The importance of product ergonomics in industrial design

Upon studying one of the industrial design courses, you will learn the process involved in creating a physical design of an industrial product. This process can take many forms; from intuitive creativity to scientific decision-making. However, the aspect that tops them all in industrial design is product ergonomics.

Here’s everything you need about product ergonomics and its importance in industrial design.

1. What is product ergonomics?

Ergonomics concerns with the understanding of human interactions and environmental elements, and optimize the performances of the two entities through the application of principles, data, and methods. Similarly, product ergonomics ensure that the product is a good fit for the people interacting with it. It includes taking into account the needs of the consumer and designing a product accordingly.

Integrating ergonomics into a product’s design is vital for its commercial success. We shall learn more about its importance.

2. Why is it so important?

Ergonomics plays an essential role in the research and development process of a product. An example of that would be identifying user characteristics that will positively impact the performance and usage of a product. Ergonomics uses anthropometric data (the study of measurements and proportions of the human body) to determine the correct size, shape, and form of a product. Other factors on which a product design depends upon are body size, body shape, strength, mobility, sensor sensitivity, mental ability, experience, culture, and emotions,

Product ergonomics are further categorized into three broad areas. Let’s take a look at them -

Physical ergonomics -

While designing a product, physical ergonomics is of utmost importance. Companies make sure their customers can smoothly use their products without risking any physical injury. Therefore, they make sure their products comply with the anatomical, anthropometric, and biomechanical characteristics related to physical activity. It includes working postures, manual handling, and musculoskeletal movements.

Psychological ergonomics -

People use products for different reasons. It could be a grocery app to run their daily errands or a streaming platform for entertainment purposes. In order to understand the psychology behind these reasons, psychological ergonomics studies mental processes involving perception, cognition, memory, reasoning, and emotion. It helps in understanding the interaction of people with products, systems, and environments over factors such as human-computer interaction, human reliability, decision-making, motivation, pleasure, etc.

Organizational ergonomics -

To create the best product possible, the members of the organization have to be on the same page concerning decision-making. Moreover, they must also optimize the processes involving organization structures, policies, and working culture. It includes better communication, structural work design, quality management, active management, and employee-friendly working time patterns.

You will learn in-depth about this subject while studying one of the industrial design courses in India. By mastering this subject, you will learn the semantics of product design and become an authoritative figure in the domain of industrial design.