Ergonomics
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Human factors" redirects here. For the academic journal, see Human Factors (journal).
Duration: 7 minutes and 24 seconds.7:24Subtitles available.CCPractical
demonstrations of ergonomic principles
Ergonomics, also known as human factors or human factors engineering (HFE), is
the application of psychological and physiological principles to the engineering and
design of products, processes, and systems. Primary goals of human factors
engineering are to reduce human error, increase productivity and system availability,
and enhance safety, health and comfort with a specific focus on the interaction between
the human and equipment.[1]
The field is a combination of numerous disciplines, such
as psychology, sociology, engineering, biomechanics, industrial
design, physiology, anthropometry, interaction design, visual design, user experience,
and user interface design. Human factors research employs methods and approaches
from these and other knowledge disciplines to study human behavior and generate data
relevant to previously stated goals. In studying and sharing learning on the design of
equipment, devices, and processes that fit the human body and its cognitive abilities,
the two terms "human factors" and "ergonomics" are essentially synonymous as to
their referent and meaning in current literature.[2][3][4]
The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics or human factors as
follows:[5]
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 to optimize
human well-being and overall system performance.
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Human factors engineering is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and
easy-to-use interfaces to machines and equipment. Proper ergonomic design is
necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders,
which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. Human factors and
ergonomics are concerned with the "fit" between the user, equipment, and environment
or "fitting a job to a person"[6] or "fitting the task to the man".[7] It accounts for the user's
capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, functions, information, and
the environment suit that user.
