ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and their working environment, especially the equipment they use.

The field of ergonomics typically involves designing devices around the physical capabilities and comfort of the user. Such products, like desk chairs or computer accessories, are often described or marketed as ergonomic, indicating that they have been designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort and maximize efficiency. The term ergonomics is also sometimes used to refer to something’s ergonomic qualities, as in Our latest model features improved ergonomics.

Ergonomics is sometimes also called human engineering or biotechnology (though biotechnology is more commonly used in reference to the use of microorganisms in manufacturing or other industrial processes).

Example: When designing the steering wheel we kept highly accessible ergonomics in mind.

The first records of ergonomics come from the mid-1900s. The word comes from a combination of the Greek érgon, meaning “work,” and nomics, which is modeled after the names of other fields of study, like economics.

Ergonomics may seem like a very specific field of study, but not when you think about how much time we spend in our work environment. Even—and perhaps especially—if you work at a desk, the equipment you use affects the way you work and your overall health. Clicking a mouse, typing on a keyboard, and sitting on a chair might seem like low-impact activities, but when you do those things for hours at a time, they can have a major impact on your body. Those three things—computer mouses, keyboards, and office chairs—are some of the products most commonly marketed as ergonomic. If they truly are ergonomic, it means they were designed and manufactured using the principles of ergonomics. Ergonomics often deals with how to contour or shape products to better fit human hands, backs, or other body parts in order to reduce the discomfort that happens with extended use. The goal is usually less discomfort and, therefore, more efficiency.

What are some other forms related to ergonomics?

• ergonomic (adjective)
• ergonometric (adjective)
• ergonomically (adverb)
• ergonomist (noun)

What are some synonyms for ergonomics?

• human engineering
• biotechnology

What are some words that share a root or word element with ergonomics? 

• ergatocracy
• ergophobia

What are some words that often get used in discussing ergonomics?

• comfort
• design
• device
• work
• equipment
• user-friendly
• efficiency

Most people are familiar with the term ergonomic, especially in the marketing of products, but they’re probably less familiar with the field of ergonomics and what it involves.

@Microsoft Glad to hear Paint is here to stay!! I use MSPaint all the time for my work in the field of ergonomics – so simple and quick 🙂 pic.twitter.com/e53LGgnCY9

— rbka (@rbkzz) July 27, 2017

I would like to see some #ergonomics studies of the effects of frequent and long term smartphone use. Specifically neck, eyes, arms…

— Phillip Wharton (@MrWharton) April 13, 2015

🪑👩‍💻 Quick work-from-home ergonomics check:
– Is your screen at arm length away from you?
– Is the top of your screen at the same level as your eyes?
– Is your elbow in a 90° rectangular angle on the table?
– Are your feet on the ground?

👍 Good!

— ؜ (@levelsio) March 31, 2020

Is ergonomics used correctly in the following sentence?

Ergonomics is especially important now that many people work at a desk for eight hours a day.