Showing 27 results for Design
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Majid Motamedzade, Ghodratollah Roshanaei, Rasoul Ahmadi,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (6-2014)
Abstract
Match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimentions in male elementary schools. Rashid Heidari Moghaddam1, Rasoul Ahmadi2 , Majid Motamedzade3, Ghodratollah Roshanaie4 stract: Introduction: Given the important role of appropriate furniture in the posture of the students and that non ergonomic furniture can produce uncomfortable posture, low back pain, neck pain, lack of concentration and discomfort, therefore, this study examine match between school furniture dimensions and children’s anthropometric dimensions in male elementary schools in Hamadan city. Materials and Methods: In this study 600 children have been studied. Their weight and height and their anthropometric dimensions included shoulder height, elbow height, knee height, popliteal height, popliteal-bottock length and hip breadth have been measured. Then, the fitness between current furniture's dimensions and calculated ergonomic dimensions have compared. Results: : Findings showed that dimensions of available furniture included seat height, seat depth, seat width, back rest height, desk height, underneath desk height and anthropometric dimensions of students was not matched. This study has shown that by increasing the seat depth and decreasing the seat height in new designs, they have relatively improved in compare with the old designs. Conclusion: Available school furniture dimensions in Hamadan elementary schools are not appropriate for most students and induce postural discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders. Key words: Ergonomics, Anthropometrics, Design, Furniture 1- Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Center, School of Public Health. Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamedan, Iran. 2- Corresponding author, Ergonomics graduate student, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 3- Professor, Department of Occupational Hygiene, School of Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 4- Roshanaei, Ghodratollah, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Modeling of Noncommunicable diseases Research center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
M.saeed Moradi, Davood Afshari, Taher Hoseinzade, Kambiz Ahmadi,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background: Safety signs are considered as visual intermediates for message transmission and play a crucial role in reducing accidents particularly in petrochemical industries. These signs are effective as long as they are designed in compliance with ergonomic principles, human factors, and cognitive features. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of safety signs in transmitting message given their designing features in the petrochemical industry.
Materials and methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 employees in Mahshahr Petrochemical Complex. A 2 partite questionnaire was used to collect data the first part for demographic information and the second part included designing features of signs (familiarity, objectivity, simplicity, meaningfulness, semantic proximity). The Pearson correlation test was used to identify the correlation coefficients between signs features and scores given by the participants.
Findings: Mean and standard deviation of the scores of the signs’ message perception were 60.73 and 4.36, respectively. Cognitive features of the signs included familiarity and semantic proximity with a mean of 49.15 and 66.78, respectively. The factors of work experience, age, and academic level had no significant effect on guessing the meaning of signs (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that no significant relationship existed between cognitive features of the signs and transmission of the message and message transmission of safety signs is affected by other features than their design. Therefore, in order to improve individuals’ awareness about familiarity of employees with particular meaning of signs, ergonomic design of safety signs and proper training for perceiving their meaning are proposed.
Zahra Sharifi, Reza Osqueizadeh, Seyyed Farhad Tabatabai Ghomshe,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (6-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Job satisfaction and productivity among industrial workforce depend on multiple factors. Among these
factors, designing the workstation based on bodily characteristics and dimensions of the workers is of critical
significance. Since industrial chairs have direct impacts on biomechanical and anthropometric compatibility, they play
a major role in enhancing workers’ interaction with their workplace. The current study approached the redesign of such
a product with a focus on ergonomics.
Materials and Methods: The present research was a typical combined design project. In the quantitative phase, 90
participants underwent 12 anthropometric measurements (which were important in designing industrial chairs). The
underlying cognitive aspects of the question were evaluated via qualitative methodologies.
Results: Since normal distribution of the data was confirmed, raw anthropometric data were descriptively processed
and reported. Cognitive assessments revealed correlations between correct form and softness of the backrest, and
appropriate slope of the seat-pan, being a main factor determining the level of comfort while interacting with industrial
chairs.
Conclusion: Diverse physical constraints and conditions caused by the variety of duties and workstations have made it
somehow difficult for specialists to design a universal industrial chair functioning in all different contexts.
Nevertheless, the current study confirmed the effectiveness of involving personnel in redesigning the workplace and
easing the challenges.
