Chapter 1: Introduction to Ergonomics

Chapter 1: Introduction to Ergonomics and Facilities Planning

• The chapter introduces the concept of ergonomics in hospitality.
• Ergonomics is defined as the science of work and natural laws, it identifies physical properties of work and how activity impacts the body.
• The primary goal of ergonomics is to fit the job to the person, not the other way around, to prevent injuries.
• Ergonomics aims to create the safest working environment by fitting the job to the employee using proper equipment and practices, thus avoiding injuries, sprains, and strains in hospitality.

Topic Learning Outcomes

• Define Ergonomics in the hospitality industry.
• Explain the purpose and importance of Ergonomics.
• Understand the five features of Ergonomics.
• Apply the elements of visual design in facilities planning.

What is Ergonomics?

• Ergonomics (or human factors) is the science of work relating to the interaction between people and their work environment.
• It identifies the physical properties of work and how they affect the body.
• The goal is to create a job that fits the employee, not the other way around.
• It prevents injuries, sprains, and strains by fitting jobs and tasks to the people doing them using the right equipment and practices.

Importance of Ergonomics

• Ergonomics is important in product development to increase safety, comfort, and performance.
• Anthropometric data is used to determine the optimum sizes, shapes, and forms of products to make them easier to use.
• Ergonomics is the study of people in their working environments.
• It focuses on modifying the workplace to fit the employee and prevent discomfort and injuries.

Five Ergonomic Features

• Aesthetics
• Comfort
• Ease of use
• Productivity
• Safety

Elements of Design

• Line: A mark between two points (straight, curved, etc.)
• Shape: Geometric (triangles, squares, circles) or organic (irregular)
• Value: Lightness or darkness of an area; Gradients from dark to lighter define depth and light visually.
• Color: Warm (reds, oranges) and cool (blues, greens) colors influence the emotion and importance conveyed.
• Texture: The look and feel of a surface (smooth, rough).
• Size: How small or large something is.
• Space: The area around and between elements in a design. It can lead the eye, separate or group information, or give the eye rest.

Types of Lines

• Horizontal: Shortest distance between two points.
• Vertical: Straight up and down.
• Diagonal: Wants to be both vertical and horizontal.
• Intersecting: Two lines meeting without forming a right angle.
• Perpendicular: Lines meet at 90-degree angles.
• Parallel: Lines that never meet.
• Curved/Zig-Zag: Various shapes.

Color Schemes

• Monochromatic: Variations of one color.
• Analogous: Colors adjacent on the color wheel.
• Complementary: Colors opposite on the color wheel.
• Split Complementary: A color and the two colors adjacent to its complement.
• Triad: Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel.
• Tetrad: Four colors evenly spaced on the color wheel.
• Square: Four colors that form a square on the color wheel.

Color Emotion Guide

• Colors evoke different emotions (e.g., optimism, friendliness, trust, peace).

Brand Colors and their Meaning

• Color can represent different brand values and attributes.

Psychology of Color

• Colors affect people's psychological experiences and behaviors.
• Colors can create moods, influence choices, and impact feelings.

How to Use Color

• Use color to create a desired atmosphere for a hospitality space (warm or cool, spacious or intimate).
• Identify the room's functions.
• Apply color codes to certain rooms (e.g., first aid rooms, offices).

Shape & Form

• Shapes: Two-dimensional (flat) figures like circles, squares, triangles.
• Forms: Three-dimensional (3D) figures like cones, spheres, cubes.
• Geometric: Mathematical shapes.
• Organic: Irregular, flowing shapes.
• Actual: Three-dimensional, physical objects.
• Implied: Two-dimensional representations of 3D objects.

Other Visual Design Features

• Patterns, motifs, and styles add interest
• Patterns provide visual variety, direction, and dimension to a space. These can involve complex designs, or consist of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal lines, floral designs, logos, and symbolic motifs.

This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of ergonomics and facilities planning within the hospitality industry. It covers the importance of fitting jobs to individuals to prevent workplace injuries and enhance safety. Key features of ergonomics and their application in designing optimal work environments are also discussed.