Ergonomic definition. The meaning of the word ergonomics

The relationship between a person and the objective world is not limited to simply admiring the aesthetic merits of objects. It is important that the objects around us are not only beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, but also convenient, comfortable to use, and corresponding to its physiological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, the field of design today is closely intertwined with ergonomics - a complex applied science that considers a person in the given conditions of his activity and everyday life.

Ergonomics is aimed at ensuring that in relations with surrounding objects we maintain good health, reduce our fatigue, increase our mood, and the efficiency of work or rest. Today, ergonomics has become one of the significant components of industrial, product and interior design.

The concept of ergonomics, purpose and origins

Ergonomics literally translated from Greek means “the law of work” (“ergon” is work, and “nomos” is law). This concept is understood as a whole field of knowledge that studies human activity in a unique system “man – equipment (technology) – environment” to achieve greater labor efficiency. Here, ergonomics specialists study issues such as the movement of the human body during work, determining energy costs and productivity in various conditions.

In a broader sense, ergonomics means a scientific direction that studies a variety of objects that are in close contact with a person in his everyday life, that is, both in the workplace and at home. It is based on scientific results from many disciplines and areas, including physiology, psychology, biomechanics, anthropometry, medicine, occupational health and sociology.

The very concept of “ergonomics” appeared only in 1949 in Great Britain. In America, this field of knowledge was originally called “Human Factors Research”, and in Germany – “Anthropotechnics”. But in reality, ergonomics, like design, existed long before the 20th century.

Even in primitive times, issues of convenience and ergonomics played an important role for humans. Primitive people tried to select a suitable stone for the shape of their hand, processed it and attached a handle to it for greater convenience and safety in use. This weapon was then used for food extraction, hunting or protection. Already in ancient times, man tried to measure the objects he created with his physiological capabilities in order to make them not only aesthetically pleasing, but also as comfortable as possible. Archaeological excavations today provide us with the opportunity to admire how sophisticated the tools created by primitive people were.

However, the real impetus for the development of ergonomics was given precisely at the beginning of the 20th century, when problems arose related to the introduction of new equipment and technological solutions into production. Scientific and technological progress has provoked an increase in workplace injuries, a deterioration in the mood of workers and other problems that have ensured high staff turnover. Workers had to adapt to production technology and workspaces, which often did not guarantee their safety and high production efficiency. Therefore, ergonomic issues began to come to the fore.

Ergonomics takes into account the ease of use of the device

Ergonomics specialists began to design the entire process of work activity in such a way that performing production tasks would be as safe and comfortable for a person as possible. Thanks to the introduction of an ergonomic approach, a new type of industrial equipment began to be designed with warning signals (signal lamps and sirens), convenient sizes of buttons, handles and levers.

Ergonomics is based on the fact that a person should easily find, quickly distinguish various objects (equipment) from each other and work comfortably with them. In the 60s of the last century, ergonomics had already emerged as a scientific field of knowledge - during these years, societies and associations specializing in ergonomics began to appear in various countries around the world.

By the beginning of the 21st century, three main directions within this discipline were identified:

Ergonomics, which examines the problems of the relationship between man and the physical environment. This area studies issues related to the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of a person that are directly related to his daily life or physical work.
Cognitive ergonomics. This field is concerned with the psychology of perception, in particular how visual or other perception affects decision making and relationships between humans and other objects in the environment.
A branch of ergonomics that studies the relationship between people and groups of people and technology to ensure the best working conditions. Such organizational ergonomics also considers issues of ensuring connections between individuals, their joint cooperation and management.

The main task of ergonomics as a scientific discipline was to develop a suitable form of objects that would be truly comfortable and safe for humans to use. Ergonomics is designed to increase human productivity by improving working conditions.

Gradually, the field of application of ergonomics moved from work to our normal daily life. Today, ergonomics, closely intertwined with design, is used in many areas. The main task of this scientific discipline was to develop a suitable form of objects that would be truly convenient and safe for humans to use. Ergonomics is designed to increase human productivity by improving working conditions. Ergonomic issues are also taken into account by designers when designing household items and when decorating interiors.

Ergonomics issues in design

Wherever a person is, at work or at home, he always wants to use products that are convenient and safe. Both design and ergonomics influence the enjoyment of using a particular item, so it is not surprising that these two separate areas flow seamlessly into each other. In various industries, professional designers currently collaborate with ergonomic specialists, who provide various data on the physiological and biomechanical characteristics of humans, and participate in the development and testing of products.

