What is Ergonomics and What Are Its Applications?

Ergonomics is a science‑based profession that aims to maximize human performance while minimizing the risk of injury. The word ergonomics refers to the “science of work” and is derived from the Greek words ergo (work) and nomos (laws). The terms “ergonomics” and “human factors” are often used interchangeably or together.

In this way, Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) examines physical, cognitive, social, technical, organizational, environmental, and other related factors, as well as the complex interactions between humans and other people, environments, tools, products, equipment, and technologies. Ergonomics specialists study human capabilities in relation to work activities. Today, however, the term is commonly used to describe the science of “designing jobs to fit the worker, rather than forcing the worker to fit the job.”

Ergonomics encompasses all aspects of a job—from physical stresses affecting joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, and bones to environmental factors that influence hearing, vision, comfort, and overall health.

Ergonomics is considered both a science and a profession. As a science, it focuses on understanding how humans interact with other elements of a system. As a profession, its goal is to optimize human well‑being and overall system performance through the application of data, principles, theories, and methods.

The goal of ergonomic intervention is to modify the work to meet the worker’s needs, not the other way around. For example, when a worker’s desk is too high for their height, they may compensate by slightly raising their shoulders to make it workable. However, doing this every day can lead to discomfort in the neck and upper back. An ergonomic intervention for this person would include lowering the desk or raising the chair height (along with other adjustments). When work is adjusted to fit workers’ needs, they are less likely to experience pain, discomfort, or injury.

Many factors also influence how you sit at work and how you perform: the type of keyboard and mouse, lighting or glare, clothing and accessories, and your lifestyle (sedentary or active). Ergonomics takes these factors into account and suggests changes based on the intended goal or outcome, which may include reducing discomfort, increasing productivity, saving on workers’ compensation insurance costs, or all of the above.

What is the importance of ergonomics?

Combining ergonomics with lifestyle changes in both your workplace and personal life can increase productivity, reduce fatigue, and decrease muscle pain. Poor ergonomics can lead to chronic repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as back, neck, or joint pain. In fact, poor ergonomics is one of the most significant workplace hazards faced by office employees. A study conducted by a Norwegian government institute found that after the common cold, muscle pain is the second most common cause of workplace absence.

They also found that if improvements are made to workstation and chair design, absences related to back pain are cut in half, and the rate of employees leaving the business or going on long-term leave decreases.

Separate studies conducted in the United States showed that after ergonomic interventions in two companies, employee productivity increased by 15 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively. For a business with approximately 50 employees, this productivity increase is equivalent to hiring two to eight additional full-time employees. However, another study by researchers at the University of Miami found that keystroke rates for data entry improved by 5 percent after workers were moved to an ergonomically appropriate workspace.

An ergonomic injury, however, can significantly impact an individual’s productivity. At home, they may be confined to bed or the couch, avoiding activities with friends and family. If your team feels that they are missing out on aspects of their home life due to ergonomic injuries at work, what kind of workplace culture will develop over time?

Ergonomic injuries clearly have a significant impact on both individuals and organizations as a whole. Eighty percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. In addition, back pain is one of the most common reasons employees miss work. How do lost work hours affect your workplace? If you could improve your office ergonomics and reduce sick days or disability claims, what would that do for productivity? Ergonomics is not just about pain; it is an issue that can directly affect the bottom line.

Know the main types of ergonomics

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) can be further divided into three main subfields: physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics, in order to evaluate their individual and combined effects on people working within a system.

In simple terms, physical ergonomics deals with the human body and its physical characteristics, cognitive ergonomics focuses on the human mind, and organizational ergonomics concerns the systems and the unique cultures within them.

A. Physical Ergonomics

Physical ergonomics deals with the physical load on the human body during activities such as work, exercise, household chores, or exposure to harmful noise. In other words, physical ergonomics examines physical injuries resulting from physical tasks.

In this article, we further explain the fields of physical ergonomics, risk assessment, heavy labor, repetitive tasks, and sedentary work. Physical ergonomics is concerned with physical pressure on the human body. A framework has been presented regarding exposure to physical stressors and their potential effects on the human body. These factors cause the body to be placed in various postures and perform movements, as well as being exposed to a series of external forces; over time, these lead to mechanical and physiological responses that directly depend on the physical capacities of the user or operator.

