MODULE 5

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 PRINCIPLES OF
ERGONOMICS
The goal of ergonomics is to take into account the user
experience and actions when using a particular product
design. In both Physical and Digital goods, these
concepts should be applied. Although the above
principles include genral rules to be followed when
designing user-friendly products, based on product user
experience and marketing studies, special criteria or
considerations may be added
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 PRINCIPLE 1. Maintain
Neutral Posture
Neutral Postures are postures where, when either sitting or
standing, the body is aligned and balanced, putting minimal
stress on the body and holding joints aligned. Neutral postures
reduce the stress on muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones and
allow optimal control and development of strength.

The opposite of a neutral posture is a "awkward posture."

Awkward postures shift in the range of motion away from the
neutral posture towards the extremes. This places more stress
on the musculoskeletal system of the worker, is and should be
avoided as a contributing risk factor for Musculoskeletal
Disorders (MSDs).

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 PRINCIPLE 2. Work in
the Power/Comfort Zone
This idea is somewhat similar to the preservation of a neutral stance , but it should be
explained here. Between mid-thigh and mid-chest height, the power zone for lifting is close
to the body. With the least amount of effort, this region is where the arms and back can lift
the most. This can slso be called the "handshake zone" or "comfort zone." The idea here is
that you eliminate unnecessary reach and maintain a neutral pose if you can "shake hands
with your work"
PRINCIPLE 3. Allow for Movement
and Stretching
The musculoskeletal system is also referred to as the movement system of the
human body, and it is meant to move. Working in a static position for long periods
of time can induce fatigue in your in your body. This is what's referred to as static
load. Static Load refers to the position in which the individual remains in the same
position for a long time or carries something. This load produces fatigue from
discomfort. In order to remove the need to hold the object, a fixture solution needs
to be implemented if the product allows the user to stand still for a long time, such
as holding a particular tool 4
 PRINCIPLE 4. Keep
Things Easy to Reach
In both Physical and Digital realms, this concept is commonly applied. It should make it
easy to communicate with a particular product. The product can be easily accessed and
communicated with by customers. For instance, with the minimum amount of effort and
time, the control panel for dish washers should be available. In digital designs such as
websites and mobile apps, through the functional implementation of the interface, users
should be able to quickly access functions and navigation links

PRINCIPLE 5.Reduce Excessive Force

The design of heavy products should consider minimizing the unnecessary force use or
used for the product to be pulled, moved or carried. Alternative methods, such as the
use of wheels for these goods, should be modified in order to reduce the use of force.

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Adding handholds can also decrease the force required for carrying items.
 PRINCIPLE 6. Reduce Excessive
Motion
The aim of this principle is to decrease the amount of movement spent dealing with the
project. The motion refers to any motion using the figures, wrist, or other body parts.
Another one of the key Ergonomic risk factors is repeated motion. Many activities and
cycles of work are repetitive in nature, and are often regulated by priorities and work
processes of hourly or regular output.

PRINCIPLE 7. Minimize Contact Stress

According to OSHA, contact stress results from continuous contact or rubbing between
hard or sharp/surfaces and sensitive body tissue, such as soft tissue of the fingers,
palms, thighs and feet. This interaction produces localized pressure that can impede
blood, nerve function, or tendon and muscle movement in a specific area of the body.

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 PRINCIPLE 8. Provide Clearance
Product and interior design should provide the user with a room to move freely and
avoid dumping into any of the objects. In the digital domain, the same principle is
applied. The user should be able to switch between the function seamlessly and avoid
any confusion such as clicking on wrong buttons by putting the features and elements in
the website design or mobile application device.

PRINCIPLE 9. Reduce Excessive Vibration

Multiple studies have shown that regular and repetitive exposure to vibration can lead to
lasting adverse health effects, which are more likely to occur when a person's job is a
regular and necessary part of interaction with a vibrating tool or work process.

A variety of disorders collectively referred to as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS),

may be caused by hand-arm vibration, as well as particular diseases such as Raynaud's

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syndrome, carpel tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis.
PRINCIPLE 10. Provide Good Lighting Conditions
The overall work environment should be comfortable and provide good
lighting, fresh air, and ample room for users or designers. The design of the
light systems should prevent reflections caused by the polished computer
screens in offices where computer screens are mounted.

ERGONOMICS PROCESS
ASESS RISK: Conducting an MEASURE PROGRESS:
ergonomic assessment is a Measurement is an important
foundational element of the component of any successful
Ergonomics process continuous improvement process
SCALE SOLUTIONS: By establishing a common
PLAN IMPROVEMENTS: the set of tools to train your workforce, assess risk,
core goal of the ergonomics plan improvements, measure progress, and
process is to make changes to design new work processes, you'll be able to

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your workplace that reduce risk scale ergonomics best practices throughout
your organization.
 ERGONOMICS reduces injuries
Ergonomics is the Science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, rather than
expecting a worker to fit into the job that has not been designed correctly. A poorly
designed workplace puts workers at risk of getting hurt. These physical hazards include:
Unnatural and awkward body positions
Continuously performing the same motion over and over again during a work shift
Standing for long periods of time in one spot
Manual handling (lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, filling,
emptying) of heavy and awkward boxes, crates, trays, equipment or garbage.