Based on psychological, hygienic and other standards, appropriate requirements for new items or equipment are developed so that they ultimately turn out to be convenient and comfortable to use. For example, a toothbrush that is curved so that the brush reaches the back of your teeth, a digital SLR camera that is comfortable to hold, or manufacturing equipment that provides a high level of safety. Comfort, excellent functionality and attractive appearance - all these requirements for created objects can only be met by a competent combination of ergonomics and design.

One of the main concepts that ergonomics operates on is the anatomical features of a person. Anatomical factors are widely used in design. The designer’s task is to ensure that the created products are adapted to a specific person, so that the latter can use them conveniently and comfortably.

In particular, when designing a regular chair, designers consider the question of how high from the seat the curved back should be placed so that the person's back can rest comfortably on it. To answer this important question, experts turn to ergonomics, in which such a concept as the Akerblom Line has long existed. This is the average value that determines where our spine has the corresponding inward bend in the lumbar region (approximately 23 cm). Support for the spine must be provided at exactly this distance from the seat of the chair.

It should be noted that in ergonomics, special flat mannequins are often used that reproduce the proportions of the human body. Based on this data, designers subsequently design a new product or design a workspace that would suit most people in terms of ergonomic parameters. Plus, of course, computer analysis and various modern software capabilities are used, as well as fairly simple tools like control surveys or sheets, through which data is collected on what is in one way or another connected with various factors in a person’s daily or work activity, including the level of comfort and safety.

The use of ergonomic principles in design has become widespread in the development of furniture and in the interior design of residential, office and industrial premises. Ergonomics considers all issues related to the components of a workspace or living area, from a regular computer mouse to suitable temperature conditions. In a room designed according to the laws of ergonomics, a person acts almost intuitively - he can easily find a switch on the wall, the color scheme of the interiors and lighting create the right mood, inspiring or, conversely, calming.

For example, when developing furniture design and creating space for a recreation area, designers start from the anthropometry of a person who sits in a relaxed, calm position. The level of inclination of the seat must also be taken into account in order to ensure the convenience of getting up from a chair or stool. In various recreation areas, corner sofas are often installed, and ergonomic rules require the designer to arrange the furniture in such a way that a person sitting on such a sofa can freely position his legs and not disturb the people around him.

In living spaces associated with sleep, in particular in the bedroom, furniture is selected and placed based on the size of the sleeping, lying person. Here, ergonomic factors prohibit placing the sofa with its extended side along the outer wall of the room or the head of the sofa in a somewhat cramped space.

Particular attention is paid to ergonomic issues when organizing and designing work space. Interior designers have to start from the anatomical features of the person who sits at his desk. For example, when designing an area behind a work computer, ergonomics focuses attention, first of all, on the length of a person’s lower leg, since it is this that indicates the optimal height of his chair or chair. The ergonomics of the work area also provides for the fact that the height, area and inclination of the desktop are determined by the type of work performed by the employee.

All items needed in work activities, according to the rules of ergonomics, are placed at an accessible distance from the table so that a person can freely use them without resorting to unnecessary effort. Ergonomics also requires increased attention from the designer to the organization of lighting. Lighting should not be intense or too bright, so as not to dazzle or unnecessarily irritate a person’s eyes. It should contribute to comfortable work and a positive mood of a person.

So, ergonomics currently plays a significant role in industrial and product design, in the creation of household products and the design of office equipment, as well as in interior design and space planning. This is a complex discipline that, to one degree or another, affects all issues related to the field of activity of a professional designer.

There are quite a lot of sciences, the developments of which should have a positive effect on efficiency. Thus, the most advertised of them are management (labor organization) and marketing (promotion of goods or services). We can continue for quite some time. But there are also those that only experts have heard of. And this includes ergonomics. As a science, it is often a grossly underappreciated discipline. Within the framework of the article, it will be defined, directions and implementation in practice will be considered. We can say that this contains a brief basics of ergonomics. So, let's get to the topic of the article.

What is ergonomics and what does it study?

This is the name of a scientific discipline that deals with the peculiarities of interaction between people and various elements of systems, that is, it examines the labor process. There is also the profession of “ergonomics”. People who possess it must have knowledge of the theory, laws, data and design methods that will ultimately ensure human health and optimize the overall functioning of the system. Ergonomics is quite important in design processes. It evaluates tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems to harmonize everything with respect to the needs, abilities and physical capabilities of people. Let's take a garbage dump. If we place it within the city (or even in a residential area), then we will have to:

Pay more environmental taxes.
Solve problems with dissatisfied people.

