Ergonomics
Have you ever sat in a meeting or class and struggled to pay attention because you just could not get comfortable? This is likely due to the designer not factoring ergonomics into their design. Ergonomics works hand in hand with anthropometrics (discussed in my previous post) in creating a place to "maximize the efficiency and quality of employees' work" (Brinkerhoff, 2009). Without considering this factor, people can get MSD's (musculoskeletal disorders), such as carpal tunnel and severe back pain (Lawrence, 2016). Many workplaces recognize the importance reducing strain on employees because it affects the success of their work. It is unfortunate that some spaces tend to ignore ergonomics and focus on spending as little money as possible instead.
 |
| Source |
Some schools go with the same components that have always been used. You may have seen stories about how other schools, such as Torrey Hill Intermediate School, have adopted the use of an exercise ball as a replacement for a chair. They claim that it helps to improve concentration and posture. The users are required to support themselves and have no back rest. While some stories brag about its success, you can see in the picture below that after spending hours on the ball, the child in the red shirt is slouching from exhaustion even more so than he likely would in a traditional classroom chair. Is this truly a better alternative? Aspects of ergonomic design must be viewed as a whole in order to create a successful solution.
 |
| Students Using Exercise Balls as Chairs Source |
In my current work space at my university studio, ergonomics was not a primary concern in the design. They did make a small attempt by providing adjustable swivel chairs, so we may be able to sit the correct height at our desks. However, when that is set correctly, I am forced to always be looking down and to the side in order to view the monitor. Even though I can rest my elbows at a comfortable ninety-degrees, my wrists are always bent awkwardly upwards when using the mouse and keyboard. After working even for an hour, I begin to notice pain in my neck and wrists. This is a major turn-off in motivation to stay longer and continue working. A peer of mine showed off an ergonomically designed mouse pad she had bought to prevent this pain that included a raised support. How easy it would be to buy a set of those and minimize discomfort for all of the students and staff!
 |
| Current Desk Setup in My Studio Photo Taken by Me |
One successful example of ergonomic design is an adjustable desk. Unlike a traditional desk, it allows you to sit or stand while working. Many desks marketed as "standing desks" are adjustable so that you do not have to stand all day long. Sitting all day may not be good for you, but neither is having to be on your feet for extending periods of time. This design recognizes the needs of the public and allows flexibility and control over how you want to work. Lawrence warns to be aware of companies who just want to make money and are not concerned about the end-user, as "it’s not just a piece of furniture" (Lawrence, 2016).
 |
| An Adustable Desk as an Ergonomic Design Solution Hand-Sketched by Me |
While many places do not use ergonomics as much as they should, hopefully your work space has acknowledged the importance of ergonomic design. It is what allows us to be productive and comfortable doing various tasks in our work space. Injuries are also prevented by slight modification made from observing our requirements. Consider adding simple things to your home such as an adjustable desk if you currently can't seem to concentrate on the task at hand. Another option is to buy an ergonomically designed mouse pad and prevent unnecessary pain. We need ergonomic design in our daily live in order to function at our best.
Sources:
Brinkerhoff, B. N. (2009). Ergonomics : Design, Integration, and Implementation. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
DeFever, D. (2011, March 09). Lake Fenton students exercise attention span, body with exercise ball-inspired chairs (with video). Retrieved from https://www.mlive.com/fenton/index.ssf/2011/03/lake_fenton_students_exercise.html
Kingma. (n.d.). How Ergonomic are Ball Chairs? Retrieved from http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cuBallChairs.html
Lawrence, C. (2016). Facts About Standing Desks - Good Ergonomics In The Modern Workplace. Retrieved from http://workriteergo.com/facts-about-standing-desks/
Lawrence, C. (2016). Facts About Standing Desks - Good Ergonomics In The Modern Workplace. Retrieved from http://workriteergo.com/facts-about-standing-desks/
I love the example of the exercise balls being used as chairs. The ball forces the user to sit upright and support themselves, but this only fixes one problem. After sitting long periods of time the user begins to develop new problems. I agree the only way to fix back pain is to have an ergonomically correct chair with adjustable desk that allows the user to switch between sitting and standing.
ReplyDeleteI love the examples you used like the little kids with the exercise balls as chairs and how even with an adjustable chair the position still might strain the body is the desk does not correctly fit with the chair. I loved your post it made it very easy to picture the problems with work spaces and how we can improve them.
ReplyDeleteThe example of the studio was spot on. It is so difficult to work at the uncomfortable tables. I tried leaning on the table once and it put a whole through it.
ReplyDelete