Physical ergonomics relates to the impact of anatomy, anthropometry, biomechanics, physiology, and the physical environment on physical activity. Areas of focus in physical ergonomics include the consequences of repetitive motion, manual handling, workplace safety, comfort in using portable devices, keyboard design, working postures, and the work environment.

Certain factors increase the risk of ergonomic injuries, also known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Ergonomic injuries can include back, neck, or shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other symptoms such as numbness in the arms or legs, swelling in the feet, and even psychological factors. These injurious factors are as follows:

Continuous awkward posture (e.g., a dentist leaning over to examine your teeth)
Constant vibration (exposure to vibrating positions, such as working with electric demolition hammers)
Exertion of excessive force (for example, when pushing or pulling objects)
Localized pressure (e.g., resting the forearm on a sharp desk edge)
Exposure to extreme heat or cold
A combination of two or more of the factors mentioned above
Inappropriate working positions
Severe psychological stress and pressure

Several harmful situations in physical ergonomics that require greater attention are listed below.

These are postures or positions that can cause serious injuries over the long term; correcting these positions is one of the primary goals of physical ergonomics.

Risk assessment and hazard prevention are among the main issues in physical ergonomics. Prevention is one of the primary goals of physical ergonomics. This involves implementing methods that reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Causes of physical injury

This guideline provides a long list of hazards that may occur in occupational environments. Here, we examine four major types of work that can cause physical injury. For each of these, we systematically address potential hazards, methods of risk assessment, and preventive measures.

Heavy work

Heavy work includes tasks that are characterized by large external forces applied to the body. These may result from:

Lifting heavy loads
Carrying heavy loads
Pushing loads
Pulling loads

Despite increased mechanization and automation in many industrial sectors, the proportion of workers exposed to heavy work has remained relatively constant over past decades. In the Netherlands, about 20 percent of workers are exposed to heavy work. In developing industrial countries, this percentage may be much higher.

Examples of heavy work include nursing, construction work, metalwork, agriculture, transportation, and logistics.

There is strong evidence that repeatedly lifting heavy loads is associated with the development of low back pain. Many epidemiological studies have examined this relationship and found that the risk of injury increases with the frequency of lifting. Some studies suggest a relationship between pushing and pulling and shoulder injuries, although the number of such studies is very limited.

The risk associated with lifting loads depends on various factors, including the weight of the load, the vertical travel distance (the distance a load is lifted), the horizontal distance between the load and the body, and the frequency of lifting. These risk factors are included in the equation known as the NIOSH equation, which can be considered the most comprehensive and practical method for assessing the risk of lifting tasks.

Repetitive work

Repetitive work includes repeated movements of the arms and hands. This type of work is common in many occupations, such as assembly, packaging, computer work, hairdressing, and others.

Computer work is a specific form of repetitive work that mainly involves repeated movements of the hands and fingers. It is clear that the prevalence of this type of work has increased significantly in recent decades.

The types of musculoskeletal disorders associated with repetitive work mainly involve injuries to the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Several terms are used to classify these types of disorders, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) or cumulative trauma disorder (CTD).

It has been reported that the duration of work is the primary risk determinant in this type of task. The risk of developing injury increases particularly when the duration of work exceeds six hours per day. Other risk factors include:

Lack of micro‑breaks (at least 20 seconds every 10 minutes)
Lack of individual control over work pace
Mental workload pressure

Static work

Static work is a type of work that involves prolonged standing and sustained, fixed postures of the lower back, neck, and arms.

Prolonged standing: Long periods of standing (more than 4 hours per day) without regular walking are common in many occupational sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, retail, and security. The types of musculoskeletal disorders associated with prolonged standing are mainly related to chronic venous insufficiency (conditions such as varicose veins) and musculoskeletal pain in the back and legs.

Maintaining prolonged postures: Similar to repetitive work, prolonged postures are common in many occupations such as assembly, packaging, computer work, hairdressing, and others. Prolonged posture refers to remaining in the same position for an extended period of time. For example, when you sit hunched over a desk for a long time while assembling a particular object, you experience significant physical strain that can cause various injuries to your musculoskeletal health.

Sedentary work: Many employees perform their work while sitting for long periods. In the Netherlands, an individual sits on average 5 hours per day at work, in addition to 3.5 hours in their private life. Sedentary occupations include office work, security monitoring (control rooms), transportation (drivers), service jobs, and cashier work. Sedentary behavior is associated with overweight, lack of physical activity, and poor and prolonged postures. It is also linked to gastrointestinal cancers, reproductive disorders, and reduced mental health.

