Ergonomics

Definitions

1. The science of the design of equipment, especially so as to reduce operator fatigue, discomfort and injury.
   uncountable
2. Political economy.
   rare, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“Ergonomics is increasingly important in office-product design⟳.”

“Ergonomics, deriving from the Greek word "ergon" work⟳ is now mainly considered to mean⟳ "the science of designing machines and environments that are most suited to the efficiency, comfort, safety and peace of mind⟳ of those working with them" (see⟳ Armbruster, 1983). […] Ergonomics goes beyond the prevention of health hazards, it aims to optimize the coexistence between people and technology within the working environment. […] In the broad sense⟳ of the word, ergonomics includes all the physical, social, and psychological aspects of work⟳ and workplace design⟳.”

“Experts now contend that problems at work⟳ – low productivity, health hazards, accidents, high turn⟳ over – may well have⟳ their genesis in the work⟳ environment – the result⟳ of ignorance of ergonomics. The essence of ergonomics is to design⟳ or redesign the work⟳ and the work⟳ environment to fit people. It aims to ensure that work⟳ procedures, tools, equipment and environment are safe, efficient and comfortable by applying engineering, physiological, psychological and anatomical knowledge.”

“After the fuel economy crisis of the 1970s, the U.S. automotive industry began placing more emphasis on both the aerodynamics and ergonomics fields to satisfy⟳ customers' energy-saving and comfort/convenience needs. […] Ergonomics involves "fitting the equipment to the people (or users)." This means the equipment should be designed such that people (population of users) can fit comfortably (naturally) within the equipment and they can use⟳ the equipment without any awkward body postures, movements, or errors.”

“As the titlepage of this latter portion of his work⟳ indicates, M. Courcelle Seneuil confines himself to political economy considered as a practical science, or, as he chooses to call⟳ it, to ergonomics.”

CEFR level