Introduction to Ergonomics

Course Description

Welcome to the exciting world of Ergonomics! This introductory course is designed to revolutionize the way you think about product design and human interaction. Ergonomics is the science of creating products and systems that are not just functional, but also safe, comfortable, and efficient for human use. In this course, you'll dive deep into the fascinating realm where human biology meets engineering, learning how to design products that truly fit people, rather than forcing people to adapt to poorly designed products.

What Students Will Learn

• Apply ergonomic principles to create safer, healthier, and more efficient products and activities.
• Understand the intricate workings of the human body and how they impact product design.
• Develop engineering solutions that enhance human performance and minimize the risk of discomfort and injury when interacting with products.

Pre-requisites

The only prerequisite for this course is a basic understanding of secondary school (high school) mathematics. No prior knowledge of ergonomics or human anatomy is required – we'll guide you through everything you need to know!

Course Content

• Introduction to ergonomics: definition, history, and real-world applications
• Human-centered design and Design Thinking principles
• Basics of human anatomy: musculoskeletal system, muscles, bones, and joints
• Human movement: spine mechanics, vision, and line of sight
• Posture-strength relationships and their impact on design
• Hand tool design incorporating ergonomic principles
• Sports equipment design and the consequences of poor ergonomic choices

Who This Course Is For

• Aspiring product designers and engineers
• Professionals looking to enhance their skills in user-centered design
• Anyone interested in the intersection of human biology and technology
• Students considering a career in ergonomics or human factors engineering
• Individuals curious about how everyday products can be improved for human use

Real-World Applications

• Redesign everyday objects to be more user-friendly and efficient
• Contribute to workplace safety by identifying and addressing ergonomic issues
• Develop innovative products that stand out in the market for their human-centered design
• Improve sports equipment to enhance athlete performance and reduce injury risk
• Create more accessible designs for people with diverse physical abilities
• Apply ergonomic principles to your own life, improving your personal comfort and productivity

Syllabus

Join us on this exciting journey to unlock the secrets of ergonomic design and revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us!