Staying-in-postures-for-long-periods-of-time

Prevention of physical injuries

A good ergonomic workplace design and frequent changes in body posture are necessary to prevent strain and injuries. Some desks allow alternating between sitting and standing. If someone does not have such a desk, they should walk regularly. It is recommended to move for at least 30 minutes per day. Short breaks help reduce additional strain. Walking during lunch breaks is a suitable option for office employees.

The newest ergonomic chair designs allow more dynamic sitting by enabling posture changes. However, even the best furniture cannot completely eliminate these risks.

B. Cognitive Ergonomics

Cognitive ergonomics relates to the human brain’s ability to interact with and process information, and consequently to the quality of an individual’s performance within a system. This subfield of ergonomics analyzes factors such as ability, training, decision‑making, and mental workload.

Ergonomists in this field are also involved in evaluations and recommendations related to design, usability, and human–machine interaction, as well as error analysis and the investigation of workplace incidents.

From a product perspective, cognitive ergonomics focuses on how well the use of a product aligns with users’ cognitive abilities. This includes understanding how the human mind “naturally” responds to stimuli, which is influenced by cultural and evolutionary factors.

From a design perspective, ergonomists play a key role in developing products and systems that take users’ limitations and capabilities into account to provide a better user experience. The goal is to design products and systems that are simple, clear, and easy to use, contributing to an overall positive user experience.

Cognitive processes

In ergonomics and psychology, cognition refers to mental processes. Human cognition can be divided into several functions that form the basis of optimal human performance. It is important to identify the cognitive functions relevant to a particular task or job and ensure that the work environment is suitable for the individual.

Sensation and perception refer to understanding stimuli that are collected through the senses such as sight, hearing, taste, smell, or touch. For example, in construction work you must be able to hear warning signals. If you have hearing problems, this job may not be suitable for you and could disrupt the work process and, in some cases, cause harm to yourself or others.
Attention is the stage in which processing focuses on specific aspects of perceived information, or the processing may be divided between two or more aspects. For example, in a control room it is necessary to pay attention to whether a significant change in the situation has occurred. In a kindergarten, a caregiver may need to focus attention on several children at the same time.
Working memory includes a short‑term memory in which information remains available for up to 30 seconds. It also refers to the processes by which information is actively rehearsed in the mind. For example, a telephone operator must remember a person’s name until the call is connected. Similarly, a laboratory assistant working with several samples must remember the order of their locations.
Long-term memory is a permanent store for different types of information. Memory refers to storing knowledge about the world, symbols, and concepts. Knowledge relates to “knowing how” and to skills. For example, all jobs require specific knowledge of the field and certain skills, such as how to use a device safely or how to organize a meeting.

What is organizational ergonomics?

Macro‑ergonomics, also called organizational ergonomics, evaluates how organizations and systems interact and how work systems are designed. It includes having the knowledge and ability to improve work systems in order to enhance the overall performance and effectiveness of an organization. As a result, organizational ergonomics involves optimizing the policies, processes, and structures of an organization.

Workplace elements that may need to be evaluated to improve the organizational ergonomics of a business include:

communication, work and cooperation, community ergonomics, resource management, work‑time design, new work paradigms, participatory design, teleworking or remote work, quality management, teamwork, and virtual organizations.

Having physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics in the workplace does not necessarily require high costs. However, it requires identifying the aspects that employees find helpful or problematic when trying to perform their tasks. Starting with the most obvious problems and working toward solutions with an ergonomics specialist can help ensure increased productivity and efficiency for employees and ultimately for the entire organization.

Benefits of organizational ergonomics

Ergonomics is a scientific discipline concerned with understanding the interactions between workers and the elements of a system or workplace (for example tools, equipment, etc.). Essentially, it is about fitting the job to the worker rather than the other way around. But why is this important, and what benefits do ergonomic initiatives provide for different workplaces?

Ergonomics reduces the risk of employee injury. One of the main goals of ergonomics is to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace (such as strains, sprains, and soft‑tissue injuries), leading to a safer and healthier workplace and workforce.

As a result of reducing the occurrence of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), ergonomic programs should reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims, including both the direct and indirect costs of injuries.

Ergonomics increases employee morale and promotes a culture of safety. Ergonomic initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment from the company to the health, safety, and overall well‑being of all employees. A focus on ergonomics is almost certainly noticed by employees and, more importantly, appreciated. Ergonomics improves workplace productivity and efficiency.

