Ergonomic Design - a Research Line in Human-Technology Interfaces

Abstract

Although technological developments in recent decades have improved the quality of life for many, these developments have also led to a certain amount of friction regarding human-technology interfaces. Several such cases are related to the occupational or everyday activities of users. Ergonomic design is an area of scientific understanding based on methods of biomechanical and usability evaluation, employed during the development of products and systems, whose purpose is to eliminate or minimize problems in human-technology interfaces. This area characterizes the studies developed in the Laboratory of Ergonomics and Interfaces (LEI) in the Design Postgraduate Research Program (Masters and PhD), at the Faculty of Architecture, Arts and Communication at the Univ. Estadual Paulista (Brazil). The studies are characterized as cross -sectional, and comply with the ethical principles for research with humans. Among the different studies in this area, are presented: the user experience and the usability of web-sites; ergonomic considerations in fashion and clothing; usability considerations in packaging; influence of product shape in symbolic and aesthetic aspects; biomechanical considerations in hand tools; assistive technology and product development for elderly and disabled persons; among others. The results of these studies are useful for the project and development of products and systems, once its results demonstrate the real problems of human-technology interfaces and provide reliable ergonomic and usability parameters.

Keywords: Ergonomic Design, Usability, Technology

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001306