Ergonomics I

1.Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations. (Man A is the person in the workplace at the left, Man B is the person in the workplace at the right)

Man A is keep on fidgeting when he is working in his workplace which shown that he is not comfortable. Man A cannot adjust his chair into a suitable height. Man A also has difficulties figuring out the image on his screen as it is to far away from him. Man A could not adjust his task lighting as it is too warm to be touch and it will be too bright if he switch on another lighting. Man A does not have the freedom to move in his workplace, the armrest of his chair is blocking his way. Man A displayed discomfort of using the laptop for a long period of time, causing his neck to ache as the laptop is at a very low level. Man A does not have sufficient space to place all his stuff on his desk. In the end, he placed his keyboard on his cup.

Man B could adjust his chair to a height he wanted and lean back in his chair comfortably. Man B could also adjust the position of his monitor to his comfort. Man B could adjust his task lighting to bright up a certain place he wanted, for example the hard copy document. Man B could adjust his armrest up to rest his arms and adjust his armrest back to its original position if he want to have the freedom of movements. The laptop holder enable Man B to adjust the position of his laptop screen so that his neck will not ache. The access rail have all the stuff of Man B, such as the task lightnings, monitor screen "attached' to it. The desk of Man B is more tidy in this way.

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

Man B's workplace is preferred. Working in Man B’s workplace is more comfortable than working in Man A’s workplace. Man B’s workplace allows Man B to move in his workplace freely, have usable desk space, etc but not Man A’s workplace.

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

We should consider whether is it comfortable and user-friendly for the user if he work for long periods of time at his workplace. For example, the user must have the freedom of movement or he will be numb sitting at his seat for prolonged period. The design of the workplace should allow to have usable desk space too.

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

Ergonomics is important when designing as the standards of living has increase. People now want to work in a more comfortable work place and Ergonomics is needed to design equipments and furnitures to fit the users’ needs, such as to prevent aches, so that they will buy it.