Ergonomic initiatives are often implemented not only to prevent injuries but also to create a more efficient workspace and improve workflow. By improving working postures, reducing wasted movements, and decreasing strain from job tasks, ergonomics leads to improvements in overall productivity.

Review of ergonomics in different fields of industrial design

A: Ergonomics in product design

What makes a product ergonomic? Is there even a definitive answer to this? If you walk into a large department store, you might notice that many manufacturers slap an “ergonomic” label on their products, and we, the general public, buy them. Ergonomic chairs, ergonomic bathroom handles, ergonomic pillows—we think these “ergonomic” products will instantly eliminate our discomfort and injuries, when in fact, all the manufacturer may have done is add a bit of padding around a chair handle.

So, how do we know what is truly ergonomic? Ergonomics examines the interaction between humans and their surroundings, specifically the various elements within it (such as tools, equipment, etc.). In most cases, there may not be a single “one-size-fits-all” answer in ergonomics. The proper ergonomic design of a product goes beyond just adding a padded handle. To be truly ergonomic, designers, manufacturers, and certainly consumers must consider two definitive factors:

Human anthropometrics, workstation design, and the specific methods of using a particular product.
Does this product help minimize risks, including strain, repetition, and awkward postures?

It is difficult to have a definitive way of knowing whether a product is ergonomic or not, but at the very least, with these few guidelines, we can strive to be more astute and informed consumers.

What makes this product different from other products on the market?

If a product claims to be ergonomic, there should be clear differences from previous models. For example, a curved or wave-shaped keyboard is often marketed as “ergonomic.” Its shape is clearly different from a standard keyboard. A shovel with a curved handle may also claim to be “ergonomic” to reduce back pain. The handle’s shape certainly changes the way the shovel is held. But let’s move on to question 2.

2. How will this product change the way the user interacts with the equipment?

If a product claims to be ergonomic, there should be clear differences in how the user interacts with it compared to the standard version. If the ergonomic product requires the same awkward movements or forceful exertions as its previous model, it may need further evaluation, and unfortunately, the claim of being ergonomic may be nothing more than a false claim.

A wave-shaped keyboard changes the angle of your wrists while typing. A curved shovel handle changes how you hold the shovel and move the snow. A trackball mouse limits shoulder movement when using the mouse. An ergonomic pen requires a different style of grip.

3. What discomfort or symptoms might this product reduce?

When a product claims to be ergonomic, there is often an expectation that it should help reduce injury. However, there is no single solution that works for every type of injury.

A keyboard labeled “ergonomic” may not actually work for everyone. Its wave-style design may improve wrist posture for users with broad shoulders and large hands. However, it may actually worsen wrist posture for a smaller user. It may also increase the reach to the mouse because of the keyboard’s wider layout. A shovel with a curved handle may help improve body posture when lifting snow, but what about when you simply need to push the snow to the side? Just because a product is marketed as “ergonomic” does not necessarily mean that all of us should use it, or that it will work in every situation.

Consider the steps mentioned above to ensure that the product truly addresses a concern or injury and helps achieve a “fit between the worker and the task.” Understand what may be required for a particular person or a specific task, and then choose the product that best matches those needs. Make sure that all users know how to use the product and equipment correctly. Getting used to it may take time, but improper use can lead to frustration and inefficiency, and may even result in additional strain and injury. Being a smart and informed consumer is the key to making the right choice.

Examples of Ergonomic Products

Posturite Ergonomic Workstation

Ergonomic office desks are an excellent example of this type of design process. For instance, during the day we sit at our desks for long periods of time. A typical workday in an office is at least seven hours, which means sitting in the same position for seven hours. For this reason, your office desk should provide maximum comfort and usability. If you have a desk that is poorly positioned or causes discomfort, your workdays can become a nightmare.

The main ergonomic feature is the height-adjustment mechanism, which allows you to easily adjust the desk height according to your body height and posture. In addition, you can also convert it into a standing desk if desired. Furthermore, the desk is spacious and made from strong yet comfortable materials, ensuring that your wrists and arms will not be strained throughout the day.

ASUS Ergonomic Monitor

We regularly use monitors in our daily lives. In general, a monitor should be ergonomic. If you look at a monitor for long periods, it should not strain your eyes. In addition, it should not put pressure on your neck or back.

