Integrating ergonomics into product design

Today, the ergonomic dimension of a new product must be taken into account right from the design stage, and must be monitored as closely as its design. It's no longer enough to create a beautiful or technically efficient object. Once confined to the study of working conditions within the company, ergonomics now applies equally to the design of products (consumer goods, packaging or specialized) and to the design of industrial processes.

This fact sheet will help you determine how to take ergonomic aspects more fully into account in your design project. In particular, it will answer the following questions:

• At what points in the design process, and in what ways, should the question of ergonomics be raised?

• How can we take into account the physical characteristics of potential users?

• How do you consider all the situations in which your product is used?

• How to read and apply ergonomists' recommendations?