Ergonomics (Product description and Idea Trigger)

i) Describe the product. (Appearance, Color, Function, etc)

It's function is to clean the wok after cooking. The handle is a baby blue shade, and it has steel wool at the top of the handle.

ii) What are the design considerations when designing this product?

The handle is present as an improvement from just the steel wool as it can prevent the user from getting burnt. There is also a good grip on the handle for comfort.

iii) Would an elderly faced difficulty using this product? If yes, what are the difficulties that the elderly would face?

No, they would not. (At least none that i can think of right now.) Though there could be improvements to the grip to increase friction to prevent it from dropping into the wok when cleaning as the elderly have weak grips as the muscles in their hands have deteriorated. The steel wool could also be modified to have non-stick material on it so that it will not get stuck on the wok when the elderly is cleaning it.

iv) What do you think can be done to improve on the design of the product to suit the elderly? (Sketch the improved design in your sketchbook and take a picture of it. Post the improved sketch at the end of your post.)

Ergonomics II

1. What is Ergonomics?

Outside of the discipline itself, the term 'ergonomics' is generally used to refer to physical ergonomics as it relates to the workplace (as in for example ergonomic chairs and keyboards). Ergonomics in the workplace has to do largely with the safety of employees, both long and short-term.

2. What are the 5 aspects of Ergonomics?

There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics. Based on these aspects of ergonomics, examples are given of how products or systems could benefit from redesign based on ergonomic principles.

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.

Safety - Medicine bottles: The print on them could be larger since the elderly are more prone to falling ill and therefore might have impaired vision, and the large print will make it more easy for the elderly to see the dosages and label. Ergonomics could design the print style, color and size for optimal viewing.


Comfort - Alarm clock display: Some displays are harshly bright, which result in one's irises to contract sharply at short notice when drawn to the light when surroundings are dark. Ergonomic principles could redesign this based on contrast principles.


Productivity - TV: The sound on HD TV is much lower than regular TV. So when you switch from HD to regular, the volume increases dramatically. This drastic change in the volume may harm even further the hearing of the elderly.


Aesthetics - Signs in the workplace: Signage should be made consistent throughout the workplace to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also so that information is easily accessible.



Ease of use - Street Signs: In a strange area, many times it is difficult to spot street signs. This could be addressed with the principles of visual detection in ergonomics.



Sources: Alarm clock display: http://www.instructables.com/image/FHZ42LMFRBPY2IZ/This-alarm-clock-was-simply-too-bright.jpg
HD TV: http://www.erati.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/dell_lcd_hdtv.jpg
Signs in workplace: http://www.australiasigns.com.au/gal/safetygal/thumbs/lrg-175-rbw-md-rotating-blades.jpg
Street Sign: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3216107741_bcb9dd6594_m.jpg

Ergonomics I

QUESTION 1

WHITE-1
BLACK-2
1. Comfort and Simplicity
THE LIBERTY CHAIR

WHITE - Height of chair is hard to adjust accordingly, difficult to accommodate movements of user
BLACK - Height of chair is easily adjustable to fit to the user's needs, leans back with user

2. Incorrect Height and Depth
THE M7 MONITOR ARM

WHITE - Computer screen position easily adjustable to fit user's eye level
BLACK - Computer screen fixed to table

3. Task Lighting
THE DIFFERENT LIGHT

WHITE - Height and brightness of lamp unable to adjust to user's needs
BLACK - Height and Brightness of lamp is easily adjustable to accommodate user's needs

4. Freedom of Movement
THE FREEDOM CHAIR

WHITE - Arm, head and back rests unadjustable and does not support back of user
BLACK - Arm, head and back rests moves to fit user's body movement

5. Prolonged Laptop Use
THE L2 LAPTOP HOLDER

WHITE - No laptop holder present, uncomfortable position after prolonged use
BLACK - Laptop holder height adjustable, allows user to multi-task.

6. Usable Desk Space
THE ACCESS RAIL

WHITE - Cluttered desktop, no space for work
BLACK - Railing contain protruding spaces to allow for organising of items on desk, computer monitor under the desk in compartment

QUESTION 2

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

Calvin: Workplace 2. A organized table, the computer place is at the eye level. The ergonomic chair has a head rest and a arm rest. This is a comfortable working place.
Cheng Ngee:Workplace 2: The laptop holder is height-adjustable and it allows the user to multi-task using the access rail.
Guang Jun: Workplace 2. The different light can be adjusted to light up only the area you are working on.
Jonathan: Workplace 2. I prefer this workplace as it is very tidy. The workplace has the laptop holder which allows the user to use the laptop at the eyelevel.
Harsh: Workplace 2. The chair is highly adjustable and it suits the user needs. It is also easier to adjust the height and the arm rest seems good.

QUESTION 3

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

A: Comfort
B: Lighting
C: Organisation
D: Average Height
E: Availability of space
F : Efficient working system
G: Maneuverability
H: Colour patterns

QUESTION 4

Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

-------> Ergonomics effects the users comfort
-------->When designing products ergonomics will also help the designer to find out the peoples needs and the reason for using the product.
Ergonomics are generally improved products which suits the persons needs easier.
--------> Ergonomics will effect the products usability and its ability to manage space.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 4

All year, the elderly have the most health problems occurring compared to children and adults. Having observed that in my grandmother, I suggest yearly health check-ups be conducted for the elderly since they are more prone to getting ill.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 3

Around Singapore, the elderly often have problems getting around as the directions given on the signposts and boards, etc. Mostly it is because they are not able to understand or read english. Therefore i suggest that the signs be present in also Chinese and other mother tongue languages to make it easier for the upper generation to get around in Singapore.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 2

Dementia, often more commonly known as Alzheimer's Disease, is a very common among the elderly. It is incurable, but can be treated to some degree for it to slow down. There are some very simple ways to keep the mind of the elderly active and to as much as possible prevent dementia.

By just playing cards, reading and playing a musical instrument, dementia can be prevented. Physical activity to keep fit also helps prevent dementia. Though simple, these activities, especially the physical ones might be hard to convince the elderly to carry out. Support from family members and friends in the community is needed to allow the elderly to enjoy a healthy lifestyle free from dementia.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 1

Most of the elderly have vision problems, thats why to lower the chances of them tripping over usually unnoticeable things such as banana peels and small objects on the floor at home and in public, the objects should be a bright colour that stands out and is obvious.

Here is a photo of a 'object' that the elderly may not notice and have a high chance of falling due to tripping over it.

PHOTO NOT TAKEN YET