Samantha June M.

Rice
2016
11215550

August 8,
ERGOLEC EG

1. In what way(s) is Ergonomics important to you as an Engineer?

Ergonomics is the study of arranging workplaces, products, and
systems so it may complement the abilities of people using them. It also
takes into account human limitations and makes products compatible with it.
In turn, this maximizes the efficiency of the users and resulting work. With
ergonomics, products are designed and refined to safely optimize human use
while considering human characteristics such as height, weight, proportions,
as well as hearing, sight, and temperature preferences. On the other hand,
engineers use and apply concepts and principles of science and math to
develop solutions to technical problems. The work of engineers involves
creating and designing products with commercial applications that meet
consumer needs and one important factor when purchasing or using a
product is safety.
Hence, a person with an engineering background can apply principles
of ergonomics to create a product, design jobs and workstations for people
made specifically to fit them without risking human safety. A proper
ergonomic design prevents repetitive strain injuries and disorders to the user.
It can even hinder the development of long-term disabilities. With the
engineers technical background, a specific design can be proven to be
ergonomic through mathematical and scientific concepts and principles.
2. Among the different disciplines of ergonomics (physical, cognitive, etc.)
choose one that is most important to you, and discuss the different factors to
consider when designing and taking into consideration the discipline you
chose.
Biomedical engineering is an engineering application that involved
using concepts of medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. One of the
many
specializations
under
this
field
is
bioinstrumentation.
Bioinstrumentation deals with designing and creating healthcare products for
diagnosis, treatment, and assistance.
Diagnostic medical devices are
instruments or equipment used to detect any abnormalities of the
physiological health of patients. Examples include magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) scanners, mammograms, chemical testing devices, and
ultrasound machines. Treatment devices are made for managing or
combating diseases or disorders. Examples of these are medical lasers,
infusion pumps, and surgical machines. Lastly, assistive devices use
biomedical engineering applications for promoting independence among
patients through enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly
unable to accomplish. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and prosthetic devices

are just some examples of this. Hence, all these medical instruments interact
with human patients or doctors whether for short term or longer.
Therefore, as a biomedical engineering student, it is important to
understand the importance of integrating concepts of physical ergonomics in
designing and developing medical devices. Physical ergonomics is the
science of developing products while taking into account human anatomy,
anthropometry, physiological, and biomechanical characteristics. With
physical ergonomically designed medical devices, the health risk of patients
when using such are reduced. This is especially useful for patients using
assistive devices for long-term use in which the products are made to aid
difficult tasks without putting unnecessary load or stress to the body. Thus,
medical devices are made for human use and more importantly to sustain
quality of human life, even more if ergonomically designed.
3. Choose a product that you think you can improve on and provide suggestions
on how you can make it more ergonomic.
When using a computer it is important to have good posture when
sitting, relaxed wrists in neutral position, the screen placed at eye level,
among other positions. Accomplishing these to avoid any strain and stress
on the body is especially easy when using a desktop computer. There are
many ergonomically designed tables and chairs that promote a healthy
position when using this. However, laptops have not given as much attention.
For decades, laptops have always been made with a screen and keyboard,
attached with each other using hinges. The only most recent development of
the laptop hardware is its detachable screen that can be used as a tablet.
However, many laptops are still the conventional hinge-type. With this
common design, the keyboard remains flat and the keys are set in straight
rows and columns, despite many ergonomically designed keyboards which
are currently only used for desktop computers. The hinges also limit the
screen to certain positions. It may be adjustable at an angle but never
adjustable by height. Hence, by designing a laptop with an ergonomically
designed keyboard and adjustable screen, proper use of it may be
encouraged and health issues when using a laptop may be limited.

Typical Laptop

Ergonomic Laptop

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References:
Microsoft. Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.
PCWorld. Laptop. 2016. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.
Ubergizmo. Ergonomic Laptop Display Design. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.