These hazards can cause injuries to develop slowly over time, like a very sore shoulder,
or the injuries can happen suddenly. Most people call these sudden events "Accidents"
Serious injuries can happen in the restaurant due to:
Slippery floors, poor lighting
Hot stoves, grills, oil and grease

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Knives and unguarded machines
Ergonomic Design Guidelines For a Safe
and Functional Kitchen
Employee mobility, energy effectiveness, The science of kitchen ergonomics is founded on principles
flexibility, and ergonomics are critical factors that aim to thoughtfully design a workspace and streamline
in a commercial kitchen. Here, find ways on the work flow-with the aim of encouraging efficiency,
how to prioritize comfort and efficiency in providing comfort, and increasing operations productivity.
the space's design Its elements balance the movement all around the kitchen
DEVELOP A FLEXIBLE INTERIOR PLAN:
Having a thoughtfully laid out kitchen so you " A general rule of thumb is to allow five square feet
don't have to run a race track to cook meals is of kitchen space for every seat in the restaurant, so
ideal. At the same time, it is essential to utilize a 50-seat restaurant needs at least a 250-square
every square footage of available space without foot kitchen. consider also the estimated number of
sacrificing work flow and speed. Modular and staff who needs access to the kitchen."
Flexible planning allows users more adaptability
to their environment.

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 APPLY THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE PRINCIPLE
This theory stemmed from industries In the 1940s, a study of kitchen use proposed that it should be
developing a method, known as "time and organized around the sink, fridge, and stove in close proximity
Motion studies", for measuring job but with enough space around each of the "three corners" that
completion and efficiency during the early one can carry out tasks.
part of the twentieth century.

FIND THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT, VENTILATION, AND LIGHTING

There are five main areas of activity in a
Ergonomics is concerned with the study of human characteristics
kitchen to consider: washing, cooking,
and functions called anthropometrics and how it relates to
prepping, utensils, and storage. Ease of use
design. It allows for a kitchen staff to complete a task with as
is what counts when choosing the correct
minimal steps, bending, reaching, and walking as possible. In
appliances and installations. Lack of natural order for any restaurant to operate smoothly and to improve on
light or sunlight lamps in the workplace can utility costs, production and staff efficiency, the layout and
cause eye strain and can make staff tired ergonomics of the kitchen are taken into account.
easily.
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CREATE ENOUGH SPACE TO ENSURE SMOOTH WORK
FLOW
The style and complexity of cooking The space between two counters should be
methods will influence how much space is at least 4 feet. Allotting the right space is
need. The area that is most important is the vital to save time and to maintain a smooth-
space between hip and shoulder height as running kitchen especially during peak
anything stored at this height is within reach. periods.

MASTER THE ART OF TIDYING AND STORING

It is important to have a systematic and orderly kitchen to make staff feel
more in control. Considering the practicality and service-oriented nature of
the kitchen, it is a necessity to discard things and ingredients that are past
their prime. Portable storage units are also recommended to make
circulation easy for the staff. Storage area can be split into three parts: non-
food storage, dry storage, and colds.

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 14 Most Popular Interior Design Styles Explained

Modern, industrial, shabby chic….and the list goes on. A significant challenge many of our clients face is
a lack of understanding or vocabulary to describe and define their personal interior design style. With
an abundance of unique design styles, it can be daunting to decipher which style will work best for you.
Some also enjoy combining elements of several styles to create their ideal look.
A great starting point for an interior design project is to learn a bit about each of the styles and how they
differ from one another.

Modern is a broad design term that typically

refers to a home with clean, crisp lines, a
simple colour palette and the use of
MODERN materials that can include metal, glass and
steel.
Modern design employs a sense of simplicity
in every element, including furniture. A word
that’s commonly used to describe modern
style is sleek, and there is not a lot of clutter
or accessories involved with a modern style.
CONTEMPORARY
Modern and contemporary are two styles frequently used
interchangeably. Contemporary is different from modern
because it describes design based on the here and now.

The primary difference separating modern and

contemporary design style is that modern is a strict
interpretation of design that started in the 20th century.
Contemporary on the other hand, is more fluid and can
represent a sense of currency with less adherence to one
particular style. For example, contemporary style may
include curving lines, whereas modern design does not.
You can refer to modern vs contemporary article for more
information.