And that's the minimum. Therefore, purely from the point of view of efficiency and fewer problems, it would be better for us to place the garbage dump outside the city. In this way, we will also fulfill ergonomic requirements. As a result, the task was completed, and with high results.

What areas of ergonomics exist?

Since the discipline we are considering is system-oriented (that is, it covers all aspects and studies the nuances of human activity), for better understanding and efficiency it was divided into separate areas. Despite this, ergonomics uses and actively develops a holistic approach, which involves consideration and consideration of cognitive (mental), physical, organizational, social and many other important factors. A practicing ergonomist must have broad erudition in all of the above areas (at a minimum). Therefore, people of this profession are often prepared to work in a specific sector of the economy (or, if we talk about science). Ergonomists constantly have to evolve their skills and abilities. After all, new directions are being created, and old ones are gaining prospects for development. Despite the wide variety of factors, the capabilities and requirements of ergonomics have been compiled in three areas:

Physical.
Thoughtful.
Organizational.

Physical

She examines and studies anthropometric, anatomical, biomechanical and physiological characteristics, as well as the peculiarities of their influence on the physical activity of the worker. She works on postures for performing tasks, monotonous movements, loading/unloading something, the layout of a functional place, and the health and safety of personnel. The field of ergonomics must do everything possible to avoid or minimize negative effects on humans due to work activities. An example is musculoskeletal disorders that occur when working at a computer for long periods of time. For this purpose, a special assessment of workplaces and the comfort of performing functions by the staff at them can be carried out.

Thoughtful

This area is closely related to various thought processes. It focuses on human qualities such as memory, perception, reasoning and motor response. The processes of interaction between a person and other elements of the system with which he works are also being studied. A study is carried out of mental workload, how decisions are made, and work that requires high qualifications. A person’s reliability and interaction with various equipment are also examined, and a decision is made on the necessary professional training and readiness to withstand work stress. Special assessment is required to ensure that decisions are not influenced by third-party processes. Thus, presses pounding behind the wall are not suitable for a design and engineering office, and care must be taken to ensure that the best conditions are available. This is what ergonomics is in practice. But that's not all.

Organizational

So, we continue to find out what ergonomics is, and we come to the third, already final, area. She is engaged in the optimization of sociotechnical systems. Organizational ergonomics addresses issues of structure, policy and process. This is achieved by influencing labor resources, project activities, teamwork, communication, remote work and monitoring quality and making appropriate decisions.

On practice

What is ergonomics in reality? In fact, this is a very labor-intensive process, since it deals not only with issues of quality improvement, but also accompanies the implementation of developments. Just imagine that a new technology has appeared that will improve the economic efficiency of an enterprise by using fewer resources. This is clear to you, but it still needs to be proven to your superiors. Calculate everything using formulas, depict on diagrams where, what and how should be placed and see that everything is done as needed.

Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that comprehensively studies the possibilities of human activity. The subject of ergonomics is the study of the patterns of interaction of a person or group of people with technical means, the subject of activity and the environment where the labor process takes place.

The goal of ergonomics– increasing the efficiency of interaction in the system “man – machine – subject of activity – habitat”; At the same time, the main task is to preserve human health and create conditions for the development of his personality. A system is a combination of interacting factors and components united by a common goal. Most often in ergonomics we are talking about the “man – machine – environment” system. For example, a system of interaction between people in a production or creative team.

The task of ergonomics as a sphere of practical activity is the design and improvement of processes (methods, algorithms, techniques) for performing activities and methods of special training - training, training, adaptation.

Ergonomic requirements are the basis for the formation of the machine design, the design development of spatial and compositional solutions for the system as a whole and its individual components. Ergonomics is organically connected with design, since one of the goals of design is the formation of a harmonious subject environment. At the same time, not only the appearance of objects is worked out, but also structural connections that give the system functional and compositional unity. It is the latter circumstance that allows us to consider ergonomics as a natural – scientific basis of design. Consideration of human factors is an essential component of the design process.

Ergodesign as a field of activity. In the last decade of the twentieth century, the concept “ Ergodesign” to denote a field of activity that arose at the intersection of ergonomics and design. Ergodesign combines scientific ergonomic studies of the “human factor” with project design developments into a single whole in such a way that sometimes it is simply impossible to establish boundaries between them. The ergonomic approach to solving problems of optimizing human life is determined by a complex of factors.

