How to design ergonomic product should be taking into account since ergonomic is a now a thing. Especially for the study of Product Design. Besides academic programs, ergonomic principles for product design are also applied by product manufacturers. Here are 6 Ways to Design Ergonomic Products!
What is Ergonomic Product Design?
Ergonomics, literally meaning the study of designing a product based on human body mechanics. The goal of ergonomics is to create products that minimize fatigue, while ensuring human safety and health. Consequently, in product design, ergonomics becomes a crucial sub-field. Ergonomic product design serves as a guideline to create a good and comfortable user experience.
In ergonomic product design, products are customized according to specific user needs, especially for items used directly by humans (hands-on products) such as tools, desks, chairs, and other furniture.
How to Design Ergonomic Products?
If you understand the significant role ergonomics plays in product design, let’s look at the initial stages of designing ergonomic products:
1. Consider Ergonomics at the Beginning of the Design Process
As a product designer, prioritize ergonomics and consider it at the outset of the design process. Ideally, the ergonomics of a product should be considered before the design even begins. This process includes research and drafting ergonomic data.
By considering human body dimensions early in the design process, you can avoid potential future issues and create a more effective design process.
2. Determine User Samples to Consider Ergonomics
As mentioned earlier, ergonomics come into play when product design is tailored to specific user needs. For instance, a wheelchair designed for people with disabilities or the elderly, and gaming chairs designed for users who spend long periods seated.
This process is known as Human Design Centered or user-centered design. To identify the target users of the product, consider factors such as age group, location, occupation, and gender.
3. Conduct Anthropometric Measurements on User Groups
After determining user samples based on the above grouping, anthropometric measurements or measurements based on human body dimensions need to be taken. This is done to obtain the necessary data for product design. It’s important to note that each product has its own dimensions.
Anthropometric measurements can include measurements in sitting, standing, and facial positions. These measurements can be taken using tools such as Anthropometric Chairs and Portable Anthropometric Complete Set Series.
4. Consider the Types of Ergonomics Applicable to the Product
There are three types of ergonomics: physical, psychological, and organizational. Considering that ergonomics not only affects human physiology but also has psychological effects and influences decision-making, this aspect needs attention in the workplace.
5.Analyze Common Product Issues Analyzing
competitors can be one way to innovate or create more ergonomic tools. For example, a monitor may lack swivel and tilt features, prompting you to design an adjustable monitor stand.
Create Prototypes to Test Product
Ergonomics Prototypes are initial versions of a product design tested in everyday use. This is done to assess the ergonomic feasibility of a product. Here are some questions to consider:
- Utility: Can you use it as intended?
- Comfort: Does it provide a pleasant user experience?
- Ease of use: Is the product easy or difficult to use?
Design Ergonomic Products with Anthropometric Measurement Tools
1. Anthropometric Chairs
Anthropometric Chairs are the most comprehensive instruments for measuring human body dimensions. Produced by Solo Abadi Indonesia, these chairs can measure 34 dimensions of the human body, including height, sitting position, and facial measurements. These instruments cover all measurements needed in clothing and military equipment design.
One crucial aspect of measuring female pilots is measuring their sitting position, as it determines their performance. Anthropometric Chairs are the right instruments for this. These instruments have also been used in other disciplines such as industrial engineering, ergonomics, anthropology, forensics, and many other industries.
2. Portable Anthropometry
Anthropometric measurements usually require many instruments due to the various body parts that need to be measured. Portable Anthropometry is an instrument for measuring anthropometry that can perform 100 measurements. Additionally, Solo Abadi Indonesia manufactures these instruments in a portable design to facilitate user mobility.
About PT. Solo Abadi Indonesia
PT. Solo Abadi Indonesia is a company located in Surakarta, Central Java. It specializes in manufacturing and is the largest producer of portable stadiometers, infantometer boards, anthropometric chairs, and stunting kits in Indonesia, established since 2005. Solo Abadi products can be applied in various fields such as health, anthropology, forensics, industrial engineering, product design, academia, and the military. We hope to continue contributing to advancing the domestic industry by delivering certified and licensed products.
For more information, contact us via email at admin@soloabadi.com or via WhatsApp at 08510888111.
