Ergonomics

Ergonomics is defined as “an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use in order that people and things will interact most effectively and safely” (“Ergonomics”, 2011). Generally, however, when I think of ergonomics all I can think about is posture and sitting safely at a work desk, but really it’s much more than that! Caulton and Dickson, (2007) state that to understand ergonomics a person must have the ability to “constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for its intended purpose”.  In this sense, ergonomics is all about how the activity is shaped by the person carrying it out and the environment. It’s about how the activity can be made to fit the ability of the person and the resources available in the environment.

In relation to my activity, the best way to analyse ergonomics is under the headings of the person, the environment and the activity itself. In regards to the person, one of the main things that the individual needs to have to go out for coffee is money to actually buy the coffee. Other things that need to be taken into consideration are different preferences that people have (of venue, coffee type etc) and the time that people have available. Age is also another factor as the dynamics of a coffee outing can be very different when going out with groups of different ages.

When looking at ergonomics in regards to the environment, one of the main things to consider is what cafes are actually open to go to at the time. Also, the weather can determine where to go as well as whether to sit inside or outside. The social environment is also important as who you go out for coffee with can determine how ‘successful’ the outing is. The number of people you go with can also influence this.

When looking at the activity of going out for coffee itself, there are number of things that need to be considered to ensure that the outing meets its purpose. Firstly, the activity itself relies on other people. As I have defined, my activity as going out for social coffee (with other people!). Other factors that influence the activity are the price of the coffee itself, which coffee brand is nicest and that the activity itself has no time limit. It can take as long or as short as needed, as it is the persons involved who have the time limits they have to stick to, not the activity.

As you can see ergonomics is much more than just making sure someone sits safely at his or her work desk! It’s important to understand ergonomics to be able to make sure there is a good fit between the activity itself, the person and the environment.

References:

Caulton R., & Dickson R. (2007). Whats going on? Finding an explanation for what we do. In J. Creek & A. Lawson-Porter (Eds.), Contemporary Issues in Occupational Therapy (pp. 87-114). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ergonomics. (2011). Retrieved, 6^th October, 2011 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ergonomics?show=0&t=1318544896