Social and psychological factors– assume that the equipment, machine design and organization of workplaces correspond to the nature of group interaction. These factors also ensure interpersonal relationships during joint management of an object.

Anthropometric factors– ensure that the nature and shape of products correspond to the anatomical plasticity of the human body.

Psychological factors– participate in the development of the characteristics of perception, memory, thinking, fixed and newly formed skills of a working person.

Psychophysiological factors– provide conditions for visual comfort and orientation in the subject environment.

Physiological factors– ensure that the equipment matches the strength, speed, and energy capabilities of a person.

Hygiene factors– include requirements for illumination, gas composition of the air, humidity, temperature, pressure, dust, ventilation, toxicity, electromagnetic field strength, and various types of radiation. Hygienic factors include radiation, ultrasound, vibration, gravitational overload, acceleration, and background noise.

Questions for self-control

1. Name examples of complex objects that are familiar to you from the environment.

2. Why is the designer’s activity socially oriented?

3. What ergonomic factors should a designer take into account when designing:

a) studio for modeling classes;

b) a workshop for clothing design;

c) an exhibition of student work?

Key words and concepts

Ergodesign, ergonomic requirements (factors), ergonomic properties, optimal solution, anthropometry, anthropometric requirements, static signs of the human body, dynamic signs of the human body, percentile, environmental factors, ergonomic research methods, somatography, somatographic and layout methods, experimental layout methods, volumetric mannequins.

Workplaces, objects and objects of labor, as well as computer programs for the safest and most efficient work of the employee, based on the physical and mental characteristics of the human body.

A broader definition of ergonomics adopted in 2010 by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) (English) Russian), sounds like this: " The scientific discipline that studies the interaction of humans and other elements of a system, and the scope of application of the theory, principles, data and methods of this science to promote human well-being and optimize overall system performance». .

In 1986, Professor A.E. Astvatsaturov introduced the term “engineering ergonomics”, as well as its methods and methodological basis. [ ]

Recently, ergonomics has been moving away from the classical definition and is no longer directly related to production activities.

Periodization

Ergonomics sections

Ergonomics studies a person’s actions during work, the speed of his mastering new technology, his energy expenditure, productivity and intensity in specific types of activities. Modern ergonomics is divided into microergonomics, midiergonomics and macroergonomics.

Types of human-machine environment compatibility

Anthropometric compatibility- taking into account the size of the human body (anthropometry), the possibility of viewing the external space, and the position of the operator during work.
Sensorimotor compatibility- taking into account the speed of human motor operations and his sensory reactions to various types of stimuli.
Energy compatibility- taking into account the power capabilities of a person when determining the efforts applied to the controls.
Psychophysiological compatibility- taking into account the human reaction to color, color scheme, frequency range of supplied signals, shape and other aesthetic parameters of the machine.

Approaches

In the study and creation of effective human-controlled systems, the systems approach (also called "system-centric") is most often used in modern ergonomics. Previously, anthropocentric, machine-centric, etc. were used. What is new is the environment-oriented approach.

To optimize human-controlled systems, ergonomics draws on research in psychology, physiology (especially neurophysiology), occupational health and safety, sociology, cultural studies, and many technical, engineering, and information science disciplines.

Some ergonomic terms have become widely used in everyday life, for example, man-hour(a measure of the time capacity of an activity). Currently, the discoveries of ergonomics are used not only in production, but also in everyday life, in sports and even in art.

Workplace organization

When organizing workplaces, it is necessary to take into account that the design of the workplace, its dimensions and the relative arrangement of its elements must correspond to the anthropometric, physiological and psychophysiological data of the person, as well as the character.

Selecting the working position

When choosing a working position, you must consider:

physical severity of work;
the size of the work area and the need for movement of the worker in it during the work process;
technological features of the work process;
static loads of working posture;
stay time.

A workplace for performing work while standing is organized for moderate to heavy physical work. If the technological process does not require constant movement of the worker and the physical severity of the work allows them to be performed in a sitting position, a chair and a footrest should be included in the design of the workplace.

Spatial layout of the workplace

The design of the workplace must ensure the performance of labor operations in areas of the motor field, depending on the required accuracy and frequency of action:

performing labor operations “very often” (2 or more operations per minute) and frequently (less than 1 operation per minute) should be performed within the zone of easy reach and the optimal zone of the motor field;
performing rare labor operations is allowed within the reach of the motor field.

