Workshop
BIOMECHANICS FOR DESIGNERS
Understand bodies to optimize
usability and performance
Despite an increasing emphasis on human-centered design and the desire to “understand people,” few designers have basic knowledge or training in how the human body works. From everyday objects to highly specialized medical equipment, excellence in ergonomics isn't just about comfort – it's about creating products that enhance performance, promote well-being, and earn enthusiastic user reviews. Usability often determines the difference between a “one star” and a “five star” review. It can improve safety and health, and in some cases even determine the difference between life and death. An advanced understanding of ergonomics enables the creation of more usable, inclusive and desirable products.
To create a product that’s easy to use, one that can improve performance and be used by a wide range of people, design teams must think past the product itself. The hand, arm and shoulder, and entire body, need to be considered.
Benefits include more frequent use, greater efficiency, and acceptance by a wider audience. It can also increase word-of-mouth recommendations, important in an era where we are advising and consulting each other on purchases both small and large. Most of all it’s also socially responsible – a basic understanding of body mechanics is key to Inclusive Design (a.k.a. Universal Design, or Design for All.)
In this workshop participants will gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of the body. The day will include a variety of demonstrations and interactive exercises that will demonstrate biomechanics principles and the effectiveness of excellence in ergonomic design. Participants will have a chance to work together to demonstrate comprehension, conceiving solutions to design challenges.
By the end of the workshop participants will have a better understanding of:
· The Principles of Biomechanics: Grasp the basic concepts of how the body interacts with the physical world.
· The Body's Building Blocks: Understand the roles of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments in movement and interaction.
· The Mechanics of the Arm: Explore the intricate biomechanics of the arm, from fingertips to shoulder, and its implications for design.
· The Hand: Appreciate the contributions and limitations of each finger and the wrist in the manipulation of handheld products – including the often-ignored pinkie finger.
· Design for Diversity: Understand variations in body sizes, including ethnic and gender differences in hand size and strength, and the challenges of designing for weaker or smaller hands and muscles.
· Physical Limitations and Inclusive Design: Gain insight into conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and their impact on product interactions.
· How to Explore and Apply Biomechanical Principles to Your Products: Learn to directly apply these concepts in your current design work.
If you would like to get started, or simply chat about possibilities of how we can assist your company or organization, contact:
Dan Formosa, Ph.D.
dan@thinkacthuman.com
+1 201 315 4400
(To visit Dan Formosa's website click here)