Introduction

Ergonomic Design and Human Factors play a crucial role in ensuring that products, workspaces, and systems are optimized for human use. The goal is to design environments and products that improve efficiency, comfort, safety, and overall well-being. This 5-day training course will provide participants with in-depth knowledge of ergonomic principles, human capabilities and limitations, and how to apply these concepts to improve product design, workplace setup, and user experience.

Through practical case studies, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications, participants will learn to create designs that enhance human performance and reduce the risk of injury, fatigue, and stress in various work and product settings.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the principles of ergonomics and human factors and their importance in design and product development.
2. Apply ergonomic principles to optimize workspaces, tools, and products for better user performance and safety.
3. Evaluate and improve existing designs based on human capabilities, limitations, and behavior.
4. Use human-centered design methods to create products and environments that enhance user experience.
5. Implement ergonomic evaluations and assessments using tools such as task analysis, workplace design evaluation, and user feedback.
6. Integrate ergonomics into the product development cycle to enhance usability, safety, and comfort.
7. Assess the impact of ergonomics on productivity, user satisfaction, and health.
8. Recognize and address common ergonomic-related issues such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and workplace fatigue.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Product Designers and Industrial Engineers involved in designing tools, equipment, or systems used by people.
• Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists seeking to enhance their knowledge of ergonomic principles and human-centered design.
• Safety Engineers and Occupational Health Professionals who are responsible for reducing workplace injuries and improving employee well-being.
• UX/UI Designers looking to apply ergonomic principles to digital product design and interface usability.
• Manufacturing Engineers and Operations Managers aiming to optimize production environments for worker comfort and efficiency.
• R&D Managers and Product Development Teams focused on improving product usability and human interaction.
• Facilities Managers and Workplace Designers aiming to create safer and more efficient working environments.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Ergonomics and Human Factors

• Morning Session:

  1. Overview of Ergonomics and Human Factors: Definitions, History, and Evolution
  2. The Importance of Ergonomics in Product Design and Workplace Efficiency
  3. Human-centered Design: Designing with the User in Mind
  4. Key Principles of Ergonomic Design: Comfort, Safety, and Efficiency
  5. The Role of Anthropometry in Ergonomics: Measuring the Human Body for Design

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Understanding Human Capabilities and Limitations: Strength, Range of Motion, Perception, and Cognitive Load
  2. Task Analysis: Analyzing User Tasks to Identify Ergonomic Issues
  3. Introduction to the Five Principles of Ergonomics: Adaptability, Simplicity, Compatibility, Comfort, and Safety
  4. Case Study: Examples of Ergonomic Design Failures and Successes
  5. Hands-On Exercise: Analyze an Existing Product for Ergonomic Issues

Day 2: Ergonomic Principles in Product Design

• Morning Session:

  1. Designing for Comfort: Posture, Reach, and Clearance Considerations
  2. Understanding Workload and Cognitive Demands: How Design Affects Mental and Physical Strain
  3. Optimizing Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Applying Ergonomics to Digital Interfaces
  4. Designing Controls, Displays, and Feedback: Ensuring Usability and Accessibility
  5. Hands-On Exercise: Redesign a Product for Better Ergonomic Efficiency (e.g., a workstation or tool)

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Ergonomics in Consumer Products: Improving Everyday Items like Furniture, Vehicles, and Electronics
  2. Designing for Inclusive Ergonomics: Addressing the Needs of Different Users (e.g., elderly, disabled, children)
  3. Applying Ergonomics in Wearables and Wearable Technology
  4. Case Study: Ergonomically Designed Consumer Products (e.g., Apple’s ergonomic keyboards or Tesla’s vehicle interiors)
  5. Hands-On Exercise: Applying Ergonomic Principles to a Real-World Product Design

Day 3: Ergonomics in the Workplace and Environment

• Morning Session:

  1. Workplace Ergonomics: Assessing the Design of Workstations, Tools, and Equipment
  2. Postural Design: Seating, Standing, and Task-Specific Workstations
  3. Minimizing Repetitive Motion and Static Loading: Addressing Issues in Office and Factory Settings
  4. Lighting and Environmental Factors: How Environment Affects Human Performance
  5. Hands-On Exercise: Ergonomic Assessment of a Workplace (e.g., office desk setup or factory line)

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) through Ergonomic Interventions
  2. Task Redesign: How to Adjust Tasks for Better Ergonomic Outcomes
  3. Environmental Modifications: Adjusting Temperature, Humidity, Noise, and Lighting to Improve Comfort and Performance
  4. Ergonomics and Health: The Link Between Ergonomic Design and Employee Well-Being
  5. Case Study: Successful Ergonomic Interventions in Workplace Design (e.g., Google or Siemens)
  6. Hands-On Exercise: Redesign a Workplace or Workstation Based on Ergonomic Best Practices

Day 4: Ergonomics in Product Testing and Evaluation

• Morning Session:

  1. User Testing and Usability Evaluations: Assessing Ergonomics through Feedback
  2. Evaluating Cognitive Load and Human Performance in Product Design
  3. Using Ergonomic Assessment Tools: Checklists, Surveys, and Task Analysis
  4. Virtual Ergonomics: Using Simulations and 3D Models for Ergonomic Testing
  5. Hands-On Exercise: Conduct a User Test to Evaluate Ergonomic Performance of a Product

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Analyzing Biomechanics: Measuring Forces, Posture, and Movements
  2. Integrating Ergonomics into the Product Development Cycle: From Concept to Final Design
  3. Hands-On Exercise: Perform an Ergonomic Evaluation of a Prototype
  4. Ergonomics in Manufacturing: Implementing Ergonomics in the Production Process to Improve Safety and Efficiency

Day 5: Ergonomics in Innovation and Future Trends

• Morning Session:

  1. The Future of Ergonomics: Trends and Innovations in Design, Technology, and Health
  2. Smart Ergonomics: Integrating IoT and Wearable Technology for Real-Time Feedback and Monitoring
  3. Ergonomics in Sustainability: Designing for Long-Term Comfort, Efficiency, and Eco-Friendly Materials
  4. Implementing Ergonomics in Multidisciplinary Teams: How Designers, Engineers, and Health Experts Collaborate
  5. Case Study: Innovative Ergonomic Products and Designs for the Future

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Workplace Health and Safety: Integrating Ergonomics into Health and Safety Programs
  2. The Role of Ergonomics in the Aging Population: Designing for Older Adults
  3. Evaluation and Certification: Understanding Ergonomic Standards and Guidelines (e.g., OSHA, ISO)
  4. Final Hands-On Project: Design and Evaluate a Product with Ergonomics and Human Factors Considerations
  5. Wrap-Up and Certification: Key Takeaways, Final Q&A, and Distribution of Certificates

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Ergonomic Design and Human Factors. This certification validates the participant’s expertise in applying ergonomic principles to optimize product design, improve user experience, and ensure the health and safety of end-users.