Dimensional characteristics of the workplace

The design and arrangement of the workplace must ensure the optimal working posture of the employee, taking into account and not interfering with the natural physiological processes of the worker’s body and providing the optimal opportunity to perform the work for which the workplace is intended: In the modern world, a significant part of the work is done in a sitting position, when organizing a sedentary workplace it is necessary to pay attention to attention to the following factors:

the height of the working surface and the dimensions of the working area, the ability to adjust these parameters to the individual characteristics of the worker’s body;
height and structure of the supporting surface (flat supporting surface, saddle-shaped supporting surface, inclined distributed supporting surfaces);
legroom.

Modern advanced trends in workplace organization must take into account the individual characteristics of the employee. Failure to take into account individual characteristics causes significant harm to the health of the employee using the workplace, and production indicators, both quantitative and qualitative, are also significantly reduced.

Mutual arrangement of workplaces

The relative location and layout of workplaces must ensure safe access to the workplace and the possibility of quick evacuation in case of danger.

Placement of technological and organizational equipment

there should be nothing superfluous on site, everything necessary for work should be in close proximity to the worker, the placement of equipment should exclude uncomfortable positions for the worker;
those items that are used more often are located closer to those items that are rarely used;
those objects that are taken with the left hand should be on the left, and those objects that are taken with the right hand should be on the right;
equipment that is more dangerous from the point of view of injury should be located below the less dangerous equipment; however, it should be taken into account that when working, it is more convenient and easier to lower heavy objects than to lift them.
the workplace should not be cluttered with blanks and finished parts.

Review and monitoring of the technological process

The design and location of information display devices warning of the occurrence of dangerous situations must ensure error-free, reliable and quick perception of information. Acoustic means of displaying information should be used when the visual channel is overloaded with information, in conditions of limited visibility, and monotonous activity.

- (from the Greek ergon work and nomos law) an area of applied scientific research at the intersection of technical sciences, psychology and labor physiology, in which the problems of design, evaluation and modernization of “human technology” systems are developed... ... Great psychological encyclopedia

A scientifically applied discipline that deals with the study and creation of effective human-controlled systems. Ergonomics studies the movement of a person in the process of production activities, the expenditure of his energy, productivity and intensity during ... Financial Dictionary

Ergonomics (from the Greek ergon work and nomos law * a. ergonomics, human engineering; n. Ergonomik; f. ergonomie; i. ergonomica), the study of the interaction of man and technology in the human-machine system (HMC) to optimize labor... ... Geological encyclopedia

- [Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

A science that comprehensively studies human functionality in labor processes in order to optimize tools, conditions and labor processes. Military ergonomics explores the possibilities of human combat activity in military systems... ... Naval Dictionary

- (from the Greek ergon work and nomos law) a branch of science that studies a person (or a group of people) and his (their) activities in production conditions with the aim of improving tools, conditions and the labor process. The main object of study of the ergonomics of the system ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Noun, number of synonyms: 5 macroergonomics (1) midiergonomics (1) mi ... Synonym dictionary

- (from the Greek ergon work and nomos law) English. ergonomics; German Ergonomic. A comprehensive study of the functional capabilities of an individual (or group of people) in specific conditions of activity associated with the use of technical means, in order... ... Encyclopedia of Sociology

Ergonomics (from the Greek ergon work and nomos law) is a science that studies human behavior, the movement of the organs of his body during work in order to create conditions in the workplace that provide convenience and comfort, increasing productivity... Economic dictionary

ERGONOMICS- (from Greek ergon – work + nomos law). A complex scientific discipline formed at the intersection of psychology, physiology, occupational hygiene, biochemistry, biomechanics and a number of other sciences and studying human working conditions with the aim of optimizing it.... ... New dictionary of methodological terms and concepts (theory and practice of language teaching)

ERGONOMICS- (from the Greek érgon work; nômos law) a branch of science that studies man in production activities with the aim of improving the means of labor and working conditions. E. includes applied sections of engineering psychology, psychology, physiology... ... Russian encyclopedia of labor protection

Books

Ergonomics, A.A. Krylov Category: Sociology, political science Publisher: YOYO Media, Manufacturer: Yoyo Media,
Ergonomics, A.A. Krylov, The proposed textbook differs from existing ones in that it focuses students’ attention on the psychological tasks of a designer-developer, a specialist in hygiene and physiology... Category: Society and Social Research Series: Publisher: YOYO Media,