ASUS is a leading manufacturer of computer accessories such as monitors, keyboards, and storage devices. This monitor is an excellent model with many ergonomic features. In addition to enhanced display quality and refresh rate, its stand is highly flexible. It offers swivel, tilt, and pivot functions. Moreover, you can easily adjust the height. Essentially, you can position it exactly where you need it to ensure maximum comfort.

Microsoft Ergonomic Mouse

Microsoft is not primarily known for ergonomic products. However, they offer a range of devices that provide exceptional levels of comfort and ergonomics.

This product is an ergonomic mouse. When using a computer for office tasks, your mouse should be comfortable. Using a mouse can put strain on your fingers and wrist. You need to hold the mouse in your hand and repeatedly click with your fingers, which falls under repetitive movements that, if continued over time, can cause serious injury.

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard

This is the second Microsoft product on our list, accompanying the Sculpt ergonomic mouse. You can use these two together for maximum comfort when working on a computer at the office or at home. Typing on a keyboard can place similar strain on your wrists and fingers as using a mouse. You should position your arms so that your wrists remain comfortable and your fingers can type without excessive pressure.

The Microsoft ergonomic keyboard has an unusual but effective design. The keyboard is divided into two sections: the main keyboard and the numeric keypad. This means you can position the two parts in a way that maximizes arm comfort.

In addition, the keyboard has a natural curve that positions the wrists to create the least amount of strain. It also includes tilt adjustments, allowing you to raise or lower the keyboard depending on the size of your wrists and hands. This is truly an ergonomic design that can maximize your work efficiency while minimizing strain and fatigue. If you work long hours with a computer, this keyboard can significantly reduce fatigue and work-related injuries.

Herman Miller Ergonomic Chair

Herman Miller is a well-known company that produces a range of ergonomically designed chairs. The Sayl model may appear simple, but it has been skillfully designed with comfort and injury reduction in mind. The developers of this product paid close attention to the shape of the spine and our typical sitting postures.

The backrest is actually “intelligent.” Its mesh structure can conform to the shape of your spine to provide maximum comfort. This allows you to move freely while ensuring that the support forms exactly where you need it. These mesh materials are typically made from polyester, nylon, or spandex.

In addition, the supports can be adjusted in terms of height and tilt, allowing you to position them to complement your posture. The seat itself also features excellent cushioning and remains comfortable during long periods of sitting. We were impressed by the level of detail that went into the design of this product—it is clear that Herman Miller understands the importance of ergonomics.

Q‑Doc Document Holder

This product may seem unusual, but it features an ergonomic design. This holder is used to place paper on it so that it can be read more comfortably. By using such an accessory, you can reduce strain on your neck and eyes. Without a holder, you would simply place the paper on your desk and look downward, which can strain your neck.

This holder has an ergonomic design and can really help with transcription and reading documents. Because it has an ergonomic back support, the angle can be adjusted to six different positions. In addition, it can be fully folded for easy transport. If desired, this document holder can even be used as a tablet stand.

BIZ 2400 Ergonomic Headset

People who work in call centers or sales teams may need to use a headset. Using a headset can be uncomfortable for your head and ears. In addition, if the headset is heavy, it can put strain on your neck. Jabra addressed these issues when designing the BIZ 2400 ergonomic headset.

This ergonomic product comes with a range of useful features that improve the user experience. To begin with, the earphones are noise‑canceling, which means you won’t be disturbed by surrounding noise. Next, the headset offers three different wearing options: a neckband, a headband, and an ear hook. You can choose whichever option is the most practical and comfortable for you. Finally, the headset is lightweight and sits comfortably on your head. Jabra has created an excellent product that offers maximum usability and flexibility for the user.

ShutterGrip

You may have noticed how awkward it can be to take photos with a smartphone. If your hands are shaky, trying to reach the shutter button while keeping the phone steady at the same time can be a nightmare. Who would have thought there would be an ergonomic device to solve this problem?

The brand Just Mobile creates countless useful gadgets and accessories for smartphones, and the ShutterGrip is a perfect example. This shutter attaches to your smartphone and acts as a button for your camera. Its design and format mimic the shutter button on a DSLR camera, making it very simple to use. The device can be adjusted to fit various phone models.

Furthermore, it is designed for ambidextrous use. It also features a non-slip grip that allows you to hold both the device and your smartphone comfortably.

Big Ball Vacuum Cleaner

We have all used vacuum cleaners that were difficult to handle—older models that were not designed with ergonomics in mind. They were bulky, hard to maneuver, and placed unnecessary strain on your back and arms. Fortunately, companies like Dyson have pioneered ergonomic vacuum cleaner design.