Mahsa Bagheri, Abasali Shahrudi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Creating an appropriate
and efficient workplace environment is a fundamental part of businesses in the
modern world. The proper design of interior spaces and exterior facades in
workplaces invigorates the workforce and reduces the risk of depression for
them, while also improving the quality of their work and the attraction of
customers.
Nevertheless, architects tend to design
workplace environments solely based on personal taste and emotional
preferences. The present study designed a branch of Bank Maskan in Sari, Iran,
by using efficient scientific methods and with a focus on the quantitative and
qualitative aspects of design.
Materials and Methods: The present study was
conducted to design a workplace environment using the Kansei engineering
method. It used the facade openings of a branch of Maskan Bank in Sari as its
case study and extracted the users' preferences using the Kansei method in
order to find physical patterns for designing facade openings based on
scientific analysis of the data obtained. The researcher examined the dominant
emotional preferences using the Kansei engineering method and had 200
individuals selected from the sample population fill out a questionnaire that
was scored using Semantic Differential (SD) and based on a 7-point Likert
scale. The data obtained were analyzed in SPSS-16 using a test for mean and the
Pearson correlation test.
Findings: The findings of the
present study confirmed the significant relationship between the quantitative
(the type of openings) and qualitative (Kansei terms) characteristics of design
using the Kansei engineering method and also showed that arched openings, with
attributes of religiosity such as “loyal”, “trustworthy” and “moderate” (with
correlation values of 0.6, 0.6 and 0.63, in respective order), and rectangular
openings with vertical elongation, with attributes of economics and banking
such as “stability” (with the correlation value of 0.62), have obtained the
highest degree of correlation.
Conclusion: Given the positive
effects of physical patterns, and as traditional arched openings imply
attributes such as religiosity while rectangular openings with vertical
elongation imply positive economics and banking attributes, these openings were
deemed suitable for designing the facade of the examined branch of Maskan Bank
in Sari.
Mohammad Gofrani, Habib Noori,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Using human data and observing local manufacturers of domestic products for imported furniture seems necessary to design and manufacture sofas with ergonomic indices. This paper uses data from the study of human population. The design process from the perspective of ergonomic furniture and product design consists of ergonomic principles such as shape and posture in the correct state and consideration of parts of body that need cushion for protection.
Methods: In this research, anthropometric data of 150 males and 110 females between the ages of 25 to 35 were measured. The calculations were based on a sample size sofa to gather user evaluation.
Results: After analyzing the measured results of a similar internal investigation using SPSS software and combining them with ergonomic principles, the optimal size sofa measurements with all angles for Iranians adults was calculated and the results were compared with the dimensions of the furniture.
Conclusions: Seat height and backrest height and width, respectively 37, 57 and 62 cm, the angle of 105 degrees between the seat and the back, and the slope of 5 degrees for the seat surface are suggested as the standard.
Iman Dianat, Parvin Adeli, Amir Hossein Talebian,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (10-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: The importance of product design has been dramatically increased in recent years due to economic considerations as well as changes in user preferences, policy making and legal needs. In response to this, and as one of the most influential branches in the field of product design (in terms of the fit between product and user), ergonomics has also been developed proportionally. The aim of this study was to review the most important considerations and different traditional and new approaches in product design as well as challenges and limitations in this regard.
Methods: A review was made of the relevant electronic databases including Ergonomics Abstracts, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar using the following keywords: product, design, ergonomic, design procedures and design approach. The search was limited to full text articles in the English language, published in peer reviewed journals between 1990 and 2015.
Results: Comparison of the traditional and new approaches in product design indicated that the new approaches helped designers to choose the best product model based on various aspects and a more detailed interaction between user and product. Ergonomic considerations in product design also include engineering and psychological aspects as well as taking into account abilities and limitations of both products and users, to find a good fit between user and product.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the traditional approaches in product design alone may not anymore guarantee the success of a product in the market, particularly in universal scale and for a wide range of users. In other words, consideration of various technical (in terms of user-product interaction) and legal (environment, sustainability, cost benefit, etc.) aspects in new ergonomic approaches may be taken into account to improve the quality and success of the products in the global market. Ergonomists may encounter with some challenges to achieve this goal, but high-quality ergonomics services can be considered as an effective solution in this regard.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Ismail Shokrolahi, Royan Shahpuri, Jamshid Yazdani-Charati,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, with the progressive development of various scientific, research and industrial fields, there are musculoskeletal disorders in computer and laptop users. Musculoskeletal disorders including pain and pressure in areas such as wrists, elbows, neck and shoulders, along with the fatigue of these areas, especially back and waist pain are common among many computer and laptop users. The aim of this study was to design a customizable ergonomic table for using laptops based on the anthropometric characteristics of students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This study was conducted on 108 (61 males and 47 females) students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Ten parameters including knee height sitting on a chair, eyes- elbows height, cross-legged posture kneeling length, cross-legged posture kneeling height, thick thighs, elbow rest height-sitting, shoulder-fingertip length, abdominal depth, hip breath, and elbow-fingertip length were measured using the adjustable seating, caliper and meter. The SPSS software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Then, the percentiles 1 to 99 and the golden number 1.618 were used to design the table.
