Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?

The science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

1)Safety

2)Comfort

3)Ease of use

4)Productivity/Performance

5)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.

COMFORT

Vehicle for elderly

em for elderly to get in and out with comfort, minimum effort as well as walk inside bus easily. The components were decided considering the ergonomic principles of human comfort ability.
From user study point, the area which needs major improvement was ingress, egress and step height. Knee pain started during egress and wheelchair person also join a group, for which layout used is of maximum usability and comfortable support system for inside of bus.

http://www.idc.iitb.ac.in/projects/student/batch-07-09/dipesh.html

EASE OF USE

Numerous studies by doctors have shown that squatting during passing motion is healthier and more ergonomic. However, some people, such as the elderly and the disabled, are unable to squat. This 2-in-1 sit-squat toilet caters to both needs.

http://www.pinz.com.sg/wc/home.html

SAFETY

When not in use, the handle goes from the square section to a round at either the top or bottom of the stairs and so the handle folds away parallel with the wall and is unobtrusive. This allows the stairs to be used by both those with unlimited and limited mobility in the household.

The benefit here is that older folks could still work their legs a bit. The downside? If you're at the top of the stairs and the SteadyStair is at the bottom, there's no way to recover it like a motorized chair. Amos and her team have a solution for that, though — two bars mounted to one rail.

http://dvice.com/archives/2009/11/steadystair-doe.php

AESTHETICS

Eyesight weakens with age. Hence, calendars should be resized to bigger ones specially for the elderly.

http://www.google.com.sg/imglanding?q=large%20print%20calendar&imgurl=http://eyedeashop.com/images/2009_lp_calendar_L.jpg&imgrefurl=http://eyedeashop.com/viewProduct.aspx%3Fid%3D1276%26category%3D0&usg=__UqLRtsaITkKGLSY1Q4J4SCkFNkU=&h=500&w=500&sz=172&hl=en&sig2=CSVPpkuhoaM7L6ZIp1Kbyg&itbs=1&tbnid=SKy4cEuSsDkKdM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlarge%2Bprint%2Bcalendar%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=grs9TPSSJ8qHkAWIyfyjDA&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&start=0#tbnid=SKy4cEuSsDkKdM&start=2

PRODUCTIVITY/PERFORMANCE

Freedom Dinnerware Scooper Plate with Suction Pad is deeper on one side to allow for easier scooping. Nearly unbreakable and dishwasher safe (top rack) FDA approved polypropylene. Freedom Non Skid Dinnerware dishes were designed for people with hand tremors, paralysis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, uncontrolled movement and disabilities that restrict hand movement necessary for eating independently. Extended rims, built in dividers, special scoop angles and the patented no slip suction pad base provide the solution to the problem. Each one of the non skid Freedom Dinnerware scoop plates come with a no slip Freedom Suction Pad. Simply turn the Freedom Dinnerware scoop plate over and attach the Freedom No Slip Pad to the bottom of the non skid Freedom Dinnerware scoop plate, like putting a lid on a jar and turn it by hand until it is securely tight. Freedom Dinnerware scooper plates are ready for use. The no slip Freedom Suction Pad is a patented vacuum system. When you place the non skid Freedom Dinnerware scooper plates with no slip pad attached, on a flat surface and push down with slight pressure , it creates a suction system that holds the Freedom scoop plates in place and will not move if you bump it or hit it. Perfect for flat table tops, wheelchair trays and over-bed tables. No more suction cup feet that slide and loose their grip. http://www.arthritissupplies.com/site/371928/product/CFP161