Workspace Design
Work space design is akin to "setting the stage" and "choreographing the activity". It is a choice of equipment and layout relative to a user's personal work-method and workflow requirements of the task at hand and optimizes reach, fit, clearance and vision while eliminating and or reducing awkward postures during task performance.
A mismatch in any of these factors can lead to a loss of performance and productivity that is not typically detected until the onset, or repeated warnings of, injury.
An ergonomic inspection delivers the foresight that can avoid expensive hindsight analysis and the patching and mending at the late stage of the planning process when modification to the design are difficult and costly.
Service
- Determine the gender, age, occupation, ethnicity and cultural aspects of the individuals using the design.
- Identify the nature and type of tasks that are to be performed by individuals using the design as these factors may directly impact the design parameters. For example, heavier bench work may require a lower bench height to accomodate for the size of workplace objects and the force required to hande workplace objects.
- Determine the 'design criteria' or the body dimensions that are fundamental to the design. For example, vertical grip reach is important body dimensions that is required for the design of a shelving unit.
- Determine the 'design limits' based on the 'design criteria'. For example, the 'design limit' for designing the the heighest level of shelving is the shortest person.
- Determine whether a range of design limits may be required if the 'design criteria' is adjustibililty. For example, the 'design limits' for an adjustable workstation is the shortest and tallest individual.
- Determine the "overall design" that satisfies and accomodates the most individuals.
- Conduct a fitting trial and prototyping (using human digital imaging) to validate the usability, acceptability and functionality of design.