Results: The mean age of the subjects was 23 ± 3.14 years. Based on anthropometric characteristics, gold number, resulting percentiles and design equations, an adjustable ergonomic table was designed in three seated sitting, four-knee and Fowler’s positions.
Conclusions: It is expected that after putting this device on the laptop, the musculoskeletal disorders caused by its use will be reduced. Because of limited studies have been conducted in this area, it is suggested that further studies in this regard be undertaken in the future.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Mohsen Hosseini,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
Background: Sitting for long periods of time is a part of the illness, which can happen in the workplace and the lack of attention to the ergonomic principles causes musculoskeletal disorders such as backache, pelvic ache, shoulder ache, elbow ache, arm ache, wrist and ankle ache, and muscle aches in the other parts of the body. The present research was carried out according to the ergonomic principles and designs, in order to design an ergonomic chair, suitable for the computer users in the monitoring room of one of the industries in the Mazandaran province.
Methods: The participants in this study included a total of 32 male staff from the monitoring room of one of the industries in the Mazandaran province. A total of 24 anthropometric parameters were measured from the body of each of the subjects, sitting in a vertical position on an adjustable chair, using anthropometric calipers and meters and the data were analyzed with the Excel and the Minitab statistical programs.
Results: The mean age of the subjects was 42.59 ±5.34 years and the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of their anthropometric dimensions and Pearson's correlation coefficients were obtained to design the height, the depth, the height, and the width of the ergonomic chair. All parts of the chair had two degrees of freedom. The neck and back supports, adjustable for this type of chair were designed specifically. Also, using MIT standards, the level of seat compressibility was measured to be 4.26 cm, based on the 95th percentile weight.
Conclusion: Considering that other countries design and produce suitable chairs, focusing on the anthropometric characteristics of the individuals, studies, similar to this research could be recommended in the different parts of the country, in order to design and produce appropriate chairs for the physical dimensions of the people and their needs.
Dr Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Dr Mohammad Babamiri, Dr Majid Motamedzade, Nasrin Nouri,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
Background: The design of tools may play an important role in development of the problems related to hands and arms. The health and satisfaction of those who use these tools can be affected by the improvement of ergonomic tools. This research aims to assess the local discomfort caused by the usage of common pencils comparing to the ergonomic ones.
Methods: 50 right-handed students (girls only) participated in this study. They wrote one paragraph using all the writing tools that were being studied in this research. At the end the comments were collected using the LPD questionnaire and were analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney test and SPSS version 23.
Results: The results of the CHQ questionnaire showed that this questionnaire could be a useful tool for assessing the comfort of using writing tools among students in the school environment. Also, the results from the LPD scale showed that this scale could be very helpful for assessing local perceived discomfort among school students. In the second part, the results of the comparison of the mean of data from the CHQ questionnaire and the LPD scale showed that there is a significant difference between the common pencils and the designed pencil for comfort and local perceived discomfort.
Conclusion: It was found that common pencils cause pain, pressure, inflammation and numbness in the hands and forearm and shoulder. And the use of designed ergonomic pencil will reduce the pressure and pain on the hands and shoulders.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Mehrane Shabani, Younes Lotfi, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Younes Mohammadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the factors affecting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the lack of coordination and appropriateness of these tools. Designing a handy tool helps with a better performance, befitting and less fatigue. In this study, anthropometric data on the hands (right and left) of women and men were collected.
