Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

Product:


i) Describe the product. (Appearance, Color, Function, etc)
- red and grey
- water droplet-like shape
- red part made with rubber and grey part made with plastic surrounding a hole.
- Used as a door stopper.

ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?
- easy to grip
- If the people can easily use this product
- Comfortable grip

iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?
An elderly may face difficulty using this product. They would have to bend down to place the door stopper (product) to stop the door. They may face difficulty when bending down and/or standing up. Plus, they cannot use their legs to place this door stopper because of its design.

iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)

The elderly can use their legs to slide this door stopper under the door. So, they do not have to bend down. Plus, there is a hole in this product to allow the elderly to hold it.

Ergonomic 2

1. What is Ergonomics?
It is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. (source: mac dictionary)

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
The 5 aspects are safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance and aesthetics.

3. For each aspects of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.
Safety: Railings. The elderly can hold on to these railings to support them as they climb up to the stairs etc.
Comfort: Wheelchairs. The elderly can use this to help them move around while sitting on a comfortable seat.
Ease of use: Gentle slopes. The elderly can easily walk up these gentle slopes instead of walking up steep slopes or stairs which is more difficult for them.
Productivity/performance: Walking sticks. The elderly can use these walking sticks as a support if there are no railings. These walking sticks are also made up of a strong material which can withstand the force applied on it.
Aesthetics: Signage could be made more aesthetic by using a consistent format throughout the workplace.

Ergonomics 1

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.
Workplace 1 is messy and difficult for one to do his/her work. In this workplace, the computer is too far away from the person working and the font is too small for him/her to read. The lighting is also either too bright or too dim. The chair is also uncomfortable and there is too many things on the table which causes lack of space to do more things. However, workplace 2 is neater and it is easier for one to work. The computer is at a distance where the font would not be too small or too big. The lighting is also not too bright or too dim. Plus, the chair is comfortable.

2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.
The preferred workplace is workplace 2. As compared to workplace 1, workplace 2 is more efficient and more work could be done easily in workplace 2.

3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?
The table should be designed with shelves to put some things to make the table less "crowded". The lighting should be just right, not too bright and also not too dim. The computer screen should be one arm length away from one's eyes. The chair should also be comfortable for one to work. But the chair should not be too comfortable or else, he/she may feel too relaxed.

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?
It is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. It helps the designer consider what is suitable in a good working environment.