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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/uq48wj/ergonomics
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:
- 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
Read more
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
Read more
Week 3: Anthropometric Measures and Basic StatisticsIntroduction to anthropometry, measurement techniques, basic statistical analysis and anthropometric databases Week 4: Anthropometry in UseUse of anthropometric tables, estimating data, design criteria
Week 5: Ergonomics in FootwearFoot and related dimensions, footwear characteristics, fitting feet to footwear
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , 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
Save this course
Save Ergonomics in Action to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Valuable and practical ergonomics course
Learners say this course provides valuable and practical knowledge about ergonomics. Clear explanations from great lecturers provide a solid foundation in the principles of ergonomics, with real-world applications covered extensively. While the course may require a significant time investment for assignments, students appreciate the depth and practicality of the materials.
Lecturers are knowledgeable and effective in presenting the material.
"Great Explanations, Great Lecturers, and Useful Topics on Ergonomics in everyday life."
"The course enriched my knowledge in this field and the course does not only cover the theory and also how to apply all the theory into the reality."
Course materials provide valuable information on ergonomics.
"The information is very useful."
"Came to know about various forces pressures, postures , spine , and other knowledgable facts which created awareness"
"This does exactly what it says on the tin. It is clear and informative, moves at an appropriate pace, and covers everything I would expect."
Course provides real-world applications of ergonomics principles.
"This does exactly what it says on the tin. It is clear and informative, moves at an appropriate pace, and covers everything I would expect."
"The course enriched my knowledge in this field and the course does not only cover the theory and also how to apply all the theory into the reality."
Assignments may require a significant time investment to complete.
"The information is very useful. However, they take a lot to review the assigments and obtain a grade"
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Review principles of biomechanics
Show steps
Reviewing the principles of biomechanics will help you better understand the scientific principles behind ergonomic design.
Browse courses on
Biomechanics
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the course content, grading system and assignments to better prepare you for the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read course syllabus and materials
Practice applying anthropometric data
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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.
Human Factors Engineer
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.
Industrial Designer
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.
Safety Engineer
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.
Interior designer
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.
Architect
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.
Product Designer
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.
Physical 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.
Occupational Therapist
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.
Chiropractor
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.
Athletic Trainer
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.
Sports Scientist
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.
User Experience Designer
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.
Web 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.
Graphic 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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uq48wj/ergonomics
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.
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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ergonomics, with a focus on design. It covers topics such as anthropometry, biomechanics, and human factors engineering.
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.
This textbook covers the essential principles and concepts of anthropometry and biomechanics, providing a solid understanding of the relationship between human form and function.
Provides a detailed overview of anthropometric techniques and applications, covering topics such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
This textbook covers essential safety and health concepts, including ergonomics, that are applicable to engineers and other professionals working in the industry.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uq48wj/ergonomics
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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
Good to know
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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