Materials & Methods: This research was descriptive and 576 people participated in this study; 10 anthropometric measurements of the hand according to the principles of measurement of Pheasant were measured by digital caliper under the same conditions. The measured anthropometric dimensions were the length of the hands and palms, the width of the hands and palms, the length of the fingers (m1-m2-m3-m4-m5) and the maximum power grip. Descriptive indices such as percentile 5, 50 and 95, maximum and minimum, mean and standard deviation were calculated using SPSS software.
Results: 290 women and 286 men participated in this study. Mean and standard deviation of age was (40.58 ± 9.95), height (1.66 ± 1.14) and BMI (26.85 ± 4.50). 90.8% were right handed and (9.2%) were left handed. The mean difference in length of hand, palm length, hand width, thumb length, middle finger length, small finger length, maximum power grip of women and men were statistically significant (P<0.01). All dimensions of the hand in men were larger than women.
Conclusion: Anthropometric dimensions are influenced by factors such as gender, age, genetics, and even type of nutrition, occupation, and other factors. The size of the dimensions of the hands of women and men are different. Anthropometric database of two communities should be used to design handheld devices that are commonly used by both women and men. The findings can be used to design and redesign any hand tools and improve the convenience of users.
Bahram Ipaki,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system that by affecting the body movements, affects patients’ quality of life and makes daily tasks like eating, difficult and time consuming for them. The aim of this study was to improve the comfort situation of Parkinson patient when eating by identifying ergonomic problems, and designing product for this.
Methods: 12 Parkinson’s patients were chosen by simple random sampling method. Data was collected through a translated Interview of the Discomfort Questionnaire section of ErgoFellow Software and direct observation of patients while eating. After the final data analysis and extraction of design guidelines, design ideas were sketched and the final design was formed after AHP evaluation.
Results: Discomfort Questionnaire data (the average rate of 10.6out of 7 (1. 514)) showed that the non-ergonomic posture of hands, fingers, wrists, arms, elbows, neck, upper back (lumber), and shoulders, the discomfort rate while eating, is more intense, compared to other parts of the body . Observations have also shown that in order to near food to patient mouth, occur Non-ergonomic changes in the patient’s posture. Therefore, designing product should be done using anthropometric data.
Conclusion: The results showed that reduction of mouth-to-food distance would reduce discomfort and fatigue for the Parkinson’s patient. Therefore, using anthropometric data, a height-adjustable product was designed and developed that improves the position of the posture and reduces the patient’s discomfort situation during eating food.
Bahram Ipaki, Zahra Merrikhpour,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the important points in user-centric design is to pay attention to the physical and psychological conditions of the user and the errors caused by the product’s undesirable design. The bicycle shifting system is one of the most complex components that many interactions of users with it have an effect on them. This research recognizes the exact needs of cyclists and provides a solution to create effective user interaction.
Methods: In this research, using a combination method, a qualitative analysis was carried out using the AEIOU method, 50 cyclists of the Tabriz Islamic Art University were selected using non-random sampling method. Using a desirability testing of 3 subjects, a quantitative survey was done. After the preparation of the design requirements, by using SCAMPER technique, ideas were evaluated through DFV technique and the final idea was developed.
Results: The results showed that users are faced with more psychological than physical problems during a gear shift. According to the desirability testing, the subject (2) with a score of 883, and the ratio of desirability of 1.212 compared to the subject (3) and 1.256 compared to the subject (1), was the most desirable product, which indicates the direct relation of the utility rate with the simplicity.
Conclusion: Since most users’ mistakes in understanding the logical displacement of the gears lead to poor bike switching conditions, the design of the product focuses on reducing user error and the number of additional operations and accelerating the user decision making process.
Mehdi Ganji, Milad Karimi, Behnoush Bahari,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Due to the necessity of the proper driver packaging, setting parameters for the driver to achieve the highest ergonomics of the driver has a great importance. The range of variations in some parameters of the package is wide, and the correct selection of the packaging parameters until to achieve driver’s ergonomics position, requires some tests.
Methods: In this study, using the MINITAB16 software and using these parameters, several driving simulation were performed using the DHM (Digital human modeling) and DOE (Design of experiment) tools. Hence, for the C segment vehicles, the range of all driver’s package parameters, such as seat height, steering angle etc., was extracted using the A2MAC1 site, and was considered as the basis for the input parameter. According to the proposed tests by MINITAB16 software, the driver’s comfort level was evaluated based on the PORTER (1998) criteria.
