Lab+10

Ergonomics is the science of designing for the human body, in terms of creating a safe work environment that will hinder common work injuries, and reduce discomfort. Ergonomics focuses on various factors related to the human body, such as movements and size, in relation to the design of common objects found in common environments. For example, the placement of a computer mouse can have an affect on muscle cramping and cause discomfort. Ergonomics designers analyse such typred of common scenarios, and integrate biological and psychological factors into their designs, to maximinze performance and comfort, which is the main goal of ergonomics.
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Since many people suffer from avoidable injuries, ergonomics focusses on capturing these problems and designing solutions. The video shown in class analyzed various aspects of working and interacting with objects in an office. Many objects were designed to accomodate comfort, such as adjustable chairs and functional heights of furniture. There were two scenarios presented in the video; one that portrayed an employee having difficulty working without ergonomics, and the other that portrayed an employee enjoying an innovative office design.

Ergonomics is effective and beneficial, as maximizes performance, and sustains health by preventing injuries. The video shown in class clearly illustrated the difference in comfort levels of ergonomic-free environments, and ergonomic-enforced environments. This will also boost employee satisfaction and productivity.

#2
The 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' was developed by Frank and Lilliam Gilbreth, who studied workers building with bricks; bricklaying. The purpose of this study was to figure out what steps or movements could be eliminated to maximize performance. They did this by measuring time and movements, and observed that workers would bend down to pick up bricks about 250 times per hour, which was causing extreme physical pain. As a result, a platform was built which didn't require workers to bend down, which increased signifigantly boosted productivity.

#3
Henry Ford created the first economical car. He was influenced by an efficiency expert named Fredrick Taylor, because he wanted to efficiently produce cars at a fast rate. Taylor was hired to an analyse the work environment, to come up with methods of working effeciently. Eventually, he was able to maximize the overall efficiency of work by integrating innovative methods, such as Taylorism, and a stopwatch that monitored the movements and timing of workers, which boosted efficiency and production

Henry Ford was thrilled and inspired, and therefore developed the assembly line in 1913, which used a conveyor belt to bring production to the workers, and used a standardized system of steps to complete jobs. This method was effective and efficient, and did not require the need of skilled workers.

#4
1) Efficiency 2) Predictability 3) Calculability 4) Non-human technology