Ergonomics in Design: Part 2

Course Description

Welcome to "Ergonomics in Design: Part 2," an exciting and comprehensive course offered by HKUSTx that delves deeper into the fascinating world of ergonomics and its practical applications in product and system design. This course builds upon the foundation laid in Part 1, taking your understanding of ergonomics to the next level.

Ergonomics is the science of designing products and systems that are safe, comfortable, and efficient for human use. In this course, you'll explore how to apply scientific principles to create designs that cater to the diverse needs of people with varying physical characteristics and capabilities. You'll learn to prioritize user comfort and safety while maximizing productivity and performance.

What students will learn

• Design workplaces according to ergonomic principles
• Determine and apply anthropometric measures
• Utilize anthropometric tables for product evaluation and design criteria
• Identify engineering solutions to enhance human performance and reduce discomfort and injury risks
• Understand the importance of fitting tasks and equipment to people, rather than the other way around
• Apply ergonomic principles to various design scenarios, including seated and standing work, seat design, and footwear

Pre-requisites

To get the most out of this course, students should have completed Part 1 – Ergonomics in Design (ISDN4330.1x). While no other specific skills are required, a basic understanding of design principles and an interest in human-centered approaches will be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• Spine basics and posture considerations for seated and standing work
• Principles of seat design and sitting ergonomics
• Anthropometric measures and basic statistical analysis
• Use of anthropometric tables and databases in design
• Ergonomic considerations in footwear design
• Application of ergonomic principles to various design scenarios

Who this course is for

• Design students looking to specialize in ergonomics
• Professional designers seeking to enhance their skills in human-centered design
• Engineers interested in improving product usability and safety
• Workplace safety professionals
• Anyone interested in creating more comfortable and efficient products and systems

Real-world Applications

• Designing more comfortable and efficient workspaces
• Creating ergonomic furniture and seating solutions
• Developing safer and more user-friendly products
• Improving workplace safety and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries
• Enhancing overall user experience in various industries, from consumer products to industrial equipment
• Consulting on ergonomic improvements for businesses and organizations

Syllabus

Course Conclusion

By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of ergonomics and its practical applications in design. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create products and systems that not only look great but also prioritize human comfort, safety, and efficiency. Join us in this exciting journey to become a master of ergonomic design!