Ergonomics  & Universal Design

Ergonomics is a discipline that deals with the dimensions of people at work, including activities not directly connected with earning a living. The actual study of the physical dimensions of the human body and how it relates to the built environment is known as anthropometrics. Both are important elements to appreciate, as the arrangement and spacing of elements will influence how the end user interfaces with the interior environment.

There is no such thing as the “average person”. The average sizes which are assumed to suit the majority of the population do not represent the reality of the many differences in body size and physical ability. In fact, even anthropometric data can only give approximations based on the optimal measurements and conditions.

For the many people who suffer from a “bad back”, which is nearly always  attributed to badly designed facilities and furniture, proper application of ergonomics and anthropometric data could have prevented these injuries altogether.

Likewise, the tall person stooping over a low worktop,  the office worker spending hours in an awkwardly designed workstation – often on a chair with inadequate support, or even the person who repeatedly has to lift up the heaviest items that are placed on the lowest shelf.

An ergonomically designed interior space, whether it is a residence, a workplace, or even a vehicle will prevent immediate, incremental, and repetitive strain injuries to the user. Through the application of ergonomic principles, occupational safety and health problems may be resolved, as well as increasing the efficiency, productivity and comfort of the work environment.

Universal Design is a term that describes the approach to the usability of all products and environments for everyone  - a holistic and integrated approach to design that includes everyone irrespective of physical ability, age, mental capacity, or situation.

Universal design aims to accommodate people with special needs, children, the elderly, and others who find themselves outside the parameters of what is normally considered acceptable or average.

Designing for the greatest variety of users can be a very cost effective option for businesses, as it maximizes the target market, promotes a wholesome image of the company, and negates the need for retrofits to comply with emerging regulations to accommodate users, and it allows  engagement with the widest variety of possible users.

Universal Design focuses mainly on:

1. Equitable use – Design that is functional, usable, and marketable to everyone.
2. Flexibility in use – Design that will accommodate diverse needs, abilities, preferences and abilities.
3. Design that is is intuitive and simple to use, and is easy to understand regardless of language or concentration.
4. Ability of the design to communicate information easily and effectively.
5. Minimizing accidents through communicating instructions easily and effectively..
6. Minimal physical effort required to perform tasks.
7. Ergonomically and spatially appropriate for all users.

Although universal design meets accessibility standards and codes, it is an aspiration that transcends the often stigmatising qualities of accessible design. From the outset, it allows for different needs to automatically be served, without  isolating the needs of certain users.

Universal design does not have standards or requirements but addresses usability issues. This ultimately results in better design by seamlessly integrating accessiblity from the outset, therefore avoiding the need for provisions to be tacked on later in the design process as a "disabled persons modification".

Universal and ergonomic design is a responsibility designers need to take seriously as it is an approach that can  make life better and safer for all people -  no matter what their physical abilities, occupational requirements, or stage of life.