Ergonomics(Product description and idea trigger)

The product above is called an ‘elegant smart holder’. The function of this smart holder is to hold onto things at a certain level, by hammering it onto the wall. Examples are holding onto a broom, mop and those product that have a handle. The colour of the product is plain and simple as the colour of it is neutral. It is made of metal and rubber. On its product, it is consist of a rubbery-rollers that can roll, allowing the broom to be secure inside the holder. There is also a  strong tape to paste onto the wall. It also provide screw for the product to be firm and steady on the wall. It is handy, simple, symmetrical, comfortable, user-friendly,stable and firm.

Some design considerations I could consider are that it have a rubbery-rollers which can roll so to allow the broom to be secure to the product. There are two holes at the top and bottom of the holder so that the screw could be inserted for steadiness so that the product can be strong even when hammering in onto the wall. The outer shape of the holder is curved in because it allow the rubbery-roller to be near to each other for comfort. It is safe to be use as there is a tape at the back of the roller so that I could stick onto the wall and it does not consist of any sharp objects outside the shape which could hurt the elderly. It is easy to use as we only need to insert the broom or mop in. It is productivity as some  similar kinds of holder is also sold widely in the market. The aesthetics of the holder is not up to standard.

The elderly will faced difficulty when using this product. Some of the difficulties faced is that pulling the broom out of the holder is  hard and uses a lot of force as it has to overcome the friction and the elderly strength is decreasing and its quite weak. I could improve on the aesthetic of the holder, making it easier for the elderly. We can use the techniques S.C.A.M.P.E.R and adding on a button making it easier for the elderly’s life without using much strength.

This is my new and improved design. I add a button to the holder to allow the elderly to use less force to pull out the broom and mop. It is done by the use of lever.

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics or human factors is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?
The five aspects of ergonomics are safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics.

3. For each aspects of Ergonomics, explain with an example of a product that is designed for the elderly, how the product meet that particular aspect of Ergonomics.
One example will be the wheelchair.

Safety:For safety, an example of a product is this. It is called the Multi-Level Hand Grip - Triple Grip Levels. It has designed grip bars provide support, safety and security in the bathroom while using the toilet, bathing, or showering. One or more bars can be installed vertically on bathtub walls or in shower stalls. Can also be installed vertically near toilets and commodes to aid in getting on and off a toilet seat. The plastic grips have grooved inner surfaces for a safe, non-slip grasp. 

Comfort & productivity: For comfort, an examples would be this product. It is a massaging chair. It is comfortable as they are equipped with multi-functions to do different things  and the textures of the seat is quite smooth and nice.

Ease of use & Aesthetics: This is a finger protector. It protects the elderly fingers from being cut. It is easy to use as we only need our fingers to slot into the holes and we can cut the fruits and vegetables.  Finger guard slips over fingers to protect from sharp knives and blades. Its quality is plastic, durable and washable. It is also come in various color and the design layout is quite simple.

Ergonomics 1

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.

The workplace one is quite messy, the documents and paper are cluttered up. The  workplace two is neater with all the documents organised and put into place. Workplace one is user friendly. Workplace one’s computer is bulky whereas the workplace two’s computer is slimmer. The distance is not that near and just right. The chair in workplace one is immobile and not flexible whereas workplace two is comfortable, flexible and adjustable. There are railings on workplace two which is accessible. Workplace lighting one is fixed while lightings at workplace two is mobile and adjustable to your own needs.

1. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.

I prefer Workplace two. Workplace two is organized, neater and all items are arranged in place. The computer is not placed on the computer so there are more space and storage for other purpose on the desk. The chair gives more freedom for easier movement. The lightings are fixed and it is user-friendly to the person who is using the desk.

1. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?

The considerations are flexibility, accessibility, correct depths,heights and distance, reliability, efficiency, accuracy, and how spacious it is.

4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

Ergonomics is important because it gives the designers some idea and correct gauge measurements that is suitable for the working environment.