Ergonomics

Innovations:

* Ergonomics for Interaction Designers ( Rob Tannen)

* The convergence of digital user interfaces with physical products (e.g., touch screens, gestural interfaces) puts interaction designers in a position where knowledge of ergonomics is valuable, if not essential, for creating effective solutions. This lecture is an introduction to anthropometric design and research methods, including: explanations of fundamental ergonomic design principles and myths, case studies at the intersection of product and user interface design, and actionable takeaways to apply immediately. The content is geared specifically to interaction designers, relating understood digital design principles and terminology to parallels in physical design.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is defined as "The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort."

So what does that mean to the average office worker? Basically, it means the use products and techniques to make our office environments more comfortable and protect us from repetitive movement injuries associated with modern desk work.

Scientists called "Ergonomists" make it their life to develop comfortable, safe objects for us to use at work and at home. Ergonomics, as a formal discipline and recognized science is relatively new but its roots are deeply rooted in ancient times.

The official fact about backaches

"Backaches caused by rides on public transportation and long hours before computers coupled with smoking and drinking are the main reason for absences from work among urban Indian youth, a study has said.

Backaches are the chief reason for the absence of workers that accounts for losses of several million man-hours, the study commissioned by the makers of Iodex, a pain relieving balm, and the NGO Health India.

The report says backache, once thought to affect people at the age of 40 years, is now increasingly being...