This is the second in a series of new articles on ergonomic product design
The days of using ergonomics hype to market and sell products are alive and well. In fact, the hype is greater than ever. The other day I noticed an ergonomic claim on a snack cracker. Thankfully, there is a difference between hype and truth and it can be measured.
Ergonomics has gone mainstream and customer expectations are high. Over the past several decades the application of ergonomics has matured around the world and, as a result, we have created smarter buyers and users of products. Smart companies are adopting ergonomics specs and applying six sigma approaches to purchasing decisions. These companies will no longer buy ergonomics liability and are making careful choices. Purchasing decisions are governed by the health, safety and ergonomics committees. They are looking for proof that the claims being made are true.
Many product makers are responding by going the distance to ensure that ergonomics are considered up front in the design process. The result is an evolution of the products we use in the factory, at the office and at home. Product makers that don
This article originally appeared in The Ergonomics Report™ on 2005-07-06.