Ergonomics I

1. Compare the 2 different workplaces, state your observations.

In terms of comfort and simplicity of the 2 workplaces, the first workplace have an uncomfortable chair and does not have a simple environment (desk, laptop etc.), the second workplace have a liberty chair and is more comfortable to sit on as it changes its angle to suit him as the worker adjusts his posture to his needs and what he is doing (Bending backwards to write a note etc.).

In terms of height and depth, the first work place have an incorrect height and depth of the monitor and the worker need to wear glasses to focus and see the monitor properly. He is also fidgeting around in his workplace. In the second workplace, the worker uses the M7 Monitor Arm to adjust the monitor to suit his posture as he works. This will ensure that he does not spoil his eyesight and injure his backbone as he does not need to fidget or stare at the screen to see what is on it properly.

In terms of task lighting, the first workplace have two lights, however, if he uses both, it is too bright, the light glares and the dazzling light blurs him, making him unable to work. On the other hand, if he uses only one light, the light is too dark and he cannot see what he is doing and will need to stare on the screen to see what he is typing. The second workplace, have an adjustable diffrient light and the worker can adjust the diffrient light to suit the lighting needed for what he is doing (He adjusts the diffrient light to have the lighting needed for him to write a note etc.)

In terms of freedom of movement, in the first workplace, the worker cannot move around freely as he will be blocked by his chair and table (He accidentally spoiled his armrest when he was drinking water) , in the second workplace, the worker enjoys a freedom chair, and the chair adjusts to suit what he is doing (The chair bends backwards and the armrest come upwards when he is drinking so that he can rest his hand and let him have maximum enjoyment etc.)

In terms of prolonged laptop use, in the first workplace, the worker feels uncomfortable and have to move around and adjust his laptop to suit his posture. In the second workplace, the worker uses a L2 Laptop Holder to hold his laptop inclined to the suitable angle for his work. He can also place his documents on the laptop holder to copy it into his laptop without bending his neck frequently.

In terms of desk space, the first workplace have an usable desk space and he cannot find the things that he need easily. (He accidentally knocked over the cup when he was writing and spilled water onto his notebook and also he has no place to put his keyboard and left it above his cup etc.). However, in the second workplace, there is an access rail for the worker to use and can easily find all the things that he need with racks attached to the rail.

2. Which workplace is preferred? State with reasons why one workplace is preferred over the other.

The first workplace is preferred as it provides the worker with more comfort and suits the working environment that he needs. The desk space is also enough for him to work. The second is not preferred as it provide the worker with uncomfortable chairs and the working environment does not suits his needs. The desk space is also not enough for him to work.

3. What are the considerations that should be taken into account when designing a workplace that is suitable for the user?

It must be spacious, comfortable and have the necessary equipments for the worker to work in a conducive environment.
4. Why do you think that Ergonomics is important when designing?

The workplace must give the worker a good mood and must be a conducive environment for the worker to work comfortably and produce the best results for what he is doing.