Ergonomics and human factors
Studies the interaction between people and the other elements of a system, and applies that knowledge to design to improve well-being and performance.
What it studies
How to adapt objects, workstations and systems to people’s measurements, strength, perception and limits. For design, it provides data on the human body and methods to prevent errors and injuries.
Principles
Made to fit people
Real measurements, for the widest possible range of bodies.
Body, mind and organization
Physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics.
Prevent error
Make mistakes hard to make and mild in their consequences.
Applications in design
Use it like this
Design with measurements of real people, from the smallest to the largest.
Avoid
Designing for an “average” person who doesn’t exist.
Don’t fall for it
If people often make mistakes with an object, review the design before blaming the person.
Methods and tools
- MethodHierarchical task analysis (HTA)Breaks a task down into goals and subgoals, with the plan that says in what order they're done.
Connections
Campos cercanos
Used in
Authors and works
- 2000
International Ergonomics Association
Defined ergonomics as a scientific discipline and as a profession, with three domains: physical, cognitive and organizational.
- 1955
Henry Dreyfuss
Brought human body data into industrial design with his reference figures, Joe and Josephine.
Sources
Original sources
- International Ergonomics Association (2000). Definition and domains of ergonomics. IEA. View source: International Ergonomics Association (2000)
- Dreyfuss, H. (1955). Designing for people. Simon & Schuster.
Last reviewed: