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Ergonomics in Action

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Based on 5 ratings
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Ravindra Goonetilleke

Ergonomics is the application of scientific information about people in order to design products and systems so that they are safe, productive, comfortable and healthy for people to use.

People are of different shapes, sizes, strength, speed, judgment, skills, and capabilities. Hence, there is a need to evaluate and quantify differing metrics to evaluate the differences. What is important is to fit the task and equipment used to the person rather than fitting a person to a task or equipment so that a majority of the people are able to and like to do what needs to be done.

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Ergonomics is the application of scientific information about people in order to design products and systems so that they are safe, productive, comfortable and healthy for people to use.

People are of different shapes, sizes, strength, speed, judgment, skills, and capabilities. Hence, there is a need to evaluate and quantify differing metrics to evaluate the differences. What is important is to fit the task and equipment used to the person rather than fitting a person to a task or equipment so that a majority of the people are able to and like to do what needs to be done.

The course will focus on recognizing the basic needs of people in terms of biomechanics and present the various design strategies so that products and systems are compatible with people who use them thereby improving human performance, reducing the risk of discomfort and injury.

With the knowledge gained, you can experience the excitement of redesigning or retrofitting workplaces and other types of products whether it be for continuing education or just for knowledge.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Design a workplace according to ergonomic principles
  • Determine anthropometric measures
  • Apply anthropometric tables for evaluation and design criteria for products
  • Identify engineering solutions to improve human performance and reduce the risk of discomfort and injury when interacting with products
  • At the end of the course, you will be able to:

Syllabus

Week 6: Course Summary
Week 1: Design for Seated and Standing Work Spine basics, sitting and standing posture
Week 2: Seat DesignSitting considerations and principles
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Clearly shows how the fundamentals of ergonomics are applied in the design of products and systems, making it useful for students and professionals in product and system design
Taught by an expert instructor with a strong reputation in the field of ergonomics
Provides insights into how to design products and systems that are safe, productive, comfortable, and healthy for people to use
Course materials include a mix of videos, readings, and discussions, providing a variety of learning experiences
Offers practical knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace

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Reviews summary

Practical ergonomics for workplace design

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in ergonomics, offering practical strategies for designing safer and more comfortable environments. Learners praise the clear explanations of biomechanics and anthropometry, finding them highly applicable to real-world scenarios. The course is noted for its ability to equip students with tools to improve human performance and reduce injury risk. While it offers a strong conceptual understanding, some students suggest a need for more hands-on exercises or detailed case studies to fully integrate the principles discussed.
Content appears relevant, though ongoing updates are beneficial.
"The principles taught feel current and align with modern ergonomic guidelines, which is reassuring."
"I didn't encounter anything that felt significantly outdated, suggesting good foundational currency."
"It would be beneficial for the course to highlight any recent research or new design standards for continuous relevance."
Ideal for those new to ergonomics, potentially basic for experts.
"As someone new to ergonomics, this course provided a perfect entry point and clear foundational knowledge."
"For experienced professionals, some topics might feel like a review, but it's a great refresher or starting point for others."
"I found it very accessible and comprehensive as a beginner, though a bit high-level for my specific advanced needs."
Covers the specialized and often overlooked area of footwear design.
"The section on ergonomics in footwear was a pleasant surprise and offered valuable insights I hadn't considered."
"I found the focus on foot dimensions and fitting feet to footwear very unique and practical for a general course."
"It’s great to see a course delve into specialized applications like footwear, adding unexpected depth."
Explains core ergonomic principles and measurements clearly.
"The explanations of biomechanics and anthropometric measures were incredibly clear and easy to grasp."
"I appreciated the systematic breakdown of sitting considerations and anthropometric table use in detail."
"The course provides a solid understanding of fundamental ergonomic principles, essential for any professional."
Equips learners with tools for real-world ergonomic design.
"I found the principles immediately applicable to my workplace design projects, helping me improve safety and comfort."
"The course truly focuses on 'action,' providing practical strategies for improving human-product interaction."
"It was incredibly useful for understanding how to retrofit existing environments and design new ones ergonomically."
Some learners desire more hands-on activities or case studies.
"I would have loved more interactive exercises or case studies to apply the design criteria in practice."
"The theoretical content is strong, but a few more 'action' oriented demos or projects would improve retention and application."
"While the course explains 'how-to,' I wish there were more opportunities for direct application and problem-solving."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ergonomics in Action with these activities:
Review principles of biomechanics
Reviewing the principles of biomechanics will help you better understand the scientific principles behind ergonomic design.
Browse courses on Biomechanics
Show steps
  • Read textbook chapters on biomechanics
  • Complete online quizzes and exercises on biomechanics
  • Attend a workshop or seminar on biomechanics
Review course syllabus and materials
Familiarize yourself with the course content, grading system and assignments to better prepare you for the course.
Show steps
  • Read course syllabus and materials
Practice applying anthropometric data
Practicing applying anthropometric data will help you develop the skills necessary for designing products and systems that are compatible with people who use them.
Show steps
  • Use anthropometric tables to estimate body dimensions
  • Apply anthropometric data to design a product or system
  • Evaluate the usability of a product or system using anthropometric data
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Design a workstation for a specific task
Designing a workstation for a specific task will help you apply the principles of ergonomics to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Product Design
Show steps
  • Identify the task and the user population
  • Research ergonomic principles and guidelines
  • Design a workstation layout and select furniture and equipment
  • Evaluate the workstation for usability and comfort

