Ergonomics
Ergonomics, also known as human engineering or human
factors engineering, is a science of designing products
and interfaces to maximize the safety, comfort, and
efficiency for the people who use them.
Carelli Design draws on the principles of industrial
engineering, psychology, anthropometry (the science
of human measurement), and biomechanics (the study
of muscular activity) to adapt the design of products
and workplaces to people’s sizes and shapes
and their physical strengths and limitations. We also
consider the speed with which humans react and how
they process information, and their capacities for
dealing with psychological factors, such as stress
or isolation. Armed with this complete picture of
how humans interact with their environment, we’re
able to develop the best possible solution, be it
a handle of a toothbrush or the flight deck of the
space shuttle.
An ergonomically designed product provides
optimum performance
We view people and the objects they use as one unit,
and ergonomic design blends the best abilities of
people and machines. Unlike machines, humans need
to sleep, and they are subject to illness, accidents,
or making mistakes when working without adequate rest.
Machines are also limited—they are unable to
repair themselves, and cannot adapt to unexpected
situations as well as humans. An ergonomically designed
product provides optimum performance because it takes
advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of both
its human and machine components.
Designing with people in mind often requires advanced
technology, such as computer-aided design/computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programs and robots to simulate
human responses. Other ergonomic tools may be relatively
simple, such as two or three-dimensional mannequins
that represent particular dimensions of the human
body, such as seated height, or arm length or reach.
By using such tools, we create products that fit 90
percent of the possible users. Our engineers are able
to evaluate the tools and systems people use in the
course of their day, using simulations—replicas
of workstations, vehicles, and other scenarios—together
with observations of people using products in the
replicated environment.
We design with people in mind. |
