Where Human Meets Machine
There are so many products labeled ergonomic; why is that?
There are so many products but none have really taken off. Why is that?
People sitting on balls as their main chair is newsworthy; why is that?
The answer to these questions reminds me of pre-organic food. Well, not “pre†like “prehistoric†but the time right before [...]
I write a lot about ergonomics in the office…but what about at home, in the kitchen, around the house, or in the garden? Just because you’re not sitting at a computer anymore doesn’t mean another ergonomic nightmare isn’t lurking just around the corner. Here are a couple cool products to help complete household [...]
A while back I was complaining about remote controls because of lack of standard design and poor usability. Although I still feel my compaints are valid, Bill DeRouchey’s post on History of the Button saluting the inventor of the remote control made me realize that it is a revolutionary invention with ergonomic benefits worthy [...]
Last weekend I attempted to do my taxes. Even with TurboTax, it was an absolute nightmare going through my poorly organized files of receipts, payment stubs, medical bills, tuition and loan papers, and investment confirmations. There were some things I just couldn’t find and had to make up the best I could (don’t [...]
A team of researchers and designers based in London and at the Technical University in Munich developed the Micro Compact Home as an answer to an increasing demand for short stay living for students, business people, sports and leisure use and for weekenders. Living in an m-ch means focusing on the essential - less is [...]
I came across this book review of The Bathroom at Humanics Ergonomics and just had to share it.
excerpts:
A professor of architecture at Cornell University, Alexander Kira first published his authoritative book on the loo, The Bathroom, in 1966 after having researched its design and function since the late Fifties.
The book was written for students and [...]
The $4,000 Ergoquest workstation from Office Organix supports up to 400 pounds and comes with motorized legs and tilt platforms, allowing you to work standing up, in a recliner, or even in bed.
Some commenters on Gizmodo said about the Ergoquest:
“Looks very awkward and uncomfortable”
“They forgot the arm props”
I agree; for $4000 I would expect [...]
In the past couple weeks I have woken up every day with an incredibly sore neck. Spine-health.com has a nice article on pillows that was really helpful.
Excerpts:
If the height of the pillow is too high when sleeping sideways or on the back, the neck is bent abnormally forward or to the side, causing muscle strain [...]
Have you ever tried to use someone else’s can opener? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like every can opener design is a little bit different, and getting that interlocking gear blade thingy to line up just right is never as easy as it should be.
After fiddling with the unfamiliar can opener for [...]
Christmas is a time of togetherness and giving and joy and all that good stuff. But Christmas time can also be an ergonomic nightmare. Think about it:
Christmas travel (crowds, lost baggage, lines, uncomfortable seating, stress)
Bending down to cut the Christmas tree and awkwardly strapping it to the car
Getting up on a teetering ladder [...]