Using the Big Ball vacuum cleaner is a pleasure. It has a compact body that moves around easily. In addition, the vacuum’s handle can be adjusted to the proper height, which means you do not need to bend over while vacuuming.

Furthermore, the wand has several different sections that can make cleaning specific areas easier. Everything about the Big Ball has been carefully engineered with usability in mind.

C. Ergonomics in Packaging Design

When it comes to product packaging, what is on the outside can be just as important as what is inside. Packaging protects products and markets them, but it must also provide both form and function. For many consumers, packaging is the first interaction they have with a brand that stands out on the shelf.

You can capture consumers’ attention through packaging by achieving a good balance between aesthetic and ergonomic considerations. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to product packaging, and just because other brands place their products in a box does not mean your brand should follow the same strategy. Innovative and ergonomic packaging can be the advantage your product needs to compete.

Ergonomic packaging is designed to protect consumers from using a product inefficiently. Such a design also ensures that the packaging is suitable for several human factors, such as ease of access to the product inside, grip and handling, and the size and shape for interaction.

Overall, ergonomic packaging answers several questions: How easy is it to lift, hold, and open? Is it the right size and shape to fit comfortably in the hand? How is it stored or carried to the place of use?

1. Use clear and visible cues on the packaging to show how it works

As the team behind your product packaging design, you know what the cap is for and how it works. Make sure your customers understand the purpose of specific elements in your packaging and can easily see how to handle, open, remove, and dispense them correctly.

Packaging should clearly show how it is used. Include visual and tactile cues to help customers when interacting with your product.

2. Assess the abilities of your target audience

The age of your target market requires special attention in packaging design. For example, older adults may have weaker hand strength, reduced joint flexibility, and poorer vision. These physical limitations can affect their ability to grip and lift products, press or pull caps, and read labels on the packaging. In addition, young children may not have the strength to carry or squeeze products or to pull and lift labels.

Design packaging according to the needs of your target consumers and enhance their experience when interacting with your product. This may involve increasing font size, choosing readable typography, and using materials that are practical for the intended users.

3. Consider environmental factors

Inadequate or faulty packaging can often lead to environmental consequences and concerns. While the lifespan of packaging is relatively short, it must provide value throughout its lifecycle—from storage to protection and delivery.

Another unique factor to consider when designing ergonomic packaging is the product’s storage environment. For example, ergonomic packaging design for frozen and refrigerated goods faces more constraints. One way to package refrigerated items is by using squeezable packaging, as this design allows fingers to wrap around the container, making it easier to hold.

4. For items that need to be gripped, make sure the surface has a suitable texture

Items with rounded product packaging, such as bottles, cans, and jars, are more difficult to grip—especially when the packaging material is glossy or slippery. For products with round or cylindrical containers, design the hand‑contact surfaces in a way that provides proper and sufficient grip.

5. Conduct sufficient real-world testing to determine whether your product passes ergonomic requirements

Real consumer feedback and experiences provide valuable insights into research-based design and the overall success of a product launch. Use a sample group from your target audience to provide feedback on your packaging options. Measure relevant criteria such as attractiveness, quality, uniqueness, purchase intention, design, and ease of use.

For example, you can compare two different packaging designs of a mayonnaise product to determine which one is easier to open and close. Feedback can also help determine whether other changes could make the packaging more ergonomic and more practical.

Final Thoughts

The goal of ergonomics is to consider the environment and user behavior when interacting with a specific product design. These principles should be applied to both physical and digital products. While the principles mentioned above provide general rules for designing user-friendly products, specific guidelines or considerations may apply based on product user experience (UX) and market research.

Poor ergonomics is not necessarily the same as poor design. In design, ergonomics is just one of many factors competing for attention. It must be balanced with other elements such as aesthetics (how a product looks), the market (what people want to buy), and the budget, which determines the quality of materials and components used in manufacturing. It is not mandatory for every principle to apply to every designed product; some principles may not be relevant to certain designs.

Poor ergonomics describes a lack of unity between the environment, the task, and the equipment. For example, an upright dining chair might not be considered ergonomic, but in the right setting—such as a dining room that is rarely used—it serves its purpose perfectly. However, in an office environment where people need to sit for long periods, that same chair could cause issues due to a lack of lumbar support, a closed angle, and a static posture.

What is Ergonomics? The Importance of Ergonomics in Design