No it's not about demand and supply. Instead it's about how machines around us are designed to make us perform optimally and promote our well-being.
I'm the kind of person who wants everything to be 'sulit' (getting the most worth out of everything around), and I think that is the reason why ergonomics appeals to me. Getting the most out of little effort or actually having efficient systems around make life a little less hassle and a little more sulit!
Before you think ergonomics is too complicated to try to comprehend, I'd give you some helpful tips I have read throughout the Internet which you may find helpful and informative.
1. When typing, your wrists shouldn't be arching upwards.
When I read about this, I caught myself doing exactly what the picture above shows! And then I tried to straighten my wrists out and realized that woah! There was so much strain happening while my wrists were arched. Imagine that multiplied into 10 hours of computer time everyday! Whew, I should revise my typing habits! Or else, I might have carpal tunnel syndrome by the time I'm 60!
2. Laptops aren't ergonomic.
I just realized how using laptops, especially the smaller ones tend to be harmful in terms of posture. The rule of ergonomists (is there such a word?) is to have the screen at eye-level and at the same time, wrists not strained. Since the screen is attached to the keyboard, laptops only allow for one of those mentioned. So it's either you strain your eyes and neck or you strain your wrists. :/ Not good news!
3. Door knobs versus door levers
I appreciated door levers (right) because I had them for my door in my room in Japan. Whenever I carried dishes and laundry baskets from my room to the kitchen or laundry, I could easily open the door because they were easier to maneuver. Japan is probably one of the most ergonomic countries there is. They believe in ease of use, among many things, which allows living there to be more convenient in so much more aspects.
Anyway, back to door levers. Those could be opened by disabled people who have no hands by using their elbows, and so could we if in case we are carrying a lot of things. That's probably the reason why, besides its sleek design, that door levers are actually used more and more these days. I read in one site however, that levers can easily be opened by children or pets, so it's a handy thought if safety should be considered.
These are things we barely stop and think about and yet they make so much impact on our everyday lives. Do you agree?
I hope when people design homes or workplaces, they imagine the people who will actually be using them, and consider their convenience. That will definitely be a more wonderful world to live in!
Ergonomics is probably one of the most practical studies there is around!
Danne
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