can prevent workers from injuries. So, it improves the work quality and reduces costs.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ERGONOMICS & UX :
- Ergonomics improves productivity - According to the recent report published, if ergonomics is implemented in a proper way, it could boost the productivity level 10% to 15%. It also gives freedom of health and painless work to the employees. A working environment where employees are motivated and encouraged by better posture understandings, low exertion level, and limited motions creates a better sense of working environment.
- Ergonomics increases employee quality - Employees cannot give their best efforts to the organization if poor organizational ergonomics are provided as poor ergonomics results in frustration and fatigued workers who cannot perform their duty in a good manner. Employees may not be able to exhibit their skillset with full strength if the job or task is physically too difficult. This will directly impact negatively on the quality of work and also on the reputation of the company.
- Ergonomics effect on employee engagement - When the company is providing the best possible conditions of the working environment to the employees, employees work with more courage and focus. Employees' involvement and their morale during the workday can be increased if employees face less fatigue and discomfort. This improvement of employees' performance can be achieved by simply following the principles of ergonomics.
- Ergonomics creates a Safety oriented culture - The core value of organizational ergonomics represents your company's dedication to safety and a healthy environment. The most beneficial asset of any company is their healthy employees, and enriching, healthy values within your company lead directly to an increased organizational structure level.
- According to the research studies, the costs of using ergonomic methods suggest that ergonomics is cost-friendly and does not cost you money or time. Besides this, ergonomic training is also helpful in a long-term view as it will save company injury costs and lost time on maintaining employees' health.
Summarizing the topic! Well, that's all about ergonomics and its impacts. In this discussed article, we've discussed in detail each factor about ergonomics and its tools? How it can be helpful in different sectors. In fact, the ergonomics tool itself is a modern technology that could be very beneficial if used. It has also been shared how its uses and where it can be useful for organizations. And don't forget about its importance and uses in everyday life examples.
