Essential Concepts

Human Factors and Ergonomics

One of the great characteristics of human beings is the ability to create, use, and develop tools. In every age, we use tools not only for food, clothing, and shelter, but also for various activities such as work, study, leisure, and communication. In recent years, tools have also enabled us to freely manipulate various environmental elements, such as light, visual, sound, and thermal environments.

However, devices and artificial environments, especially those created by modern technology, are often harmful as well as beneficial to humans. Here, I will use the example of the personal computer (PC), which is used by many people in modern society. To utilize the functions of a computer, in addition to looking at the display to obtain information, it is necessary to manipulate the keyboard and mouse to issue commands. The former is conducted by the visual organs, that is, the eyes, and the latter by the motor organs, that is, the muscles and joints. If the design of these devices, or tools, is inappropriate, not only will productivity decrease because of problems such as difficulty in seeing and pressing, but various health problems also will occur in and through the above-mentioned visual and motor organs themselves. Even if they are not badly designed, they can also cause harm by being used beyond the limits of human function. For example, temporary eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, muscle fatigue, numbness in the fingers, and stiff shoulders can lead to health problems such as long-term vision loss, sleep disorders, autonomic neuropathy, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and postural distortions (such as a hunched back or straight neck).

The definition of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) will be discussed later, but one of the roles of HFE is to scientifically propose the desirable design (design) and usage of tools. For example, in designing a keyboard, it is necessary to consider the key layout, size, shape, pitch, stroke, pressure, typing sound, and so on. From the user’s perspective, HFE pursues and proposes not only work efficiency (ease of pressing, difficulty in making mistakes, and so on) and a comfortable operating feeling for these design elements, but also the conditions needed to minimize the expected adverse effects on health. In addition, guidelines should be issued to users regarding working posture, maximum working hours, and timing and methods of resting to prevent adverse health effects. A recent guideline similar to this was issued by the Japan Ergonomics Society (2020).

Now, let me introduce the definition of HFE. The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) states that “Ergonomics (or Human Factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other element of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.” It covers more than just the aforementioned products and environments. It covers all human-related activities such as Tasks, Jobs, and Organization. In the definition, HFE is defined as a “science,” but it is also said to be related to “optimization” and “effective utilization,” emphasizing the “practical” aspect of making use of the knowledge obtained from science in society. In other words, HFE is unique in that it deals with both “science” and “practice.”

It is said that there are two origins of HFE. The first is from Europe and derives from the relationship between work and health in the mid-19th century. It can be traced to a Polish scientist who coined the term “Ergonomics” by combining the Greek “ergon” (work) and “nomos” (laws of nature). The other is from the United States and relates to human error after World War II. The correspondence with ergonomics here is the term “Human Factors,” which was developed against the background of applied psychology, such as the fact that aircraft accidents were often caused by misreading instruments. However, although they have different origins, the scope of each has expanded and overlapped, and they are now regarded as synonymous and called “Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE).”

After HFE was recognized as a discipline, the concept of HFE has occasionally been updated. Initial research often focused on the physical aspects of some human functions, especially musculoskeletal disorders, as in the case of the keyboard mentioned above. However, when designing tools, it has become necessary to take a comprehensive approach to the functions of the whole body, including not only the musculoskeletal system but also the sensory and perceptual systems and the cognitive and information processing systems. Furthermore, there is a need for a macroscopic approach that considers not only the individual but also the organizations and groups to which the individual belongs, as well as society.

However, practitioners of HFE have previously proposed solutions to various problems that have occurred in society; most of these solutions have been reactive in nature, meaning that solutions were developed after the problem occurred. However, today, with the rapid development of technology, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and automated driving are being created one after another. By the time we take proactive measures, these technologies will be obsolete and will increasingly be replaced by other new technologies. HFE practitioners must therefore also be proactive, that is, foresee possible harmful effects in the future and work to minimize the problems. This is also the ideal form.

In 2021, the IEA revised the core competencies for HFE (Ref. 2). It consolidates and organizes the basic competencies that HFE professionals should have into (1) basic knowledge, (2) measurement and analysis skills related to HFE, (3) evaluation skills related to HFE, (4) proposal skills related to HFE, (5) practical skills related to HFE, (6) scientific skills, and (7) professional behavior. The challenge for those who intend to specialize in HFE is to deepen their knowledge, skills, and experience with reference to these.

(MURAKI Satoshi)

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Industrial Design Course Introduction to Ergonomics

Industrial Design Course Ergonomics for All Ages and Abilities

References