Ergonomics in the Home Office

 Ergonomics

    What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).  In simple words, it's how people can work in a comfortable manner in their own homes. Being this comfortable makes a house feel like a home. 

    There are things in our life that allow us to achieve the ideal idea of Ergonomics. The way this is done is, for example, having chairs that are the perfect height for the table. You wouldn't have hairs that are too short for a table because then you would have to reach up to achieve anything. Just like how you can not have chairs that are too tall. This would cause a strain in your neck, back, and many more places. 

    The image below shows the idea of Ergonomics and how to achieve a "perfect" posture when sitting at a desk. This is so important for people because if they are doing a desk job, they can not keep straining themselves all day long. This might be okay for a little bit, but can cause harm in the long run. 

(Formspace 2023)

    It is so important to keep this in mind when designing a space. If one does not, the designer can get knocked for it. This can cause issues for the designer and the client. Keeping the client's comfort in mind needs to be in the front of your mind when ideas are being put together. This applies not only to their workspace but also to their home. For example, their chair heights in relationship to their countertops. This is all about comfort for their body. 

                                                            (Photo taken by Charleigh Long) 

    This photo of my dad shows how he is not achieving any perfect idea of ergonomics. This is because of how his back is positioned and how his neck has to be strained to watch the TV. One thing that he could approve is by sitting down. The tv is also high on the wall. If it was lowered down, the neck strain would be lessened. 

(Photo drawn by Charleigh Long)

    This drawing shows how important it is to sit in an office chair the correct way. If you are leaning all the time, the back pains will increase. If you are sitting with your back on the chair, your feet on the floor, and your elbows on the table or armrest, you can achieve complete comfort. It is also important to get up and take breaks when you are doing a desk job. If you do not do this, it can cause mental and physical discomfort. 

    As a designer, it is important to remember how your client will use a space. But it is also important to remember it when you are using the space. You need to be able to achieve full comfort anywhere and everywhere you go.  

Citations

5 Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace | Formaspace. (2018, August 10). Workbench - Industrial Furniture - Lab Bench | Formaspace. https://formaspace.com/articles/workplace-bulletin/benefits-of-ergonomics-workplace/

Team, Davies Office. “What Is Ergonomic Design?” Davies Office, 3 Oct. 2022, www.daviesoffice.com/what-is-ergonomic-design.