Results: The seat height and also vertical and horizontal distances of the steering wheel to the accelerator heel point have the greatest impact on the driver’s ergonomics. Also, due to the high correlation between some of the parameters of the package and the ergonomics outputs of the body while driving, predictive equations were presented in this regard.
Conclusion: The results are the optimal model for ergonomic driving position. The most influential parameters of the driver’s package are ergonomically known and using the ANOVA (Analysis of variance), mathematical predictor models were presented.
Rahmkhoda Javadi, Mohsen Rasouli, Jafar Hasani,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Quality of work life is one of the most important factors in promotion of teachers and having them continue their jobs. This study aimed at designing and evaluating a questionnaire for teachers’ work life quality.
Methods: In this research, a sequential exploratory approach (instrument editing model) was used and in the qualitative stage, a semi-structured interview method was used to determine the quality of life of teachers. In the qualitative stage, indices of work life quality were identified using semi-structured interviews with 12 teachers (9 men and 3 women) of Karaj city (2014-2015 educational year) selected through purposive sampling method. The qualitative data was analyzed using Straus and Corbin method. Subsequently, a questionnaire of teachers’ working life quality was constructed based on these indices and was validiated in the quantitative stage.
Results: Content validity was confirmed by five experts using content validity index. A sample of 760 (387women) teachers selected through multistage cluster sampling were handed out two questionnaires including a researcher-made questionnaire of teachers quality of working life and Walton (1973) quality of work life questionnaire. Construct validity of the research-made questionnaire was examined using exploratory factor analysis. Eight factors were extracted and confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Fit indices of model indicate compliance. Convergent validity was confirmed by its correlation with the quality of work life questionnaire (P<0.01). Reliability was confirmed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0/74-0/88).
Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the researcher-made questionnaire with regard to its design in the job context of Iranian teachers, with 54 items, is an appropriate tool for assessing the quality of their working life.
Ahmad Baleshzar, Meymanat Tabodi, Zahra Rojhani Shirazi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Design of work environment is one of the factors that can affect performance and efficiency of employees. Human’s productivity has different dimensions that may be affected by environmental factors and internal factors such as demographic characteristics. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between environmental and demographic factors with productivity of employees of Azad University of Shiraz.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, out of 360 (all of the employees of Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch)186 subjects were selected as a sample through convenience sampling. The data collection tools were demographic information questionnaire, Physical Work Environment questionnaire and Hersey-Goldsmith’s productivity questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the relationship between quantitative variables with productivity separately. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between demographic and environmental variables.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the factors of work environment design (furniture, noise, temperature, lighting and spatial arrangements). Also, there was a significant relationship between the levels of education with productivity score, so that people with a PhD level had a higher level of productivity than the participants with lower education. Also, the simultaneous relationship of demographic and environmental factors with productivity was significant for spatial arrangements.
Conclusion: The proper design of the work environment is related to employees’ productivity of Islamic Azad University of Shiraz. This can be affected by the demographic characteristics of individuals. However, the simultaneous effect of both factors with productivity showed that spatial arrangements has a considerable effects on productivity.
Mohammad Ghofrani, Majid Motamedzade, Mohammad Reza Aghaie, Zahra Mohammad Moradi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The statics and actions of people during daily activities plays a major role in the physical and mental health and dynamics of the community. Given that humans deal with different things in a day, it is necessary that they are adapted to his features of body. The main goal of this study is to design and construct tables and ergonomic chairs for cartography, in accordance with the physical dimensions of students.
Methods: In this research, one of the most used educational furniture, namely cartographic table and chairs, has been studied. After examining the satisfaction of this furniture, for ergonomic review and design in accordance with anthropometric dimensions, physical features of 160 students of art and 40 students of a technical and vocational school were measured. Then data was analyzed by SPSS 18 software.
Results: According to the results, about 70 percent of the students did not feel comfortable with the features of former chair and table, except for the length of the thigh. There was no significant difference between the different educational foundations in the vocational schools and finally, with the help of tonality features, the drawing table and chair were designed which except for the height of the sitting space, in other indices, there was a 100% correlation with the dimensions of the student's body.
Conclusion: In this study, there was a lot of dissatisfaction among students due to the lack of matching these educational materials with their physical dimensions which has caused physical, mental and psychological damage and poor quality of education. At the end of the study, through ergonomic design, matters of satisfaction, sustainability and reduced production costs and also the reasons for students' dissatisfaction with the drawing table and chairs is presented.
