The course is designed to provide an understanding of how anthropometric and biomechanical information can be used in the design of workstations and products such as footwear with the aim of improving safety, productivity, comfort and health of people.
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Ergonomics is the application of scientific information about people in order to design products and systems so that they are safe, productive, comfortable and healthy for people to use.
People are of different shapes, sizes, strength, speed, judgment, skills, and capabilities. Hence, there is a need to evaluate and quantify differing metrics to evaluate the differences. What is important is to fit the task and equipment used to the person rather than fitting a person to a task or equipment so that a majority of the people are able to and like to do what needs to be done.
The course will focus on recognizing the basic needs of people in terms of biomechanics and present the various design strategies so that products and systems are compatible with people who use them thereby improving human performance, reducing the risk of discomfort and injury.
With the knowledge gained, you can experience the excitement of redesigning or retrofitting workplaces and other types of products whether it be for continuing education or just for knowledge.
Prerequisites: Part 1 – Ergonomics in Design ISDN4330.1x
What you'll learn
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Design a workplace according to ergonomic principles
- Determine anthropometric measures
- Apply anthropometric tables for evaluation and design criteria for products
- Identify engineering solutions to improve human performance and reduce the risk of discomfort and injury when interacting with products
Syllabus
Week 1: Design for Seated and Standing Work
Spine basics, sitting and standing posture
Week 2: Seat Design
Sitting considerations and principles
Week 3: Anthropometric Measures and Basic Statistics
Introduction to anthropometry, measurement techniques, basic statistical analysis and anthropometric databases
Week 4: Anthropometry in Use
Use of anthropometric tables, estimating data, design criteria
Week 5: Ergonomics in Footwear
Foot and related dimensions, footwear characteristics, fitting feet to footwear
Week 6: Course Summary
