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Ergonomics: the science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker.
We often take for granted the thought and engineering behind well-designed products and spaces. This is partly because these products and spaces are so accessible and are effortless to use that they do not draw any attention. At the same time, we are so used to the inconveniences that some badly designed products create that we become accustomed to them.
Take a simple mechanism-- a doorknob. Everybody has had the unpleasant experience of being unable to turn the doorknob. This could happen to a small child with small hands, a person with arthritis or wrist injuries, or someone who just put lotion on! Doorknobs have now become obsolete in all new commercial (and some residential) spaces because there are so many flaws in their design. If you look around carefully, you will see that levers are used in new doors for their ease of use. Doors with levers can be opened and closed by virtually people of all sizes and people who may otherwise experience difficulty in making the turn movement with their wrists.
Today, more and more people are suffering from fatigue caused by prolonged computer usage. Fatigue can be prevented by taking frequent breaks and working in a well-designed space.
A well-designed workspace consists of many elements-- from the infrastructure to the flooring, every design detail will dictate the worker’s comfort level and affect productivity. We will explore one element that can be applied to the home office as well-- seated posture.
When seated at a desk, your body’s position should be neutral, with joints aligned and supported properly. One of the biggest mistakes at workstation setup is placing the computer monitor at the side of the desk. The monitor and keyboard should be directly in front of you aligning with your vision to ensure proper posture and to avoid fatigue of the eyes. Desk chairs should be adjustable to accommodate your body.
Two important areas to adjust are the height and depth of the seat. Arm rests should be adjusted to be close to the sides of your body. Adjust their heights so the upper arms and forearms create a 90-degree angle.
More important considerations for good postures: 1. Hands and wrists are in-line with forearms. You may or may not need to tilt the keyboard to type comfortably. 2. Upper arms hang casually from relaxed shoulders. Head should be in a neutral position or bent slightly forward to align with your spine. 3. Knees are aligning with your hips; thighs are parallel to the floor. 4. Both feet are on the floor or supported by a footrest. 5. Back is supported by a desk chair that provides proper lumbar support.
It is impossible and not recommended to sit still all day even if you are using the proper sitting posture. Be sure to take breaks and stretch to reduce stress and strain to muscles! |
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The Human Body, Work & Design |
