Exercise - Ergonomics in the Environment

Objective

• Make anthropometry tangible: see how measurements vary even in a small group.
• Apply the “5th–95th percentile” design rule to a real dataset.
• Visualize how chairs/tables must be adjusted for comfort across body sizes.

Instructions

1. Find a Poor Design (Outside Class)
   • Over the next week, look around your environment (home, campus, café, public transport, etc.).
   • Identify one example of poor ergonomics — physical or cognitive.
   • Physical: a chair that causes bad posture, a kiosk too high/low, awkward desk setup.
   • Cognitive: a cluttered signboard, confusing interface on a ticket machine, inconsistent controls.

2. Photograph It

   • Take a clear photo of the object or interface in context (avoid people’s faces).
   • Make sure the problematic aspect is visible.

3. Reflect (Short Write-Up, ~250 words)

   • Description: What is the object/interface? Where did you find it?

   • Ergonomic Problem: Why is it poor ergonomics? Who would it be comfortable or uncomfortable for?

   • Impact on Users: What discomfort, confusion, or errors might result?

   • Proposed Redesign: Suggest one improvement, with reasoning.

Submission format

• Create a Google doc with your photos and writeup in the submission Drive folder