Siavash Etemadi Nejad, Seyyed Esmail Hosseininejad, Jamshid Yazdani Charati, Fariba Ghaempanah, Mahmoud Yousefi Chemazkati, Mojtaba Ahmadi, Ali Amani,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sewing is one of the occupations where the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high. Sewing conditions at the workstation have made tailors face musculoskeletal injuries in various areas of their body, particularly pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back and even waist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a workstation designed for tailoring considering the results of previous studies on the neck and shoulder muscles of users by electromyography.
Methods: In this interventional analytical study, the activity levels of four superficial neck and shoulder muscles (meridian, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, posterior deltoid) were Electromyographed on 33 participants (male and female) at two new and custom designed workstations.
Results: There was a significant difference in the amount of muscle activity in the new and existing workstations (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the different modes of the new workstation.
Conclusion: All four muscles were less active at the new workstation than the conventional workstation, meaning that the designed workstation was able to reduce neck and shoulder muscle activity during work.
Farin Khanehshenas, Peymaneh Habibi, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Ergonomics is associated with the study and systematic design of the workplace to improve human health and well-being. The health and well-being of employees are influenced by a variety of factors. Nature is a new paradigm in occupational ergonomics that has not been well explored in the main texts of ergonomics in relation to human well-being. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the results of joining with nature on staff health, especially well-being in the form of a systematic review study.
Methods: By searching articles published from 2000 to 2019 in the field of Biophilic design, 25 articles were selected for the present systematic study based on the research criteria. Non-English language articles excluded.
Results: The results of this study showed that Biophilic design is associated with improved human well-being, performance, concentration and stress reduction.
Conclusion: Organizations, with the help of ergonomists, should consider such changes in the workplace, and nature-based solutions as strategic programs for improving well-being rather than merely applying a temporary strategy that changes the physical condition of a building or its landscape.
Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi, Mehrdad Anbarian,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Using anthropometric characteristics in the ergonomic design of workstations can be useful in the prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort and in office-work environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric dimensions of Hormozgan province gas department staff to design desks and chairs for computer work based workstations.
Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study for measuring 36 anthropometric variables of 121 Hormozgan province gas company staff selected by cluster random method. After collecting anthropometric data considering ergonomic design criteria, dimensions of desk and office chairs are designed.
Results: Participants were 80.2% male and 19.8% female with a mean age of 35.11 and a standard deviation of 6.6 between 25 and 59 years. The mean and standard deviation of height measured was 170.7 and 8.06 cm, respectively. Anthropometric results are shown separately by gender and percentile in the tables. Dimensions of chair and office desk are designed based on obtained data.
Conclusion: The presented anthropometric desks can be used in future studies and designs. Also, the dimensional characteristics of the furniture provided can be a practical guide for designing and manufacturing office workstations.
Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Seyedeh Fatemeh Razzaghi Pahnehkolai, Fariba Qhaempanah, Amirhossein Mahdavi, Ahmad Reza Veisi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Two toilets in sitting-type and squatting-type (Traditional) are currently used by Iranian People. Since each of these two types has its own disadvantages and merits, this research aims to design a squatting-type toilet based on ergonomic principles to eliminate its disadvantages.
Methods: 61 subjects (29 males and 32 females) aged 19-60 years were enrolled in this study. Seven anthropometric characteristics were measured using a tape measure with an accuracy of one millimeter in these subjects. A questionnaire containing 4 questions was given to them. Each person was squatting for 2 minutes on different slopes from 0 to 20 degrees. Assessment of Localized Postural Discomfort (LPD) by asking people at 3 points of body, at different slopes, and goniometry in the areas of (A), (B) ,(C) and (D) was also performed.
Results: Based on the anthropometric characteristics of the individuals, LPD and goniometry findings in different areas of the body and dimensions of toilet in the sole position, length 32.33 and width 12.74 cm was obtained. The angle between the soles of the feet was 23.33 degrees and the required slope of the soles was 12 degrees.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that modification of the sole position in squatting-type toilet and its sloping design can be effective in making users comfortable. Given the small number of studies on this type of toilet, further studies in this area, including research on specific populations such as the disabled people, children, pregnant women, the elderly, etc., are necessary.