Career center

Learners who complete Ergonomics in Action will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Ergonomist
Ergonomists apply the principles of ergonomics to the workplace to improve the health and productivity of workers. The **Ergonomics in Action** course will provide you with the foundation you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct workplace assessments, and how to design and implement ergonomic interventions. For example, you might use your knowledge of anthropometry to design a new workstation that is more comfortable and efficient for employees to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ergonomist
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineers apply principles of human behavior, engineering, and design to improve the interaction between people and products, systems, and environments. The **Ergonomics in Action** course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct user research, and how to design products and systems that are safe, efficient, and easy to use. For example, you might use your knowledge of biomechanics, the study of human movement, to design a new type of computer mouse that is more comfortable and efficient to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Factors Engineer
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers improve the way products and systems function as well as their aesthetic appeal. By taking the **Ergonomics in Action** course, you will learn about the principles of ergonomics, which is the study of how people interact with products and systems. This knowledge will help you design products that are safe, comfortable, and efficient for people to use. For example, you might use your knowledge of anthropometry, the study of human body measurements, to design a chair that is comfortable for people of all sizes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer
Safety Engineer
Safety Engineers work to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. The **Ergonomics in Action** course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct workplace assessments, and how to design and implement safety interventions. For example, you might use your knowledge of biomechanics to design a new type of safety harness that is more comfortable and effective for workers to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Engineer
Sports Scientist
Sports Scientists study the science of human movement and performance. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct research, and how to design and implement interventions to improve human movement and performance. For example, you might use your knowledge of biomechanics to design a new type of sports equipment that is more effective and efficient for athletes to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Scientist
Product Designer
Product Designers create new products that are useful, usable, and desirable. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct user research, and how to design and develop new products. For example, you might use your knowledge of anthropometry to design a new type of product that is more comfortable and efficient for people to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Architect
Architects design and create buildings and other structures. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to design buildings and other structures that are safe, comfortable, and efficient for people to use. For example, you might use your knowledge of anthropometry to design a new type of building that is more accessible for people with disabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect
Interior designer
Interior Designers create the interior spaces of buildings. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to design interior spaces that are safe, comfortable, and efficient for people to use. For example, you might use your knowledge of anthropometry to design a new type of office space that is more conducive to productivity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainers help athletes prevent and recover from injuries. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct assessments, and how to design and implement interventions to help athletes prevent and recover from injuries. For example, you might use your knowledge of biomechanics to design a new type of training program that is more effective and efficient for athletes to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Trainer
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct assessments, and how to design and implement interventions to help people with disabilities or injuries. For example, you might use your knowledge of anthropometry to design a new type of wheelchair that is more comfortable and efficient for people with disabilities to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people with injuries or disabilities to improve their movement and function. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct assessments, and how to design and implement interventions to help people with injuries or disabilities. For example, you might use your knowledge of biomechanics to design a new type of exercise program that is more effective and efficient for people with injuries or disabilities to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist
Chiropractor
Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The **Ergonomics in Action** course may be useful for you if you are interested in this field. You will learn about the principles of ergonomics, how to conduct assessments, and how to design and implement interventions to help people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions. For example, you might use your knowledge of biomechanics to design a new type of chiropractic adjustment that is more effective and efficient for people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers research, design and evaluate the user experience of products and services. The **Ergonomics in Action** course will help you learn about anthropometry and how people interact with products, systems, and environments. This knowledge will help you design products and services that are user-friendly and efficient for people to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. The **Ergonomics in Action** course will teach you about anthropometry and how people interact with products, systems, and environments. This knowledge will help you design visual concepts that are effective and efficient for people to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. The **Ergonomics in Action** course will help you learn about anthropometry and how people interact with products, systems, and environments. This knowledge will help you design websites that are accessible and easy to use for people of all abilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ergonomics in Action.
Cover image
Content Preparation Guidelines for the Web and...
Save
This comprehensive handbook is an authoritative reference on all aspects of human factors and ergonomics, providing in-depth coverage of topics such as anthropometry, biomechanics, and human-computer interaction.
Content Preparation Guidelines for the Web and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of ergonomics, with a focus on design. It covers topics such as anthropometry, biomechanics, and human factors engineering.
Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational...
Hardcover
$$$$
Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Self-Regulation in Activity Theory
Save
This practical guide provides essential information on ergonomics and human factors, as well as examples and case studies to comprehensively illustrate the principles and applications of ergonomics.
Self-Regulation in Activity Theory: Applied Work...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport
Save
This textbook covers the essential principles and concepts of anthropometry and biomechanics, providing a solid understanding of the relationship between human form and function.
Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of...
Save
Provides a detailed overview of anthropometric techniques and applications, covering topics such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Human Factors in the Design and Evaluation of...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Safety and Health for Engineers
Save
This textbook covers essential safety and health concepts, including ergonomics, that are applicable to engineers and other professionals working in the industry.
Safety and Health for Engineers
Paperback
Check
Safety and Health for Engineers
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Health Hazard Evaluation Program at NIOSH
Save
Provides a comprehensive set of ergonomic guidelines for repetitive work. It covers topics such as the identification and assessment of ergonomic hazards, and the implementation of ergonomic controls.
The Health Hazard Evaluation Program at NIOSH
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Rating
4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
5 to 6 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Instructor
Ravindra Goonetilleke
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Clearly shows how the fundamentals of ergonomics are applied in the design of products and systems, making it useful for students and professionals in product and system design
Taught by an expert instructor with a strong reputation in the field of ergonomics
Provides insights into how to design products and systems that are safe, productive, comfortable, and healthy for people to use
Course materials include a mix of videos, readings, and discussions, providing a variety of learning experiences
Offers practical knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace
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