Objective
This project will introduce you to the concept of ergonomics. By applying simple ergonomic
principles to a set task, such as playing a video game, the user will achieve higher
productivity, while increasing efficiency.
Introduction
The word ergonomics comes from the Greek words ergon (meaning "work") and nomos
(meaning "rules"). Literally, ergonomics means the rules of working, but it is most commonly
known as a field of study that seeks to design tools and environments so that humans can
work at their best. Another term for ergonomics is Human Factors Engineering.
Scientists started thinking seriously about ergonomics during World War II when trying to
improve the design of military aircraft. Scientists had two different kinds of questions when
they were trying to improve the design of cockpits (the area where the pilot controls the
plane): cognitive questions and physical questions. When scientists ask cognitive questions,
they are trying to find out how a human thinks and feels. An example of a cognitive question
is: "Will the pilot understand all the dials and controls?". When scientists ask physical
questions, they are trying to find out if a human can do a task comfortably. An example of a
physical question is: "Can the pilot easily reach all the dials and controls?" (MacLeod, 2000).
Ergonomics analyzes how a person thinks and feels about a task he or she is working on and if
that person can do the task without getting hurt.
Ergonomic concepts are used in many industries, such as in semiconductor and microchip
factories, car factories, and in the NASA space program. As humans travel into space for
longer and longer periods of time to complete missions, they will suffer loneliness and
confinement. Loneliness and confinement are risk factors. If a human doesn't react well to
these risk factors, then the productivity of the mission could be affected. In other words,
astronauts might not get all of their tasks done, which could mean incomplete missions. That's
a long trip to take and not finish your work! Technical demands on space crews require that
humans and machines work well together in order to complete tasks (Habitability and Human
Factors, Habitability and Environmental Factors Office, 2001). Equipment and controls have
become much more complicated since the first U.S. space flight, increasing the need for
ergonomic designs to make sure that the astronauts are happy and able to do their tasks well.
In this science project, try being an ergonomic specialist. You won't be working on a space
mission, but something much closer to home. If you have a simple computer or video game,
see how different postures and changes to the physical environment affect scores. Get several
friends to help you with your project, and don't forget to have fun!
1.
Use a good chair with a dynamic chair back and sit back in it.
2.
The top of the monitor casing should be 2-3" (5-8 cm) above eye level.
3.
There should be no glare on the screen. Use an optical glass anti-glare filter where needed.
4.
Sit at arm's length from the monitor.
5.
Put your feet flat on the floor or on a stable footrest.
6.
Use a document holder, preferably in-line with the computer screen.
7.
Your wrists should be flat and straight in relation to your forearms so you can use the
keyboard/mouse/input device comfortably.
8.
Make sure your arms and elbows are relaxed close to your body.
9.
Center the monitor and keyboard in front of you.
10. Use a negative-tilt keyboard tray with an upper mouse platform or downward tiltable platform
adjacent to the keyboard.
11. Use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard tray.
12. Take frequent short breaks (micro breaks).
Ergonomic Computer Workstation Diagram (Alan Hedge, Cornell University). This figure shows the variables
that an ergonomic specialist studies to determine the best working position for computer tasks.