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MINIMALIST INDUSTRIAL
The minimalist concept is one that’s Industrial style as the name implies, draws
inspiration from a warehouse or an urban loft.
popular here in Australia. It takes
There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many
notions of modern design and
of the elements, and it’s not uncommon to see
simplifies them further.
exposed brick, ductwork and wood. An iconic
Colour palettes are neutral and airy;
home with an industrial design theme would
furnishings are simple and
be a renovated loft from a former industrial
streamlined, and nothing is excessive building.
or flamboyant in accessories or décor. Think high ceilings, old timber and dangling
Minimalism is ultimately defined by a metal light fixtures with sparse functional
sense of functionality and ultra-clean furniture. There may possibly be one or two
lines. pieces of abstract art or photography to add a
dash of colour to an otherwise neutral colour
scheme derived from the primary materials of

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wood and metals.
MID-CENTURY SCANDINIVANIAN
MODERN Scandanavian design pays homage to the
Mid-century modern is a throwback to simplicity of life demonstrated in Nordic
the design style of the mid-1900s— countries. Scandinavian furniture design often
primarily the 1950s and 60s. There’s a feels like a work of art, although it is simple
retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century and understated. There’s functionality in the
Modern Design, and also some furniture along with some interesting lines,
elements of minimalism. many of which have a sculptural influence.
Functionality or “fussy-free” was the
main theme for Mid-century design. It Other common characteristics include all-
emphasis on pared-down forms, white colour palettes and the incorporation of
natural or organic shapes such as natural elements like form-pressed wood,
“egg-shaped” chair, easy-to-use bright plastics, and enameled aluminum, steel
contemporary designs and simple and wide plank flooring. If there are pops of
fabrications. It easily complements colour it often comes from the use of art,
any interior and also helps with natural fibre throws or furs, or a single piece of

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seamless transition from interior to furniture.
exterior.
TRADITIONAL TRANSITIONAL
Transitional is a very popular style
Traditional design style offers classic
because it borrows from both
details, sumptuous furnishings, and traditional and modern design to
an abundance of accessories. It is facilitate a space that’s not “too
rooted in European sensibilities. much,” in terms of one style or
Traditional homes often feature dark, another. There’s a sense of balance
finished wood, rich colour palettes, that’s appealing and unexpected.
and a variety of textures and curved A transitional design may incorporate
modern materials, such as steel and
lines. Furnishings have elaborate and
glass, and then unite them with plush
ornate details and fabrics, like velvet, furnishings.
silk and brocade, which may include a Transitional design also includes
variety of patterns and textures. relatively neutral colour palettes,
There’s depth, layering and creating a calming and relaxed space
dimensionality within most that manages to feel both stylish and
traditional designs. sleek, as well as warm and inviting.
 BOHEMIAN
FRENCH COUNTRY Bohemian is a popular style for home
Warm, earthy colours are indicative design and fashion. It reflects a carefree
lifestyle with little rules, except to follow
of a French Country design style, as your hearts desire.
are worn and ornamental wooden Bohemian homes may include vintage
furnishing. The style has an furniture and light fixtures, globally
overarching farmhouse inspiration. inspired textiles and rugs, displays of
collections, and items found in widely
varied sources including flea markets and
French Country design may include during one’s travels.
soft and warm tones of red, yellow or It’s not uncommon to spot floor pillows
gold and natural materials like stone and comfortable seating spaces when
incorporating the bohemian style. This
and brick. French Country design can
eclectic style can incorporate an ultra-glam
include collections of ornate chandelier paired with a well-worn rug and
porcelain dishes and heavy linens and a mid-century chair. Within the Bohemian
bed coverings. style, there’s a laissez-faire attitude where
anything goes as long as you love it.
 SHABBY CHIC
RUSTIC Shabby chic is vintage-inspired style, but
Rustic design is drawn from natural compared to Bohemian and other styles,
tends to be more feminine, soft and
inspiration, using raw and often delicate.
unfinished elements including wood
and stone. Shabby chic furnishings are often either
Rustic design may incorporate distressed or appear that way; paint tends
to have antique-style finishes. The Shabby
accessories from the outdoors with
Chic colour palettes include white, cream
warmth emulating from the design and pastels. Light light fixture and wall
and architectural details that may hangings may be ornate and continue the
include features like vaulted ceilings feminine vibe of shabby chic design.

adorned with wood beams or

reclaimed wood floors.
Many designs now integrate rustic
design with more modern furnishings
and accessories.
HOLLYWOOD GLAM COASTAL HAMPTONS
Also referred to as Hollywood Coastal style also dubbed Hamptons style,
Regency, Hollywood Glam is a design hails from the iconic U.S. beachside area.
style that tends to be luxurious, over- Common features include light, airy colour
the-top and opulent. It’s a dramatic palettes with cool neutral shades paired
with blues and greens. Furnishings are
design style, perfect for a homeowner
often white or beige. The room can contain
who enjoys making a statement. elements of wood and accessories are
often inspired by the sea.
This design style can incorporate
Blue and white striped patterns for pillows,
some features of Victorian design,
large windows, white plush sofas, and
including plush, velvet furnishings, painted white wood are also common
tufting and antiques. The colour fixtures of the classic Coastal/Hampton
palettes are particularly bold—think style.
purples, reds and turquoise.